( FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASHINGTON
OFFICE OF November 20, 2013
THE CHAIRMAN
The Honorable John Barrow
U.S. House of Representatives
2202 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressman Barrow:
Thank you for your letter to former Acting Chairwoman Clyburn expressing concern
about the effect of the Commission's Quantile Regression Analysis (QRA) on rural carriers. We
appreciate your views and will ensure that your letter will be included in the record of the
proceeding and considered as part of the Commission's review.
As I have made clear since the day I arrived at the Commission, one of the core elements
of communications policy that must guide the work of the FCC is the critical need for all
Americans to have access to high-speed broadband networks. Access denied is opportunity
denied. To that end, I am a firm believer in the importance of universal service, and I agree that
the Commission must make timely decisions in order to provide regulatory certainty and create
incentives to further efficient investment in broadband networks.
My colleagues and predecessors at the Commission worked hard to develop the landmark
Universal Service Fund (USF) reforms adopted in 2011. The work to implement the reforms to
date has included the steps you note to temporarily relieve the impacts of the QRA benchmarks
on small rate-of-return carriers. At the first Open Meeting that I held as Chairman last week, the
Wireline and Wireless Bureaus and the Office of Native Affairs and Policy provided the
Commission with a status update on USF reform implementation. I was impressed with the
work they have done to get broadband to millions of people for the first time, but I know much
work remains.
The Commission has unanimously adopted a vision for a broadband-focused Universal
Service Fund. We must of course be open to modifications to the reforms if it is clear that
particular rules are not serving their intended purpose. Commissioner Clyburn said it best, We
should remain open to pursuing course corrections where necessary." Where we are making
progress we will continue moving full steam ahead. Where the reforms are not achieving their
intended goals, we will make changes based on sound data.
Assuring that the opportunities of the new network extend to all Americans is one of the
principal challenges we face at the FCC. We exist at an important moment when the USF is
evolving to support 21st century services. I know I speak for all my colleagues in saying we look
forward to continuing the work of reforming and modernizing the USF high-cost program - as
Page 2-The Honorable John Barrow
well as other components of the Fund - and to working with stakeholders including rural carriers
and consumers, to ensure that all Americans have access to robust voice and broadband services.
I appreciate your interest in this matter. Please let me know if I can be of any further
assistance.
eiely
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASHINGTON
OFFICE OF November 20, 2013
THE CHAIRMAN
The Honorable Bruce Braley
U.S. House of Representatives
1727 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressman Braley:
Thank you for your letter to former Acting Chairwoman Clyburn expressing concern
about the effect of the Commission's Quantile Regression Analysis (QRA) on rural carriers. We
appreciate your views and will ensure that your letter will be included in the record of the
proceeding and considered as part of the Commission's review.
As I have made clear since the day I arrived at the Commission, one of the core elements
of communications policy that must guide the work of the FCC is the critical need for all
Americans to have access to high-speed broadband networks. Access denied is opportunity
denied. To that end, I am a firm believer in the importance of universal service, and I agree that
the Commission must make timely decisions in order to provide regulatory certainty and create
incentives to further efficient investment in broadband networks.
My colleagues and predecessors at the Commission worked hard to develop the landmark
Universal Service Fund (USF) reforms adopted in 2011. The work to implement the reforms to
date has included the steps you note to temporarily relieve the impacts of the QRA benchmarks
on small rate-of-return carriers. At the first Open Meeting that I held as Chairman last week, the
Wireline and Wireless Bureaus and the Office of Native Affairs and Policy provided the
Commission with a status update on USF reform implementation. I was impressed with the
work they have done to get broadband to millions of people for the first time, but I know much
work remains.
The Commission has unanimously adopted a vision for a broadband-focused Universal
Service Fund. We must of course be open to modifications to the reforms if it is clear that
particular rules are not serving their intended purpose. Commissioner Clyburn said it best, "We
should remain open to pursuing course corrections where necessary." Where we are making
progress we will continue moving full steam ahead. Where the reforms are not achieving their
intended goals, we will make changes based on sound data.
Assuring that the opportunities of the new network extend to all Americans is one of the
principal challenges we face at the FCC. We exist at an important moment when the USF is
evolving to support 21st century services. I know I speak for all my colleagues in saying we look
forward to continuing the work of reforming and modernizing the USF high-cost program - as
Page 2-The Honorable Bruce Braley
well as other components of the Fund and to working with stakeholders including rural carriers
and consumers, to ensure that all Americans have access to robust voice and broadband services.
I appreciate your interest in this matter. Please let me know if I can be of any further
assistance.
ceie1:
/7-.'c
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASHINGTON
OFFICE OF November 20, 2013
THE CHAIRMAN
The Honorable Bill Cassidy
U.S. House of Representatives
1535 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressman Cassidy:
Thank you for your letter to former Acting Chairwoman Clyburn expressing concern
about the effect of the Commission's Quantile Regression Analysis (QRA) on rural carriers. We
appreciate your views and will ensure that your letter will be included in the record of the
proceeding and considered as part of the Commission's review.
As I have made clear since the day I arrived at the Commission, one of the core elements
of communications policy that must guide the work of the FCC is the critical need for all
Americans to have access to high-speed broadband networks. Access denied is opportunity
denied. To that end, I am a firm believer in the importance of universal service, and I agree that
the Commission must make timely decisions in order to provide regulatory certainty and create
incentives to further efficient investment in broadband networks.
My colleagues and predecessors at the Commission worked hard to develop the landmark
Universal Service Fund (USF) reforms adopted in 2011. The work to implement the reforms to
date has included the steps you note to temporarily relieve the impacts of the QRA benchmarks
on small rate-of-return carriers. At the first Open Meeting that I held as Chairman last week, the
Wireline and Wireless Bureaus and the Office of Native Affairs and Policy provided the
Commission with a status update on USF reform implementation. I was impressed with the
work they have done to get broadband to millions of people for the first time, but I know much
work remains.
The Commission has unanimously adopted a vision for a broadband-focused Universal
Service Fund. We must of course be open to modifications to the reforms if it is clear that
particular rules are not serving their intended purpose. Commissioner Clyburn said it best, We
should remain open to pursuing course corrections where necessary." Where we are making
progress we will continue moving full steam ahead. Where the reforms are not achieving their
intended goals, we will make changes based on sound data.
Assuring that the opportunities of the new network extend to all Americans is one of the
principal challenges we face at the FCC. We exist at an important moment when the USF is
evolving to support 21st century services. I know I speak for all my colleagues in saying we look
forward to continuing the work of reforming and modernizing the USF high-cost program - as
Page 2-The Honorable Bill Cassidy
well as other components of the Fund - and to working with stakeholders including rural carriers
and consumers, to ensure that all Americans have access to robust voice and broadband services.
I appreciate your interest in this matter. Please let me know if I can be of any further
assistance.
Sincerely,
eeir
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASHINGTON
OFFICE OF November 20, 2013
THE CHAIRMAN
The Honorable Cory Gardner
U.S. House of Representatives
213 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressman Gardner:
Thank you for your letter to former Acting Chairwoman Clyburn expressing concern
about the effect of the Commission's Quantile Regression Analysis (QRA) on rural carriers. We
appreciate your views and will ensure that your letter will be included in the record of the
proceeding and considered as part of the Commission's review.
As I have made clear since the day I arrived at the Commission, one of the core elements
of communications policy that must guide the work of the FCC is the critical need for all
Americans to have access to high-speed broadband networks. Access denied is opportunity
denied. To that end, I am a firm believer in the importance of universal service, and I agree that
the Commission must make timely decisions in order to provide regulatory certainty and create
incentives to further efficient investment in broadband networks.
My colleagues and predecessors at the Commission worked hard to develop the landmark
Universal Service Fund (USF) reforms adopted in 2011. The work to implement the reforms to
date has included the steps you note to temporarily relieve the impacts of the QRA benchmarks
on small rate-of-return carriers. At the first Open Meeting that I held as Chairman last week, the
Wireline and Wireless Bureaus and the Office of Native Affairs and Policy provided the
Commission with a status update on USF reform implementation. I was impressed with the
work they have done to get broadband to millions of people for the first time, but I know much
work remains.
The Commission has unanimously adopted a vision for a broadband-focused Universal
Service Fund. We must of course be open to modifications to the reforms if it is clear that
particular rules are not serving their intended purpose. Commissioner Clyburn said it best, "We
should remain open to pursuing course corrections where necessary." Where we are making
progress we will continue moving full steam ahead. Where the reforms are not achieving their
intended goals, we will make changes based on sound data.
Assuring that the opportunities of the new network extend to all Americans is one of the
principal challenges we face at the FCC. We exist at an important moment when the USF is
evolving to support 21st century services. I know I speak for all my colleagues in saying we look
forward to continuing the work of reforming and modernizing the USF high-cost program - as
Page 2-The Honorable Cory Gardner
well as other components of the Fund - and to working with stakeholders including rural carriers
and consumers, to ensure that all Americans have access to robust voice and broadband services.
I appreciate your interest in this matter. Please let me know if I can be of any further
assistance.
Sincerely,
heelei
MM
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
MW1 WASHINGTON
OFFICE OF November 20, 2013
THE CHAIRMAN
The Honorable Brett Guthrie
U.S. House of Representatives
308 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressman Guthrie:
Thank you for your letter to former Acting Chairwoman Clyburn expressing concern
about the effect of the Commission's Quantile Regression Analysis (QRA) on rural carriers. We
appreciate your views and will ensure that your letter will be included in the record of the
proceeding and considered as part of the Commission's review.
As I have made clear since the day I arrived at the Commission, one of the core elements
of communications policy that must guide the work of the FCC is the critical need for all
Americans to have access to high-speed broadband networks. Access denied is opportunity
denied. To that end, I am a firm believer in the importance of universal service, and I agree that
the Commission must make timely decisions in order to provide regulatory certainty and create
incentives to further efficient investment in broadband networks.
My colleagues and predecessors at the Commission worked hard to develop the landmark
Universal Service Fund (USF) reforms adopted in 2011. The work to implement the reforms to
date has included the steps you note to temporarily relieve the impacts of the QRA benchmarks
on small rate-of-return carriers. At the first Open Meeting that I held as Chairman last week, the
Wireline and Wireless Bureaus and the Office of Native Affairs and Policy provided the
Commission with a status update on USF reform implementation. I was impressed with the
work they have done to get broadband to millions of people for the first time, but I know much
work remains.
The Commission has unanimously adopted a vision for a broadband-focused Universal
Service Fund. We must of course be open to modifications to the reforms if it is clear that
particular rules are not serving their intended purpose. Commissioner Clyburn said it best, 'We
should remain open to pursuing course corrections where necessary." Where we are making
progress we will continue moving full steam ahead. Where the reforms are not achieving their
intended goals, we will make changes based on sound data.
Assuring that the opportunities of the new network extend to all Americans is one of the
principal challenges we face at the FCC. We exist at an important moment when the USF is
evolving to support 21st century services. I know I speak for all my colleagues in saying we look
forward to continuing the work of reforming and modernizing the USF high-cost program as
Page 2-The Honorable Brett Guthrie
well as other components of the Fund - and to working with stakeholders including rural carriers
and consumers, to ensure that all Americans have access to robust voice and broadband services.
I appreciate your interest in this matter. Please let me know if I can be of any further
assistance.
Sincerely,
Tom heeler
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASHINGTON
\4fI5S\O
OFFICE OF November 20, 2013
THE CHAIRMAN
The Honorable Gregg Harper
U.S. House of Representatives
307 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressman Harper:
Thank you for your letter to former Acting Chairwoman Clyburn expressing concern
about the effect of the Commission's Quantile Regression Analysis (QRA) on rural carriers. We
appreciate your views and will ensure that your letter will be included in the record of the
proceeding and considered as part of the Commission's review.
As I have made clear since the day I arrived at the Commission, one of the core elements
of communications policy that must guide the work of the FCC is the critical need for all
Americans to have access to high-speed broadband networks. Access denied is opportunity
denied. To that end, I am a firm believer in the importance of universal service, and I agree that
the Commission must make timely decisions in order to provide regulatory certainty and create
incentives to further efficient investment in broadband networks.
My colleagues and predecessors at the Commission worked hard to develop the landmark
Universal Service Fund (USF) reforms adopted in 2011. The work to implement the reforms to
date has included the steps you note to temporarily relieve the impacts of the QRA benchmarks
on small rate-of-return carriers. At the first Open Meeting that I held as Chairman last week, the
Wireline and Wireless Bureaus and the Office of Native Affairs and Policy provided the
Commission with a status update on USF reform implementation. I was impressed with the
work they have done to get broadband to millions of people for the first time, but I know much
work remains.
The Commission has unanimously adopted a vision for a broadband-focused Universal
Service Fund. We must of course be open to modifications to the reforms if it is clear that
particular rules are not serving their intended purpose. Commissioner Clyburn said it best, 'We
should remain open to pursuing course corrections where necessary." Where we are making
progress we will continue moving full steam ahead. Where the reforms are not achieving their
intended goals, we will make changes based on sound data.
Assuring that the opportunities of the new network extend to all Americans is one of the
principal challenges we face at the FCC. We exist at an important moment when the USF is
evolving to support 21st century services. I know I speak for all my colleagues in saying we look
forward to continuing the work of reforming and modernizing the USF high-cost program - as
Page 2-The Honorable Gregg Harper
well as other components of the Fund - and to working with stakeholders including rural carriers
and consumers, to ensure that all Americans have access to robust voice and broadband services.
I appreciate your interest in this matter. Please let me know if I can be of any further
assistance.
Sincerely,
n ee er
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASHINGTON
Mi
OFFICE OF November 20, 2013
THE CHAIRMAN
The Honorable Robert E. Latta
U.S. House of Representatives
2448 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressman Latta:
Thank you for your letter to former Acting Chairwoman Clyburn expressing concern
about the effect of the Commission's Quantile Regression Analysis (QRA) on rural carriers. We
appreciate your views and will ensure that your letter will be included in the record of the
proceeding and considered as part of the Commission's review.
As I have made clear since the day I arrived at the Commission, one of the core elements
of communications policy that must guide the work of the FCC is the critical need for all
Americans to have access to high-speed broadband networks. Access denied is opportunity
denied. To that end, I am a firm believer in the importance of universal service, and I agree that
the Commission must make timely decisions in order to provide regulatory certainty and create
incentives to further efficient investment in broadband networks.
My colleagues and predecessors at the Commission worked hard to develop the landmark
Universal Service Fund (USF) reforms adopted in 2011. The work to implement the reforms to
date has included the steps you note to temporarily relieve the impacts of the QRA benchmarks
on small rate-of-return carriers. At the first Open Meeting that I held as Chairman last week, the
Wireline and Wireless Bureaus and the Office of Native Affairs and Policy provided the
Commission with a status update on USF reform implementation. I was impressed with the
work they have done to get broadband to millions of people for the first time, but I know much
work remains.
The Commission has unanimously adopted a vision for a broadband-focused Universal
Service Fund. We must of course be open to modifications to the reforms if it is clear that
particular rules are not serving their intended purpose. Commissioner Clyburn said it best, "We
should remain open to pursuing course corrections where necessary." Where we are making
progress we will continue moving full steam ahead. Where the reforms are not achieving their
intended goals, we will make changes based on sound data.
Assuring that the opportunities of the new network extend to all Americans is one of the
principal challenges we face at the FCC. We exist at an important moment when the USF is
evolving to support 21st century services. I know I speak for all my colleagues in saying we look
forward to continuing the work of reforming and modernizing the USF high-cost program - as
Page 2-The Honorable Robert E. Latta
well as other components of the Fund - and to working with stakeholders including rural carriers
and consumers. to ensure that all Americans have access to robust voice and broadband services.
I appreciate your interest in this matter. Please let me know if I can be of any further
assistance.
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASHINGTON
OFFICE OF November 20, 2013
THE CHAIRMAN
The Honorable Billy Long
U.S. House of Representatives
1541 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressman Long:
Thank you for your letter to former Acting Chairwoman Clyburn expressing concern
about the effect of the Commission's Quantile Regression Analysis (QRA) on rural carriers. We
appreciate your views and will ensure that your letter will be included in the record of the
proceeding and considered as part of the Commission's review.
As I have made clear since the day I arrived at the Commission, one of the core elements
of communications policy that must guide the work of the FCC is the critical need for all
Americans to have access to high-speed broadband networks. Access denied is opportunity
denied. To that end, I am a firm believer in the importance of universal service, and I agree that
the Commission must make timely decisions in order to provide regulatory certainty and create
incentives to further efficient investment in broadband networks.
My colleagues and predecessors at the Commission worked hard to develop the landmark
Universal Service Fund (USF) reforms adopted in 2011. The work to implement the reforms to
date has included the steps you note to temporarily relieve the impacts of the QRA benchmarks
on small rate-of-return carriers. At the first Open Meeting that I held as Chairman last week, the
Wireline and Wireless Bureaus and the Office of Native Affairs and Policy provided the
Commission with a status update on USF reform implementation. I was impressed with the
work they have done to get broadband to millions of people for the first time, but I know much
work remains.
The Commission has unanimously adopted a vision for a broadband-focused Universal
Service Fund. We must of course be open to modifications to the reforms if it is clear that
particular rules are not serving their intended purpose. Commissioner Clyburn said it best, We
should remain open to pursuing course corrections where necessary." Where we are making
progress we will continue moving full steam ahead. Where the reforms are not achieving their
intended goals, we will make changes based on sound data.
Assuring that the opportunities of the new network extend to all Americans is one of the
principal challenges we face at the FCC. We exist at an important moment when the USF is
evolving to support 21st century services. I know I speak for all my colleagues in saying we look
forward to continuing the work of reforming and modernizing the USF high-cost program - as
Page 2-The Honorable Billy Long
well as other components of the Fund - and to working with stakeholders including rural carriers
and consumers, to ensure that all Americans have access to robust voice and broadband services.
I appreciate your interest in this matter. Please let me know if I can be of any further
assistance.
Sincerely,
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASHINGTON
OFFICE OF November 20, 2013
THE CHAIRMAN
The Honorable Tim Murphy
U.S. House of Representatives
2332 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressman Murphy:
Thank you for your letter to former Acting Chairwoman Clyburn expressing concern
about the effect of the Commission's Quantile Regression Analysis (QRA) on rural carriers. We
appreciate your views and will ensure that your letter will be included in the record of the
proceeding and considered as part of the Commission's review.
As I have made clear since the day I arrived at the Commission, one of the core elements
of communications policy that must guide the work of the FCC is the critical need for all
Americans to have access to high-speed broadband networks. Access denied is opportunity
denied. To that end, I am a firm believer in the importance of universal service, and I agree that
the Commission must make timely decisions in order to provide regulatory certainty and create
incentives to further efficient investment in broadband networks.
My colleagues and predecessors at the Commission worked hard to develop the landmark
Universal Service Fund (USF) reforms adopted in 2011. The work to implement the reforms to
date has included the steps you note to temporarily relieve the impacts of the QRA benchmarks
on small rate-of-return carriers. At the first Open Meeting that I held as Chairman last week, the
Wireline and Wireless Bureaus and the Office of Native Affairs and Policy provided the
Commission with a status update on USF reform implementation. I was impressed with the
work they have done to get broadband to millions of people for the first time, but I know much
work remains.
The Commission has unanimously adopted a vision for a broadband-focused Universal
Service Fund. We must of course be open to modifications to the reforms if it is clear that
particular rules are not serving their intended purpose. Commissioner Clyburn said it best, "We
should remain open to pursuing course corrections where necessary." Where we are making
progress we will continue moving full steam ahead. Where the reforms are not achieving their
intended goals, we will make changes based on sound data.
Assuring that the opportunities of the new network extend to all Americans is one of the
principal challenges we face at the FCC. We exist at an important moment when the USF is
evolving to support 21St century services. I know I speak for all my colleagues in saying we look
forward to continuing the work of reforming and modernizing the USF high-cost program - as
Page 2-The Honorable Tim Murphy
well as other components of the Fund - and to working with stakeholders including rural carriers
and consumers, to ensure that all Americans have access to robust voice and broadband services.
I appreciate your interest in this matter. Please let me know if I can be of any further
assistance.
erely,
Tom Wheeler
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASHINGTON
OFFICE OF November 20, 2013
THE CHAIRMAN
The Honorable John M. Shimkus
U.S. House of Representatives
2452 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressman Shimkus:
Thank you for your letter to former Acting Chairwoman Clyburn expressing concern
about the effect of the Commission's Quantile Regression Analysis (QRA) on rural carriers. We
appreciate your views and will ensure that your letter will be included in the record of the
proceeding and considered as part of the Commission's review.
As I have made clear since the day I arrived at the Commission, one of the core elements
of communications policy that must guide the work of the FCC is the critical need for all
Americans to have access to high-speed broadband networks. Access denied is opportunity
denied. To that end, I am a firm believer in the importance of universal service, and I agree that
the Commission must make timely decisions in order to provide regulatory certainty and create
incentives to further efficient investment in broadband networks.
My colleagues and predecessors at the Commission worked hard to develop the landmark
Universal Service Fund (USF) reforms adopted in 2011. The work to implement the reforms to
date has included the steps you note to temporarily relieve the impacts of the QRA benchmarks
on small rate-of-return carriers. At the first Open Meeting that I held as Chairman last week, the
Wireline and Wireless Bureaus and the Office of Native Affairs and Policy provided the
Commission with a status update on USF reform implementation. I was impressed with the
work they have done to get broadband to millions of people for the first time, but I know much
work remains.
The Commission has unanimously adopted a vision for a broadband-focused Universal
Service Fund. We must of course be open to modifications to the reforms if it is clear that
particular rules are not serving their intended purpose. Commissioner Clyburn said it best, "We
should remain open to pursuing course corrections where necessary." Where we are making
progress we will continue moving full steam ahead. Where the reforms are not achieving their
intended goals, we will make changes based on sound data.
Assuring that the opportunities of the new network extend to all Americans is one of the
principal challenges we face at the FCC. We exist at an important moment when the USF is
evolving to support 21st century services. I know I speak for all my colleagues in saying we look
forward to continuing the work of reforming and modernizing the USF high-cost program - as
Page 2-The Honorable John M. Shimkus
well as other components of the Fund - and to working with stakeholders including rural carriers
and consumers, to ensure that all Americans have access to robust voice and broadband services.
I appreciate your interest in this matter. Please let me know if I can be of any further
assistance.
Sincerely,
((''\ FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASHINGTON
ISS\O
OFFICE OF November 20, 2013
THE CHAIRMAN
The Honorable Lee Terry
U.S. House of Representatives
2331 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressman Terry:
Thank you for your letter to former Acting Chairwoman Clyburn expressing concern
about the effect of the Commission's Quantile Regression Analysis (QRA) on rural carriers. We
appreciate your views and will ensure that your letter will be included in the record of the
proceeding and considered as part of the Commission's review.
As I have made clear since the day I arrived at the Commission, one of the core elements
of communications policy that must guide the work of the FCC is the critical need for all
Americans to have access to high-speed broadband networks. Access denied is opportunity
denied. To that end, I am a firm believer in the importance of universal service, and I agree that
the Commission must make timely decisions in order to provide regulatory certainty and create
incentives to further efficient investment in broadband networks.
My colleagues and predecessors at the Commission worked hard to develop the landmark
Universal Service Fund (USF) reforms adopted in 2011. The work to implement the reforms to
date has included the steps you note to temporarily relieve the impacts of the QRA benchmarks
on small rate-of-return carriers. At the first Open Meeting that I held as Chairman last week, the
Wireline and Wireless Bureaus and the Office of Native Affairs and Policy provided the
Commission with a status update on EJSF reform implementation. I was impressed with the
work they have done to get broadband to millions of people for the first time, but I know much
work remains.
The Commission has unanimously adopted a vision for a broadband-focused Universal
Service Fund. We must of course be open to modifications to the reforms if it is clear that
particular rules are not serving their intended purpose. Commissioner Clyburn said it best, 'We
should remain open to pursuing course corrections where necessary." Where we are making
progress we will continue moving full steam ahead. Where the reforms are not achieving their
intended goals, we will make changes based on sound data.
Assuring that the opportunities of the new network extend to all Americans is one of the
principal challenges we face at the FCC. We exist at an important moment when the USF is
evolving to support 21st century services. I know I speak for all my colleagues in saying we look
forward to continuing the work of reforming and modernizing the USF high-cost program - as
Page 2-The Honorable Lee Terry
well as other components of the Fund - and to working with stakeholders including rural carriers
and consumers, to ensure that all Americans have access to robust voice and broadband services.
I appreciate your interest in this matter. Please let me know if I can be of any further
assistance.
OMM
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASHING TO N
OFFICE OF November 20, 2013
THE CHAIRMAN
The Honorable Ed Whitfield
U.S. House of Representatives
2368 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 205 15
Dear Congressman Whitfield:
Thank you for your letter to former Acting Chairwoman Clyburn expressing concern
about the effect of the Commission's Quantile Regression Analysis (QRA) on rural carriers. We
appreciate your views and will ensure that your letter will be included in the record of the
proceeding and considered as part of the Commission's review.
As I have made clear since the day I arrived at the Commission, one of the core elements
of communications policy that must guide the work of the FCC is the critical need for all
Americans to have access to high-speed broadband networks. Access denied is opportunity
denied. To that end, I am a firm believer in the importance of universal service, and I agree that
the Commission must make timely decisions in order to provide regulatory certainty and create
neentives to further efficient investment in broadband networks.
My colleagues and predecessors at the Commission worked hard to develop the landmark
Universal Service Fund (USF) reforms adopted in 2011. The work to implement the reforms to
date has included the steps you note to temporarily relieve the impacts of the QRA benchmarks
on small rate-of-return carriers. At the first Open Meeting that I held as Chairman last week, the
Wireline and Wireless Bureaus and the Office of Native Affairs and Policy provided the
Commission with a status update on USE reform implementation. I was impressed with the
work they have done to get broadband to millions of people for the first time, but I know much
work remains.
The Commission has unanimously adopted a vision for a broadband-focused Universal
Service Fund. We must of course be open to modifications to the reforms if it is clear that
particular rules are not serving their intended purpose. Commissioner Clyburn said it best, "We
should remain open to pursuing course corrections where necessary." Where we are making
progress we will continue moving full steam ahead. Where the reforms are not achieving their
intended goals, we will make changes based on sound data.
Assuring that the opportunities of the new network extend to all Americans is one of the
principal challenges we face at the FCC. We exist at an important moment when the USE is
evolving to support 21st century services. I know I speak for all my colleagues in saying we look
forward to continuing the work of reforming and modernizing the USE high-cost program - as
Page 2-The Honorable Ed Whitfield
well as other components of the Fund - and to working with stakeholders including rural carriers
and consumers, to ensure that all Americans have access to robust voice and broadband services.
I appreciate your interest in this matter. Please let me know if I can be of any further
assistance.
Sincerely,
Tom Wheeler