The Honorable Julius Genachowski
Chairman
Federal Communications Commission
445 12th Street, SW
Washington, DC 20554
WILLIAM L. OWENS
23RD DISTRICT, New YORK
COMMITIEE ON AGRICULlURE
CONSERVATION, ENERGY,
AND FORESTRY
liVESTOCK, DAIRY, AND POULTRY
CQMMITIEE ON ARMED SERVICES
TACTICAL AIR AND LAND FORCES
READINESS
COMMlnEE ON SMALL BUSINESS
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June 27, 2012
PLEASE RESPOND TO
WASHINGTON OFFICE'
D 431 CANNON HOUSE OFFiCE BUILDING
WASHINGTON, DC 20515
(202) 225-4611
DISTRICT OFFICE:
o 120 WASHINGTON STREET, SUITE 200
WATERTOWN, NY 13601
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PLATTSBURGH, NY 12901
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ONEIDA, NY 13421
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Dear Chairman Genachowski:
I am writing in regard to the FCC's efforts to update the Universal Service Fund (USF) and
Intercarrier Compensation mechanisms. In my Congressional District in Upstate New York,
many ofmy constituents lack access to high-speed wired and wireless broadband networks,
which are critical to economic development in the region.
This rulemaking process impacts several smaller telecom companies in my district for whom the
USF and ICC fees provide an important source of funding to complete last-mile broadband
projects that connect homes and small businesses. While I appreciate the intent of the
Commission to ensure the USF's long-term stability by controlling the size of the fund, I am also
mindful of the need to incentivize broadband investment in the rural areas ofNew York.
I respectfully request clarification that the rural carriers and the consumers who will be impacted
by the FCC's Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking be given sufficient time to
evaluate the recent reforms and adjust to the reductions in funding.
Thank you for your attention to this issue.
Sincerely,
BILL OWENS
Member ofCongress
5 JUl2012 RCVD
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