STATEMENT OF
COMMISSIONER JESSICA ROSENWORCEL
Re: Connect America Fund Implementation Report (November 14, 2013)
Two years ago, the Commission took historic steps to modernize its high-cost universal 
service fund and intercarrier compensation system.  In doing so, the agency refocused the high-
cost universal service system from last century’s technology on to the broadband and wireless 
challenges of this century.  This is a good thing.  
But as I’ve said before, I worry that our reforms to the high-cost universal service system 
are extremely complex.  I fear that this complexity can deny carriers dependent on this system 
the certainty they need to confidently invest in their network infrastructure.  So when 
opportunities arise to simplify our rules in a manner that is fiscally sound, good for rural 
consumers, and bound to inspire investment—we need to seize them.  I look forward to working 
with my colleagues—new and old—to do just that.    
Thank you to the Wireline Competition Bureau, the Wireless Telecommunications 
Bureau and the Office of Native Affairs and Policy for this great presentation and for your hard 
work to date and going forward.