FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION March 15,2012 JULIUS GENACHOWSKI CHAIRMAN The Honorable E. Benjamin (Ben) Nelson United States Senate 720 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 Dear Senator elson: Thank you for your letter regarding the problem ofcall completion in rural areas. The consequences ofcall completion and service quality problems can be dire, impacting families and businesses alike. I am particularly concerned about adverse effects on the availability of reliable telephone service to consumers, businesses, and public health and safety officials in rural America. The Commission has taken several significant steps to identify and remedy the source ofthese problems, including creating the Commission's Rural Call Completion Task Force which provides intra-agency coordination among the Wireline Competition, Enforcement, and Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureaus - to tackle the problem, and organizing and hosting a Call Completion Workshop that brought together key stakeholders to discuss the issues and propose solutions. On February 6, 2012, the Commission's Wireline Competition Bureau issued a Declaratory Ruling reminding carriers ofthe Commission's longstanding prohibition on carriers blocking, choking, reducing or otherwise restricting traffic, and making clear that practices that lead to call termination and call quality problems may constitute unjust and unreasonable practices in violation ofthe Communications Act. The Declaratory Ruling alerts carriers oftheir responsibilities and potential liability ifthey engage in, or use underlying providers that engage in, practices prohibited by the Act or Commission rules. I am enclosing a copy ofthe Declaratory Ruling for your information. This Declaratory Ruling is an important step in clarifying the rules of the road. In addition, Commission action in this area is continuing on many fronts, including working with our partners in state commissions to solve the problem, increasing coordination with the Alliance for Telecommunications Industry Solutions (ATIS) - a standards-setting body for carriers - and investigating carrier practices. Appropriate action will be taken against any violation ofthe Act or Commission rules. 445 12TH STREET S.W WASHINGTON, 0 C 20554 • 202-418-1000 Page 2-The Honorable E. Benjamin (Ben) Nelson I appreciate your concern and will keep your office informed ofdevelopments on the matter. Please let me know if I can be ofany further assistance. Sincerely, ~---. ulius Genachowski Enclosure FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION March 15,2012 ..JULIUS GENACHOWSKI CHAIRMAN The Honorable James E. Risch United States Scnate 483 Russell Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 Dear Senator Risch: Thank you for your letter regarding the problem of call completion in rural areas. The consequences ofcall completion and service quality problems can be dire. impacting families and businesses alike. I am particularly concerned about adverse effects on the availability of reliable telephone service to consumers, businesses, and public health and safety officials in rural America. The Commission has taken several significant steps to identify and remedy the source ofthese problems, including creating the Commission's Rural Call Completion Task Force which provides intra-agency coordination among the Wireline Competition, Enforcement, and Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureaus - to tackle the problem, and organizing and hosting a Call Completion Workshop that brought together key stakeholders to discuss the issues and propose solutions. On February 6, 2012, the Commission's Wireline Competition Bureau issued a Declaratory Ruling reminding carriers ofthe Commission's longstanding prohibition on carriers blocking, choking, reducing or otherwise restricting traffic, and making clear that practices that lead to call termination and call quality problems may constitute unjust and unreasonable practices in violation ofthe Communications Act. The Declaratory Ruling alerts carriers oftheir responsibilities and potential liability ifthey engage in, or use underlying providers that engage in, practices prohibited by the Act or Commission rules. I am enclosing a copy of the Declaratory Ruling for your information. This Declaratory Ruling is an important step in clarifying the rules of the road. In addition, Commission action in this area is continuing on many fronts, including working with our partners in state commissions to solve the problem, increasing coordination with the Alliance for Telecommunications Industry Solutions (ATIS) - a standards-setting body for carriers - and investigating carrier practices. Appropriate action will be taken against any violation ofthe Act or Commission rules. 445 12TH STREET 5 W WASHINGTON. 0 C 20554 • 202-4 I 8-1000 Page 2-The Honorable James E. Risch I appreciate your concern and will keep your office informed ofdevelopments on the matter. Please let me know if I can be ofany further assistance. Sincerely, Julius Genachowski Enclosure FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION March 15,2012 ..JULIUS GENACHOWSKI CHAIRMAN The Honorable Bernard Sanders United States Senate 332 Dirksen Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 Dear Senator Sanders: Thank you for your letter regarding the problem of call completion in rural areas. The consequences ofcall completion and service quality problems can be dire, impacting families and businesses alike. I am particularly concerned about adverse effects on the availability of reliable telephone service to consumers, businesses, and public health and safety officials in rural America. The Commission has taken several significant steps to identify and remedy the source ofthese problem, including creating the Commission's Rural Call Completion Task Force which provides intra-agency coordination among the Wireline Competition, Enforcement, and Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureaus - to tackle the problem, and organizing and hosting a Call Completion Workshop that brought together key stakeholders to discuss the issues and propose solutions. On February 6, 2012, the Commission's Wireline Competition Bureau issued a Declaratory Ruling reminding carriers ofthe Commission's longstanding prohibition on carriers blocking, choking, reducing or otherwise restricting traffic, and making clear that practices that lead to call termination and call quality problems may constitute unjust and unreasonable practices in violation ofthe Communications Act. The Declaratory Ruling alerts carriers oftheir responsibilities and potential liability ifthey engage in, or use underlying providers that engage in, practices prohibited by the Act or Commission rules. I am enclosing a copy ofthe Declaratory Ruling for your information. This Declaratory Ruling is an important step in clarifying the rules of the road. In addition, Commission action in this area is continuing on many fronts, including working with our partners in state commissions to solve the problem, increasing coordination with the Alliance for Telecommunications Industry Solutions (ATIS) - a standards-setting body for carriers - and investigating carrier practices. Appropriate action will be taken against any violation ofthe Act or Commission rules. 445 12TH STREET 5 W. WASHINGTON, D.C 20554 • 202-418-1000 Page 2-The Honorable Bernard Sanders I appreciate your concern and will keep your office informed ofdevelopments on the matter. Please leI me know if I can be ofany further assistance. Sincerely, • ulius Genachowski Enclosure FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION March 15,2012 JULIUS GENACHOWSKI CHAIRMAN The Honorable Debbie Stabenow United States Senate 133 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 Dear Senator Stabenow: Thank you for your letter regarding the problem ofcall completion in rural areas. The consequences ofcall completion and service quality problems can be dire, impacting families and businesses alike. I am particularly concerned about adverse effects on the availability of reliable telephone service to consumers. businesses, and public health and safety officials in rural America. The Commission has taken several significant steps to identify and remedy the source ofthese problems, including creating the Commission's Rural Call Completion Task Force which provides intra-agency coordination among the Wireline Competition, Enforcement, and Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureaus - to tackle the problem, and organizing and hosting a Call Completion Workshop that brought together key stakeholders to discuss the issues and propose solutions. On February 6, 2012, the Commission's Wireline Competition Bureau issued a Declaratory Ruling reminding carriers ofthe Commission's longstanding prohibition on carriers blocking, choking, reducing or otherwise restricting traffic, and making clear that practices that lead to call termination and call quality problems may constitute unjust and unreasonable practices in violation ofthe Communications Act. The Declaratory Ruling alerts carriers oftheir responsibilities and potential liability if they engage in, or use underlying providers that engage in, practices prohibited by the Act or Commission rules. I am enclosing a copy ofthe Declaratory Ruling for your information. This Declaratory Ruling is an important stcp in clarifying the rules ofthe road. In addition, Commission action in this area is continuing on many fronts, including working with our partners in state commissions to solve the problem, increasing coordination with the Alliance for Telecommunications Industry Solutions (ATIS) - a standards-setting body for carriers - and investigating carrier practices. Appropriate action will be taken against any violation of the Act or Commission rules. 445 I2lHSTREETS.W WASHINGTON. D.C 20554.202-418-1000 Page 2-The Honorable Debbie Stabenow I appreciate your concern and will keep your office infonned ofdevelopments on the matter. Please let me know if I can be ofany further assistance. Sincerely, • Julius Genachowski Enclosure FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION March 15,2012 JULIUS GENACHOWSKI CHAIRMAN The Honorable Jon Tester United States Senate 724 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 Dear Senator Tester: Thank you for your letter regarding the problem ofcall completion in rural areas. The consequences ofcall completion and service quality problems can be dire, impacting families and businesses alike. I am particularly concerned about adverse effects on the availability of reliable telephone service to consumers, businesses, and public health and safety officials in rural America. The Commission has taken several significant steps to identify and remedy the source ofthese problems, including creating the Commission's Rural Call Completion Task Force which provides intra-agency coordination among the Wireline Competition, Enforcement, and Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureaus - to tackle the problem, and organizing and hosting a Call Completion Workshop that brought together key stakeholders to discuss the issues and propose solutions. On February 6, 2012, the Commission's Wireline Competition Bureau issued a Declaratory Ruling reminding carriers of the Commission's longstanding prohibition on carriers blocking, choking, reducing or otherwise restricting traffic, and making clear that practices that lead to call termination and call quality problems may constitute unjust and unreasonable practices in violation ofthe Communications Act. The Declaratory Ruling alerts carriers oftheir responsibilities and potential liability ifthey engage in, or use underlying providers that engage in, practices prohibited by thc Act or Commission rules. I am enclosing a copy ofthe Declaratory Ruling for your information. This Declaratory Ruling is an important step in clarifying the rules ofthe road. In addition, Commission action in this area is continuing on many front, including working with our partners in state commissions to solve the problem, increasing coordination with the Alliance for Telecommunications Industry Solutions (ATIS) - a standards-setting body for carriers - and investigating carrier practices. Appropriate action will be taken against any violation ofthe Act or Commission rules. 445 12lH STREET S.W WASHINGTON, DC. 20554 • 202-418-1000 Page 2-The Honorable Jon Tester I appreciate your concern and will keep your office infonned ofdevelopments on the matter. Please let me know if I can be ofany further assistance. Sincerely, • lius Genachowski Enclosure FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION March 15,2012 ",",ULlUS GENACHOWSKI CHAIRMAN The Honorable John R. Thune United States Senate 493 Russell Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 Dear Senator Thune: Thank you for your letter regarding the problem ofcall completion in rural areas. The consequences ofcall completion and service quality problems can be dire, impacting families and businesses alike. I am particularly concerned about adverse effects on the availability of reliable telephone service to consumers, businesses, and public health and safety officials in rural America. The Commission has taken several significant steps to identify and remedy the source of these problems, including creating the Commission's Rural Call Completion Task Force which provides intra-agency coordination among the Wireline Competition, Enforcement, and Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureaus - to tackle the problem, and organizing and hosting a Call Completion Workshop that brought together key stakeholders to discuss the issues and propose solutions. On February 6, 2012, the Commission's Wireline Competition Bureau issued a Declaratory Ruling reminding carriers of the Commission's longstanding prohibition on carriers blocking, choking, reducing or otherwise restricting traffic, and making clear that practices that lead to callterrnination and call quality problems may constitute unjust and unreasonable practices in violation ofthe Communications Act. The Declaratory Ruling alerts carriers oftheir responsibilities and potential liability ifthey engage in, or use underlying providers that engage in, practices prohibited by the Act or Commission rules. I am enclosing a copy of the Declaratory Ruling for your information. This Declaratory Ruling is an important step in clarifying the rules ofthe road. In addition, Commission action in this area is continuing on many fronts, including working with our partners in state commissions to solve the problem, increasing coordination with the Alliance for Telecommunications Industry Solutions (ATIS) - a standards-setting body for carriers - and investigating carrier practices. Appropriate action will be taken against any violation of the Act or Commission rules. 445 12TH STREET S W WASHINGTON, 0 C 20554 • 202-4 t 8-1 000 Page 2-The Honorable John R. Thune I appreciate your concern and will keep your office informed ofdevelopments on the matter. Please let me know if I can be ofany further assistance. Sincerely, Julius Genachowski Enclo urc FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION March 15,2012 JULIUS GENACHOWSKI CHAIRMAN The Honorable Mark Udall United Statcs Senate 317 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 Dear Senator Udall: Thank you for your letter regarding the problem ofcall completion in rural areas. The consequences ofcall completion and service quality problems can be dire, impacting families and businesses alike. I am particularly concerned about adverse effects on the availability of reliable telephone service to consumers, businesses, and public health and safety officials in rural America. The Commission has taken several significant steps to identify and remedy the source ofthese problcms, including creating the Commission's Rural Call Completion Task Force which provides intra-agency coordination among the Wireline Competition, Enforcement, and Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureaus - to tackle the problem, and organizing and hosting a Call Completion Workshop that brought together key stakeholders to discuss the issues and propose solutions. On February 6, 2012, the Commission's Wireline Competition Bureau issued a Declaratory Ruling reminding carriers ofthe Commission's longstanding prohibition on carriers blocking, choking, reducing or otherwise restricting traffic, and making clear that practices that lead to callterrnination and call quality problems may constitute unjust and unreasonable practices in violation ofthe Communications Act. The Declaratory Ruling alerts carriers oftheir responsibilities and potential liability ifthey engage in, or use underlying providers that engage in, practices prohibited by the Act or Commission rules. I am enclosing a copy of the Declaratory Ruling for your information. This Declaratory Ruling is an important step in clarifying the rules ofthe road. In addition, Commission action in this area is continuing on many fronts, including working with our partners in state commissions to solve the problem, increasing coordination with the Alliance for Telecommunications Industry Solutions (ATIS) - a standards-setting body for carriers - and investigating carrier practices. Appropriate action will be taken against any violation of the Act or Commission rules. 445 12TH STREET S W WASHINGTON. D.C 20554 • 202-4 I 8-1 000 Page 2-The Honorable Mark Udall I appreciate your concern and will keep your office informed ofdevelopments on the matter. Please let me know if I can be ofany further assistance. Sincerely, • Julius Genachowski Enclosure FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION March 15,2012 JULIUS GENACHOWSKI CHAIRMAN The Honorable Max S. Baucus United States Senate 511 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 Dear Senator Baucus: Thank you for your letter regarding the problem of call completion in rural areas. The consequences ofcall completion and service quality problems can be dire, impacting families and businesses alike. I am particularly concemed about adverse effects on the availability of reliable telephone service to consumers, businesses, and public health and safety officials in rural America. The Commission has taken several significant steps to identify and remedy the source of these problems, including creating the Commission's Rural Call Completion Task Force which provides intra-agency coordination among the Wireline Competition, Enforcement, and Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureaus - to tackle the problem, and organizing and hosting a Call Completion Workshop that brought together key stakeholders to discuss the issues and propose solutions. On February 6, 2012, the Commission's Wireline Competition Bureau issued a Declaratory Ruling reminding carriers ofthe Commission's longstanding prohibition on carriers blocking, choking, reducing or otherwise restricting traffic, and making clear that practices that lead to call termination and call quality problems may constitute unjust and unreasonable practices in violation ofthe Communications Act. The Declaratory Ruling alerts carriers of their responsibilities and potential liability ifthey engage in, or use underlying providers that engage in, practices prohibited by the Act or Commission rules. I am enclosing a copy ofthe Declaratory Ruling for your infomlation. This Declaratory Ruling is an important step in clarifying the rules ofthe road. In addition, Commission action in this area is continuing on many fronts, including working with our partners in state commissions to solve the problem, increasing coordination with the Alliance for Telecommunications Industry Solutions (ATIS) - a standards-setting body for carriers - and investigating carrier practices. Appropriate action will be taken against any violation ofthe Act or Commission rules. 445 12lH 5TREET 5.W. WASHINGTON. D.C. 20554 • 202-418-1000 Page 2-The Honorable Max S. Baucus I appreciate your concern and will keep your office informed ofdevelopments on the mailer. Please let me know if I can be ofany further assistance. Sincerely, ulius Genachowski Enclosure JULIUS GENACHOWSKI CHAIRMAN FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION March 15,2012 The Honorable Michael Bennet United States Senate 702 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 Dear Senator Bennet: Thank you for your leller regarding the problem ofcall completion in rural areas. The consequences of call completion and service quality problems can be dire, impacting families and businesses alike. I am particularly concerned about adverse effects on the availability of reliable telephone service to consumers, businesses, and public health and safety officials in rural America. The Commission has taken several significant steps to identify and remedy the source of these problems, including creating the Commission's Rural Call Completion Task Force which provides intra-agency coordination among the Wireline Competition. Enforcement, and Public Safely and Homeland Security Bureaus -to tackle the problem, and organizing and hosting a Call Completion Workshop that brought together key stakeholders to discuss the issues and propose solutions. On February 6, 2012, the Commission's Wireline Competition Bureau issued a Declaratory Ruling reminding carriers of the Commission's longstanding prohibition on carriers blocking, choking, reducing or otherwise restricting traffic, and making clear that practices that lead to call termination and call quality problems may constitute unjust and unreasonable practices in violation ofthe Communications Act. The Declaratory Ruling alerts carriers oftheir responsibilities and potential liability ifthey engage in, or use underlying providers that engage in, practices prohibited by the Act or Commission rules. I am enclosing a copy of the Declaratory Ruling for your information. This Declaratory Ruling is an important step in clarifying the rules ofthe road. In addition, Commission action in this arca is continuing on many fronts, including working with our partners in state commissions to solve the problem, increasing coordination with the Alliance for Telecommunications Industry Solutions (ATIS) - a standards-setting body for carriers - and investigating carrier practices. Appropriate action will be taken against any violation ofthe Act or Commission rules. 445 12TH 5TREET S.W WASHINGTON. D.C 20554 • 202-418-1000 Page 2-The Honorable Michacl Bennet I appreciate your concern and will keep your ortice informed ofdevelopments on the matter. Please let mc know if I can be ofany furthcr assistance. Sincerely, Enclosure FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION March 15,2012 JULIUS GENACHOWSKI CHAIRMAN The Honorable Maria Cantwell United States Senate 511 Dirksen Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 Dear Senator Cantwell: Thank you for your leller regarding the problem of call completion in rural areas. The consequences ofcall complction and service quality problems can be dire, impacting families and businesses alike. I am particularly concerned about adverse effects on the availability of reliable telephone service to consumers, businesses, and public health and safety officials in rural America. The Commission has taken several significant steps to identify and remedy the source of these problems, including creating the Commission's Rural Call Completion Task Force which provides intra-agency coordination among the Wireline Competition, Enforcement, and Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureaus -to tackle the problem, and organizing and hosting a Call Completion Workshop that brought together key stakeholders to discuss the issues and propose solutions. On February 6, 2012, the Commission's Wireline Competition Bureau issued a Declaratory Ruling reminding carriers ofthe Commission's longstanding prohibition on carriers blocking, choking, reducing or otherwise restricting traffic, and making clear that practices that lead to call termination and call quality problcms may constitute unjust and unreasonable practices in violation of the Communications Act. The Declaratory Ruling alerts carriers oftheir responsibilities and potential liability if they engage in, or use underlying providers that engage in, practices prohibited by the Act or Commission rules. I am enclosing a copy ofthe Declaratory Ruling for your information. This Declaratory Ruling is an important step in clarifying the rules ofthe road. In addition, Commission action in this arca is continuing on many fronts, including working with our partners in state commissions to solve the problem, increasing coordination with the Alliance for Telecommunications Industry Solutions (ATIS) - a standards-selling body for carriers - and investigating carrier practices. Appropriate action will be taken against any violation ofthe Act or Commission rules. 445 I2lHSTREETS.W WASHINGTON, D.C 20554 • 202-418-1000 Page 2-The Honorable Maria Cantwell I appreciate your concern and will kcep your office infonllcd ofdevelopments on the matter. Please let me know if I can be ofany further assistance. Sincerely. ------ . JuIius Genachowski Enclosure JULIUS GENACHOWSKI CHAIRMAN FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION March 15,2012 The Honorable Dan Coats United States Senate 131 Russell Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 Dear Senator Coats: Thank you for your letter regarding the problem of call completion in rural areas. The consequences ofcall completion and service quality problems can be dire, impacting families and businesses alike. I am particularly concerned about adverse effects on the availability of reliable telephone service to consumers. businesses, and public health and safety officials in rural America. The Commission has taken several significant steps to identify and remedy the source of these problems, including creating the Commission's Rural Call Completion Task Force which provides intra-agency coordination among the Wireline Competition, Enforcement, and Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureaus - to tackle the problem, and organizing and hosting a Call Completion Workshop that brought together key stakeholders to discuss the issues and propose solutions. On February 6, 2012, the Commission's Wireline Competition Bureau issued a Declaratory Ruling reminding carriers ofthe Commission's longstanding prohibition on carriers blocking, choking, reducing or otherwise restricting traffic, and making clear that practices that lead to call termination and call quality problems may constitute unjust and unreasonable practices in violation ofthe Communications Act. The Declaratory Ruling alerts carriers oftheir responsibilities and potential liability ifthey engage in, or use underlying providers that engage in, practices prohibited by the Act or Commission rules. I am enclosing a copy ofthe Declaratory Ruling for your information. This Declaratory Ruling is an important step in clarifying the rules ofthe road. In addition, Commission action in this area is continuing on many fronts, including working with our partners in state commissions to solve the problem, increasing coordination with the Alliance for Telecommunications Industry Solutions (ATIS) - a standards-setting body for carriers - and investigating carrier practices. Appropriate action will be taken against any violation ofthe Act or Commission rules. 445 12TH STREET S.W. WASHINGTON, 0 C. 20554 • 202-4 I 8-1000 Page 2-The Honorable Dan Coats I appreciate your concern and will keep your office informed ofdevelopments on the matter. Please let me know if 1can be ofany further assi lance. Sincerely, ~------. Enclosure FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION March 15,2012 ,JULIUS GENACHOWSKI CHAIRMAN The Honorable Kent Conrad United States Senate 530 Hart Senatc Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 Dear Senator Conrad: Thank you for your letter regarding the problem ofcall completion in rural areas. The consequences ofcall completion and service quality problems can be dire, impacting families and businesses alike. I am particularly concerned about adverse effects on the availability of reliable telephone service to consumers, businesses, and public health and safety officials in rural America. The Commission has taken several significant steps to identify and remedy the source ofthese problems, including creating the Commission's Rural Call Completion Task Force which provides intra-agency coordination among the Wireline Competition, Enforcement, and Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureaus - to tackle the problem, and organizing and hosting a Call Completion Workshop that brought together key stakeholders to discuss the issues and propose solutions. On February 6, 2012, thc Commission's Wireline Competition Bureau issued a Declaratory Ruling reminding carriers ofthe Commission's longstanding prohibition on carriers blocking, choking, reducing or otherwise restricting traffic, and making clear that practices that lead to call termination and call quality problems may constitute unjust and unreasonable practices in violation of the Communications Act. The Declaratory Ruling alerts carriers oftheir responsibilities and potential liability ifthey engage in, or use underlying providers that engage in, practices prohibited by the Act or Commission rules. I am enclosing a copy ofthe Declaratory Ruling for your information. This Declaratory Ruling is an important step in clarifying the rules ofthe road. In addition, Commission action in this area is continuing on many fronts, including working with our partners in state commissions to solve the problem, increasing coordination with the Alliance for Telecommunications Industry Solutions (ATIS) - a standards-setting body for carriers - and investigating carrier practices. Appropriate action will be taken against any violation ofthe Act or Commission rules. 445 12TH STREET S.W. WASHINGTON, D.C. 20554 • 202-418-1000 Page 2-The Honorable Kent Conrad I appreciate your concern and will keep your office informed ofdevelopments on the matter. Please let me know if I can be ofany further assistance. Sincerely, • Julius Genachowski Enclosure FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION March 15,2012 JULIUS GENACHOWSKI CHAIRMAN The Honorable Michael D. Crapo United States Senate 239 Dirksen Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 Dear Senator Crapo: Thank you for your Ictter regarding the problem ofcall completion in rural areas. The consequences of call completion and service quality problems can be dire, impacting families and businesses alike. I am particularly concerned about adverse effects on the availability of reliable telephone service to consumers, businesses, and public health and safety officials in rural America. The Commission has taken several significant steps to identify and remedy the source ofthese problems, including creating the Commission's Rural Call Completion Task Force which provides intra-agency coordination among the Wireline Competition, Enforcement, and Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureaus - to tackle the problem, and organizing and hosting a Call Completion Workshop that broughttogethcr key stakeholders to discuss the issues and propose solutions. On February 6, 2012, the Commission's Wireline Competition Bureau issued a Declaratory Ruling reminding carriers ofthe Commission's longstanding prohibition on carriers blocking, choking, reducing or otherwise restricting traffic, and making clear that practices that lead to call termination and call quality problems may constitute unjust and unreasonable practices in violation ofthe Communications Act. The Declaratory Ruling alerts carriers oftheir responsibilities and potential liability if they engage in, or use underlying providers that engage in, practices prohibited by the Act or Commission rules. I am enclosing a copy of the Declaratory Ruling for your information. This Declaratory Ruling is an important step in clarifying the rules ofthe road. In addition, Commission action in this area is continuing on many fronts, including working with our partners in state commissions to solve the problem, increasing coordination with the Alliance for Telecommunications Industry Solutions (ATIS) - a standards-setting body for carriers - and investigating carrier practiccs. Appropriate action will be taken against any violation ofthe Act or Commission rules. 445 12lH STREET 5.W. WASHINGTON. D.C 20554 • 202-418-1000 Page 2-The Honorable Michael D. Crapo I appreciate your concern and will keep your office informed ofdevelopments on the matter. Please let me know if I can be ofany further assistance. Sincerely, ------ . Julius Genachowski Enclosure FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION March 15,2012 JULIUS GENACHOWSKI CHAIRMAN The Honorable Richard J. Durbin United States Senate 309 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 Dear Senator Durbin: Thank you for your letter regarding the problem ofcall completion in rural areas. The consequences ofcall completion and service quality problems can be dire, impacting families and businesses alike. I am particularly concerned about adverse effects on the availability of reliable telephone service to consumers, businesses, and public health and safety officials in rural America. The Commission has taken several significant steps to identify and remedy the source of these problems, including creating the Commission's Rural Call Completion Task Force which provides intra-agency coordination among the Wireline Competition, Enforcement, and Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureaus - to tackle the problem, and organizing and hosting a Call Completion Workshop that brought together key stakeholders to discuss the issues and propose solutions. On February 6, 2012, the Commission's Wireline Competition Bureau issued a Declaratory Ruling reminding carriers ofthe Commission's longstanding prohibition on carriers blocking, choking, reducing or otherwise restricting traffic, and making clear that practices that lead to call termination and call quality problems may constitute unjust and unreasonable practices in violation ofthe Communications Act. The Declaratory Ruling alerts carriers oftheir responsibilities and potential liability if they engage in, or use underlying providers that engage in, practices prohibited by the Act or Commission rules. I am enclosing a copy of the Declaratory Ruling for your information. This Declaratory Ruling is an important step in clarifying the rules ofthe road. In addition, Commission action in this area is continuing on many fronts, including working with our partners in state commissions to solve the problem, increasing coordination with the Alliance for Telecommunications Industry Solutions (ATIS) - a standards-setting body for carriers - and investigating carrier practices. Appropriate action will be taken against any violation of the Act or Commission rules. 445 121>< STREET S.W. WASHINGTON. D.C. 20554 • 202-418-1000 Page 2-The Honorable Richard J. Durbin I appreciate your concern and will keep your office informed of developments on the matter. Please let me know if I can be ofany further assistance. Sincerely, • Julius Genachowski Enclosure FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION March 15,2012 JULIUS GENACHOWSKI CHAIRMAN The Honorable AI Franken United States Senate 320 Hart Scnate Office Building Washington, D.C. 205 I0 Dear Senator Franken: Thank you for your letter regarding the problem ofcall completion in rural areas. The consequencc ofcall completion and service quality problems can be dire, impacting families and businesses alike. I am particularly concerned about adverse effects on the availability of reliable telephone service to consumers, businesses, and public health and safety officials in rural America. The Commission has taken several significant steps to identify and remedy the source of these problems, including creating the Commission's Rural Call Completion Task Force which provides intra-agency coordination among the Wireline Competition, Enforcement, and Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureaus - to tackle the problem, and organizing and hosting a Call Completion Workshop that brought together key stakeholders to discuss the issues and propose solutions. On February 6, 2012, the Commission's Wireline Competition Bureau issued a Declaratory Ruling remjnding carriers ofthe Commission's longstanding prohibition on carriers blocking, choking, reducing or otherwise restricting traffic. and making clear that practices that lead to call termination and call quality problems may constitute unjust and unreasonable practices in violation ofthe Communications Act. The Declaratory Ruling alerts carriers oftheir responsibilities and potential liability ifthey engage in, or use underlying providers that engage in, practices prohibited by the Act or Commission rules. I am enclosing a copy ofthe Declaratory Ruling for your information. This Declaratory Ruling is an important step in clarifying the rulcs ofthe road. In addition, Commission action in this area is continuing on many fronts, including working with our partners in state commissions to solve the problem, increasing coordination with the Alliance for Telecommunications Industry Solutions (ATI ) - a standards-sctting body for carriers - and investigating carrier practices. Appropriate action will be taken against any violation ofthe Act or Commission rules. 445 12TH STREET S.W. WASHINGTON. D.C. 20554 • 202-418-1000 Page 2-The Honorable Al Franken I appreciate your concern and will kecp your office informed ofdevelopments on the matter. Please let me know i1'1 can be ofany further assistance. Sincerely, • Julius Genachowski Enclosure FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION March 15,2012 ,JULIUS GENACHOWSKI CHAIRMAN The Honorable Charles E. Grassley nited States Scnate 135 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 Dear Senator Grassley: Thank you for your Icttcr regarding the problem of call completion in rural areas. Thc consequences ofcall completion and service quality problems can be dire, impacting families and businesses alike. I am particularly concerned about adverse effects on the availability of reliable telephone service to consumers, businesses, and public health and safety officials in rural America. The Commission has taken several significant steps to identify and remedy the source of these problems, including creating the Commission's Rural Call Completion Task Force which provides intra-agency coordination among the Wireline Competition, Enforcement, and Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureaus -to tackle the problem, and organizing and hosting a Call Complction Workshop that brought togethcr key stakeholders to discuss the issues and propose solutions. On February 6, 2012, the Commission's Wireline Competition Bureau issued a Declaratory Ruling reminding carriers of the Commission's longstanding prohibition on carriers blocking, choking, reducing or otherwise restricting traffic, and making clear that practices that lead to call termination and call quality problems may constitute unjust and unreasonable practices in violation of the Communications Act. The Declaratory Ruling alerts carriers oftheir responsibilities and potential liability if they engage in, or use underlying providers that engage in, practices prohibited by the Act or Commission rules. I am enclosing a copy of the Declaratory Ruling for your information. This Declaratory Ruling is an important step in clarifying the rules ofthe road. In addition, Commission action in this area is continuing on many fronts, including working with our partners in statc commissions to solve the problem, increasing coordination with the Alliance for Telecommunications Industry Solutions (ATIS) - a standards-setting body for carriers - and investigating carrier practices. Appropriate action will be taken against any violation of the Act or Commission rules. 445 12TH 5TREET 5 W. WASHINGTON, DC. 20554 • 202-418-1000 Page 2-The Honorable Charles E. Grassley I appreciate your concern and will keep your office informed ofdevelopments on the mailer. Please let me know if J can be ofany further assistance. Sincerely, • Julius Genachowski Enclosure JULIUS GENACHOWSKt CHAIRMAN FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION March 15,2012 The Honorable Tom Harkin United States Senate 731 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 Dear Senator Harkin: Thank you for your letter regarding the problem of call completion in rural areas. The consequences ofcall completion and scrvice quality problems can be dire, impacting families and businesses alike. I am particularly concerned about adverse effects on the availability of reliable telephone service to consumers, businesses, and public health and safety officials in rural America. The Commission has taken several significant steps to identify and remedy the source of these problems, including creating the Commission's Rural Call Completion Task Force which provides intra-agency coordination among the Wireline Competition, Enforcement, and Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureaus -to tackle the problem, and organizing and hosting a Call Completion Workshop that brought together key stakeholders to discuss the issues and propose solutions. On February 6, 2012, the Commission's Wireline Competition Bureau issued a Declaratory Ruling reminding carriers ofthe Commission's longstanding prohibition on carriers blocking, choking, reducing or otherwise restricting traffic, and making clear that practices that lead to call termination and call quality problems may constitute unjust and unreasonable practices in violation ofthe Communications Act. The Declaratory Ruling alerts carriers of their responsibilitics and potential liability if they engage in, or use underlying providers that engage in, practices prohibited by the Act or Commission rules. I am enclosing a copy ofthe Declaratory Ruling for your information. This Declaratory Ruling is an important step in clarifying the rules of the road. In addition, Commission action in this area is continuing on many fronts, including working with our partners in state commissions to solve the problem, increasing coordination with the Alliance for Telecommunications Industry Solutions (ATIS) - a standards-setting body for carriers - and investigating carrier practices. Appropriatc action will bc taken against any violation of the Act or Commission rules. 445 121>< STREET S W. WASHINGTON, D.C 20554 • 202·4 I 8-1 000 Page 2-The Honorable Tom Harkin I appreciate your concern and will kccp your office informed of developments on the matter. Please Ict me know if I can be ofany further assistance. Sincerely, ------- . Julius Genachowski Enclosure I..!ULIUS GENACHQWSKI CHAIRMAN FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION March 15,2012 The Honorable John Hoeven United States enate 322 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 Dear Senator Hoeven: Thank you for your letter regarding the problem ofcall completion in rural areas. The consequences ofcall complction and service quality problems can be dire, impacting families and businesses alike. I am particularly concerned about adverse effects on the availability of reliable telephone service to consumers, businesses, and public health and safety officials in rural America. The Commission has taken several significant steps to identify and remedy the source of these problems, including creating the Commission's Rural Call Completion Task Force which provides intra-agency coordination among the Wireline Competition, Enforcement, and Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureaus - to tackle the problem, and organizing and hosting a Call Completion Workshop that brought together key stakeholders to discuss the issues and propose solutions. On February 6, 2012, the Commission's Wireline Competition Bureau issued a Declaratory Ruling reminding carriers of the Commission's longstanding prohibition on carriers blocking, choking, reducing or otherwise restricting traffic, and making clear that practices that lead to caJltermination and call quality problems may constitute unjust and unreasonable practices in violation ofthe Communications Act. The Declaratory Ruling alerts carriers oftheir responsibilities and potential liability if they engage in, or use underlying providers that engage in, practices prohibited by the Act or Commission rules. I am enclosing a copy ofthe Declaratory Ruling for your information. This Declaratory Ruling is an important step in clarifying the rules of the road. In addition, Commission action in this area is continuing on many fronts, including working with our partners in state commissions to solve the problem, increasing coordination with the Alliance for Telecommunications Industry Solutions (ATIS) - a standards-selling body for carriers - and investigating carrier practiccs. Appropriate action will be taken against any violation of the Act or Commission rules. 445 12lH STREET 5.W. WASHINGTON. D.C. 20554 • 202-418-1000 Page 2-The Honorable John Hoeven I appreciate your concern and will keep your office informed ofdevelopments on the mailer. Please leI me know if I ean be ofany further assistance. Sincerely, '~---. Julius Genachowski Enclosure JULIUS GENACHOWSKI CHAIRMAN FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION March 15,2012 The Honorable Mike Johanns nited States Senate 404 Russell Senate Office Building Wa hington, D.C. 20510 Dear Senator Johanns: Thank you for your Icller regarding the problem ofcall completion in rural areas. The consequences ofcall completion and service quality problems can be dire, impacting families and businesses alike. I am particularly concerned about adverse effects on the availability of reliable telephone service to consumers, businesses, and public health and safety officials in rural America. The Commission has taken several significant steps to identify and remedy the source of these problems, including creating the Commission's Rural Call Completion Task Force which provides intra-agency coordination among the Wireline Competition, Enforcement, and Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureaus - to tackle the problem, and organizing and hosting a Call Completion Workshop that brought togethcr key stakeholders to discuss the issues and propose solutions. On February 6, 2012, the Commission's Wireline Competition Bureau issued a Declaratory Ruling reminding carriers ofthe Commission's longstanding prohibition on carriers blocking. choking, reducing or otherwise restricting traffic, and making clear that practices that lead to call termination and call quality problems may constitute unjust and unreasonable practices in violation of the Communications Act. The Declaratory Ruling alerts carriers of their responsibilities and potential liability if they engage in, or use underlying providers that engage in, practices prohibited by the Act or Commission rules. I am enclosing a copy ofthe Declaratory Ruling for your information. This Declaratory Ruling is an important step in clarifying the rules ofthe road. In addition, Commission action in this area is continuing on many fronts, including working with our partners in state commissions to solve the problem, increasing coordination with the Alliance for Telecommunications Industry Solutions (ATIS) - a standards-selling body for carriers - and investigating carrier practices. Appropriate action will be taken against any violation ofthc Act or Commission rules. 445 12TH STREET S.W. WASHINGTON, DC 20554 • 202-418-1000 Page 2-The Honorable Mike Johanns I appreciate your concern and will keep your office informed ofdevelopments on the matter. Please let me know if I can be ofany further assistance. Sincerely, '~--'. Julius Genachowski Enclosure I..!ULIUS GENACHOWSKI CHAIRMAN FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION March 15,2012 The Honorable Tim Johnson United States Senate 136 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 205 I0 Dear Senator Johnson: Thank you for your letter regarding the problem ofcall completion in rural areas. The consequences ofcall completion and service quality problems can be dire, impacting families and businesses alike. I am particularly concerned about adverse effccts on the availability of reliable telephone service to consumers, businesses, and public health and safety officials in rural America. The Commission has taken several significant steps to identify and remedy the source of these problems, including creating the Commission's Rural Call Completion Task Force which provides intra-agency coordination among the Wireline Competition, Enforcement, and Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureaus - to tackle the problem, and organizing and hosting a Call Completion Workshop that brought together key stakeholders to discuss the issues and propose solutions. On February 6, 2012, the Commission's Wireline Competition Bureau issued a Declaratory Ruling reminding carriers ofthe Commission's longstanding prohibition on carriers blocking. choking, reducing or otherwise restricting traffic, and making clear that practices that lead to call termination and call quality problems may constitute unjust and unreasonable practices in violation of the Communications Act. The Declaratory Ruling alerts carriers oftheir responsibilities and potential liability if they engage in, or use underlying providers that engage in, practices prohibited by the Act or Commission rules. I am enclosing a copy of the Declaratory Ruling for your information. This Declaratory Ruling is an important step in clarifying the rules ofthe road. In addition, Commission action in this area is continuing on many fronts, including working with our partners in state commissions to solve the problem, increasing coordination with the Alliance for Telecommunications Industry Solutions (ATIS) - a standards-setting body for carriers - and investigating carrier practices. Appropriate action will be taken against any violation ofthe Act or Commission rules. 445 12TH STREET S.W. WASHINGTON. D.C 20554 • 202-418-1000 Page 2-The Honorable Tim Johnson I appreciate your concern and will keep your office informed ofdevelopments on the matter. Please let me know if I can be ofany further assistance. Sincerely, • ulius Genachowski Enclosure FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION March 15,2012 JULIUS GENACHQWSKI CHAIRMAN The Honorable Mark Steven Kirk United States Senate 387 Russell Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 Dear Senator Kirk: Thank you for your letter regarding thc problem ofcall completion in rural areas. The consequences ofcall completion and service quality problems can be dire, impacting families and businesses alike. I am particularly concerned about adverse effects on the availability of reliable telcphone service to consumers, businesses, and public health and safety officials in rural America. The Commission has taken several significant steps to identify and remedy the source of these problems, including creating the Commission's Rural Call Completion Task Force which provides intra-agency coordination among the Wireline Competition, Enforcement, and Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureaus - to tackle the problem, and organizing and hosting a Call Completion Workshop that brought togethcr key stakeholders to discuss the issues and propose solutions. On February 6, 2012, the Commission's Wireline Competition Bureau issued a Declaratory Ruling reminding carriers of the Commission's longstanding prohibition on carriers blocking, choking, reducing or otherwise restricting traffic, and making clear that practices that lead to call termination and call quality problems may constitute unjust and unreasonable practices in violation ofthe Communications Act. The Declaratory Ruling alerts carriers of their responsibilities and potential liability ifthey engage in, or use underlying providers that engage in, practices prohibited by the Act or Commission rules. I am enclosing a copy of the Declaratory Ruling for your information. This Declaratory Ruling is an important step in clarifying the rules ofthe road. In addition. Commission action in this area is continuing on many fronts, including working with our partners in state commissions to solve thc problem, increasing coordination with the Alliance for Telecommunications Industry Solutions (ATIS) - a standards-setting body for carriers - and investigating carrier practices. Appropriate action will be taken against any violation of the Act or Commission rules. 445 12TH STREET S,W WASHINGTON, 0 C 20554 • 202-418-1000 Page 2-The Honorable Mark Steven Kirk I appreciate your concern and will keep your office infornled ofdevelopments on the matter. Please let me know if I can be ofany further assistance, Sincerely, '------ . uJius Genachowski Enclosure FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION March 15,2012 ..JULIUS GENACHOWSKI CHAIRMAN The Honorable Amy Klobuchar United States Senate 302 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 Dear Senator Klobuchar: Thank you for your letter regarding the problem of call completion in rural areas. The consequences ofcall completion and service quality problems can be dire, impacting families and businesses alike. I am particularly concerned about adverse effects on the availability of reliable telephone service to consumers, businesses, and public health and safety officials in rural America. The Commission has taken several significant steps to identify and remedy the source ofthese problems, including creating the Conunission's Rural Call Completion Task Force which provides intra-agency coordination among the Wireline Competition, Enforcement, and Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureaus -to tackle the problem, and organizing and hosting a Call Completion Workshop that brought together key stakeholders to discuss the issues and propose solutions. On Fcbruary 6, 2012. the Commission's Wireline Competition Bureau issued a Declaratory Ruling reminding carriers ofthe Commission's longstanding prohibition on carriers blocking, choking, reducing or otherwise restricting traffic, and making clear that practices that lead to calltcrmination and call quality problems may constitute unjust and unreasonable practices in violation ofthe Communications Act. The Declaratory Ruling alerts carriers oftheir responsibilities and potential liability if they engage in, or use underlying providers that engage in, practices prohibited by the Act or Commission rules. I am enclosing a copy of the Declaratory Ruling for your information. This Declaratory Ruling is an important step in clarifying the rules of the road. In addition, Commission action in this area is continuing on many fronts, including working with our partners in state commissions to solve the problem, increasing coordination with the Alliance for Telecommunications Industry Solutions (ATIS) - a standards-setting body for carriers - and investigating carrier practices. Appropriate action will be taken against any violation of the Act or Commission rules. 445 12TH STREET 5 W WASHINGTON, D C 20554 • 202-4 I 8-1 000 Page 2-The Honorable Amy Klobuchar I appreciate your concern and will keep your office informed ofdevelopments on the mailer. Please let me know if I can be ofany further assistance. Sincerely, ------ . Julius Genachowski Enclosure FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION March 15,2012 ,JULIUS GENACHOWSKI CHAIRMAN The Iionorable Patrick J. Leahy United States Senate 433 Russell Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 Dear Senator Leahy: Thank you for your letter regarding the problem ofcall completion in rural areas. The conscquences ofcall completion and service quality problems can be dire, impacting families and businesses alike. I am particularly concerned about adverse effects on the availability of reliable telephone service to consumers, businesses, and public health and safety officials in rural America. The Commission has taken several significant steps to identify and remedy the source ofthese problems, including creating the Commission's Rural Call Completion Task Force which provides intra-agency coordination among the Wireline Competition, Enforcement, and Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureaus - to tackle the problem, and organizing and hosting a Call Completion Workshop that brought together key stakeholders to discuss the issues and propose solutions. On February 6, 2012, the Commission's Wireline Competition Bureau issued a Declaratory Ruling reminding carriers ofthe Commission's longstanding prohibition on carriers blocking, choking, reducing or otherwise restricting traffic, and making clear that practices that lead to call termination and call quality problems may constitute unjust and unreasonable practices in violation ofthe Communications Act. The Declaratory Ruling alerts carriers of their responsibilities and potential liability ifthey engage in, or use underlying providers that engage in, practices prohibited by the Act or Commission rules. I am enclosing a copy ofthe Declaratory Ruling for your information. This Declaratory Ruling is an important step in clari fying the rules of the road. In addition, Commission action in this area is continuing on many fronts, including working with our partners in state commissions to solve the problem, increasing coordination with the Alliance for Telecommunications Industry Solutions (AT1S) - a standards-setting body for carriers - and investigating carrier practices. Appropriate action will be taken against any violation of the Act or Commission rules. 445 12TH STREET S W WASHINGTON, D.C. 20554 • 202-418-1000 Page 2-The Honorable Patrick J. Leahy I appreciate your concern and will keep your office infonned ofdevelopments on the matter. Please let me know if I can be ofany further assistance. Sincerely, • Julius Genachowski Enclosure FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION March 15,2012 JULIUS GENACHOWSKI CHAIRMAN The Honorable Jeff Merkley United States Senate 313 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 Dear Senator Merkley: Thank you for your letter regarding the problem ofcall completion in rural areas. The consequences ofcall completion and service quality problems can be dire, impacting families and busines es alike. I am particularly concerned about adverse effects on the availability of reliable telephone service to consumers, businesses. and public health and safety officials in rural America. The Commission has taken several significant steps to identify and remedy the source ofthese problems, including creating the Commission's Rural Call Completion Task Force which provides intra-agency coordination among the Wireline Competition, Enforcement, and Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureaus -to tackle the problem, and organizing and hosting a Call Completion Workshop that brought together key stakeholders to discuss the issues and propose solutions. On February 6, 2012, the Commission's Wirelinc Competition Bureau issued a Declaratory Ruling reminding carricrs ofthe Commission's longstanding prohibition on carriers blocking, choking, reducing or otherwise restricting traffic, and making clear that practices that lead to callterrnination and call quality problems may constitute unjust and unreasonable practices in violation ofthe Communications Act. The Declaratory Ruling alerts carriers oftheir responsibilities and potential liability ifthey engage in, or use underlying providers that engage in, practices prohibited by the Act or Commission rules. I am enclosing a copy ofthe Declaratory Ruling for your information. This Declaratory Ruling is an important step in clarifying the rules of the road. In addition, Commission action in this area is continuing on many fronts, including working with our partners in state commissions to solve the problem, increasing coordination with the Alliance for Telecommunications Industry Solutions (ATIS) - a standards-setting body for carriers - and investigating carrier practices. Appropriate action will be taken against any violation of the Act or Commission rules. 445 12lH STREET S.W WASHINGTON. DC 20554 • 202-418-1000 Page 2-The Iionorable Jeff Merkley I appreciate your concern and will keep your office informed ofdevelopments on the matter. Please let me know if I can be ofany further assistance. Sincerely, ------ . Julius Genachowski Enclosure