FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASH I NGTON OFFICE OF May 16, 2014 THE CHAIRMAN The Honorable David Price U.S. House of Representatives 2162 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 Dear Congressman Price: Thank you for your letter regarding modernization of the Commission's rules governing the Schools and Libraries universal service support mechanism - also known as the E-rate program - and the concerted efforts the State of North Carolina has made to strengthen digital learning opportunities. I particularly appreciate the bipartisan commitment North Carolina lawmakers at both the state and federal level have demonstrated to ensure connectivity for schools and libraries within your state. Modernization of the E-rate program is among the most important tasks currently facing the Commission. I am a strong advocate for the E-rate program and the need to modernize its operation to emphasize high-speed broadband. I have attached two recent speeches on the topic. Moreover, it is critical to America's future to ensure that our schools and libraries have affordable access to modern high-capacity broadband technologies. In addition, as your letter indicates, in order to help provide our students with a 21st century education, it is essential that we re-prioritize the current program resources to focus both on high-speed broadband connectivity to schools and libraries and within schools and libraries. Commission staff is reviewing the record that has been developed in response to the July 2013 Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, and meeting with stakeholders to ensure that we have robust input from all interested parties. Just a few weeks ago, the staff released a Public Notice seeking focused comment on a handful of specific issues that have been raised by commenters. My goal is for the Commission to adopt an Order this summer that would implement fundamental structural and administrative changes that would go into effect in 2015. We need to ensure that the E-rate program supports the high-capacity broadband needed to give our students access to 21 St century educational opportunities, while simultaneously improving the efficiency and administration of the program and establishing explicit program goals and measurements. As part of the effort to reach out to stakeholders, the Commission held an E-rate Modernization Workshop on May 6, 2014, where Commission staff and E-rate stakeholders discussed the challenge of delivering high-speed connectivity to and within schools and libraries. Two respected leaders from North Carolina, Mr. Phil Emer, Director of Technology Planning & Policy of North Carolina State University's Friday Institute for Educational Innovation, and Mr. Joe Freddoso, President & CEO of the Microelectronics Center of North Carolina (MCNC), participated in the Workshop and shared their insights on these important issues. Page 2-The Honorable David Price I can assure you that as we proceed with reform of this important program, we will take the views of all stakeholders into account, including those espoused by your constituents. We also will include your letter in the record of the proceeding for Commission consideration. I appreciate your interest in this matter. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. Sincerely, Tom Enclosures FEDERAL COMMUNICATJONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE OF May 16, 2014 THE CHAIRMAN The Honorable Richard Burr United States Senate 217 Russell Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 Dear Senator Burr: Thank you for your letter regarding modernization of the Commission's rules governing the Schools and Libraries universal service support mechanism - also known as the E-rate program - and the concerted efforts the State of North Carolina has made to strengthen digital learning opportunities. I particularly appreciate the bipartisan commitment North Carolina lawmakers at both the state and federal level have demonstrated to ensure connectivity for schools and libraries within your state. Modernization of the E-rate program is among the most important tasks currently facing the Commission. I am a strong advocate for the E-rate program and the need to modernize its operation to emphasize high-speed broadband. I have attached two recent speeches on the topic. Moreover, it is critical to America's future to ensure that our schools and libraries have affordable access to modern high-capacity broadband technologies. In addition, as your letter indicates, in order to help provide our students with a 21st century education, it is essential that we re-prioritize the current program resources to focus both on high-speed broadband connectivity to schools and libraries and within schools and libraries. Commission staff is reviewing the record that has been developed in response to the July 2013 Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, and meeting with stakeholders to ensure that we have robust input from all interested parties. Just a few weeks ago, the staff released a Public Notice seeking focused comment on a handful of specific issues that have been raised by commenters. My goal is for the Commission to adopt an Order this summer that would implement fundamental structural and administrative changes that would go into effect in 2015. We need to ensure that the E-rate program supports the high-capacity broadband needed to give our students access to 21St century educational opportunities, while simultaneously improving the efficiency and administration of the program and establishing explicit program goals and measurements. As part of the effort to reach out to stakeholders, the Commission held an E-rate Modernization Workshop on May 6, 2014, where Commission staff and E-rate stakeholders discussed the challenge of delivering high-speed connectivity to and within schools and libraries. Two respected leaders from North Carolina, Mr. Phil Emer, Director of Technology P1 anning & Policy of North Carolina State University's Friday Institute for Educational Innovation, and Mr. Joe Freddoso, President & CEO of the Microelectronics Center of North Carolina (MCNC). participated in the Workshop and shared their insights on these important issues. Page 2-The Honorable Richard Burr I can assure you that as we proceed with reform of this important program, we will take the views of all stakeholders into account, including those espoused by your constituents. We also will include your letter in the record of the proceeding for Commission consideration. I appreciate your interest in this matter. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. Sincerely, Tom Wheeler Enclosures FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASH INGTON OFFICE OF May 16, 2014 THE CHAIRMAN The Honorable G.K. Butterfield U.S. House of Representatives 2305 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 Dear Congressman Butterfield: Thank you for your letter regarding modernization of the Commission's rules governing the Schools and Libraries universal service support mechanism - also known as the E-rate program - and the concerted efforts the State of North Carolina has made to strengthen digital learning opportunities. I particularly appreciate the bipartisan commitment North Carolina lawmakers at both the state and federal level have demonstrated to ensure connectivity for schools and libraries within your state. Modernization of the E-rate program is among the most important tasks currently facing the Commission. I am a strong advocate for the E-rate program and the need to modernize its operation to emphasize high-speed broadband. I have attached two recent speeches on the topic. Moreover, it is critical to America's future to ensure that our schools and libraries have affordable access to modern high-capacity broadband technologies. In addition, as your letter indicates, in order to help provide our students with a 21st century education, it is essential that we re-prioritize the current program resources to focus both on high-speed broadband connectivity to schools and libraries and within schools and libraries. Commission staff is reviewing the record that has been developed in response to the July 2013 Notice f Proposed Rulemaking, and meeting with stakeholders to ensure that we have robust input from all interested parties. Just a few weeks ago, the staff released a Public Notice seeking focused comment on a handful of specific issues that have been raised by commenters. My goal is for the Commission to adopt an Order this summer that would implement fundamental structural and admiiiistrative changes that would go into effect in 2015. We need to ensure that the E-rate program supports the high-capacity broadband needed to give our students access to 21st century educational opportunities, while simultaneously improving the efficiency and administration of the program and establishing explicit program goals and measurements. As part of the effort to reach out to stakeholders, the Commission held an E-rate Modernization Workshop on May 6, 2014, where Commission staff and E-rate stakeholders discussed the challenge of delivering high-speed connectivity to and within schools and libraries. Two respected leaders from North Carolina, Mr. Phil Emer, Director of Technology Planning & Policy of North Carolina State University's Friday Institute for Educational Innovation, and Mr. Joe Freddoso, President & CEO of the Microelectronics Center of North Carolina (MCNC), participated in the Workshop and shared their insights on these important issues. Page 2-The Honorable G.K. Butterfield I can assure you that as we proceed with reform of this important program, we will take the views of all stakeholders into account, including those espoused by your constituents. We also will include your letter in the record of the proceeding for Commission consideration. I appreciate your interest in this matter. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. Sincerely, / / Tom Mieeler Enclosures FEDERAL COMMUNICATJONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE OF May 16, 2014 THE CHAIRMAN The Honorable Howard Coble U.S. House of Representatives 2188 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 Dear Congressman Coble: Thank you for your letter regarding modernization of the Commission's rules governing the Schools and Libraries universal service support mechanism - also known as the E-rate program - and the concerted efforts the State of North Carolina has made to strengthen digital learning opportunities. I particularly appreciate the bipartisan commitment North Carolina lawmakers at both the state and federal level have demonstrated to ensure connectivity for schools and libraries within your state. Modernization of the E-rate program is among the most important tasks currently facing the Commission. I am a strong advocate for the E-rate program and the need to modernize its operation to emphasize high-speed broadband. I have attached two recent speeches on the topic. Moreover, it is critical to America's future to ensure that our schools and libraries have affordable access to modern high-capacity broadband technologies. In addition, as your letter indicates, in order to help provide our students with a 21st century education, it is essential that we re-prioritize the current program resources to focus both on high-speed broadband connectivity to schools and libraries and within schools and libraries. Commission staff is reviewing the record that has been developed in response to the July 2013 Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, and meeting with stakeholders to ensure that we have robust input from all interested parties. Just a few weeks ago, the staff released a Public Notice seeking focused comment on a handful of specific issues that have been raised by commenters. My goal is for the Commission to adopt an Order this summer that would implement fundamental structural and administrative changes that would go into effect in 2015. We need to ensure that the E-rate program supports the high-capacity broadband needed to give our students access to 21st century educational opportunities, while simultaneously improving the efficiency and administration of the program and establishing explicit program goals and measurements. As part of the effort to reach out to stakeholders, the Commission held an E-rate Modernization Workshop on May 6, 2014, where Commission staff and E-rate stakeholders discussed the challenge of delivering high-speed connectivity to and within schools and libraries. Two respected leaders from North Carolina, Mr. Phil Emer, Director of Technology Planning & Policy of North Carolina State University's Friday Institute for Educational Innovation, and Mr. Joe Freddoso, President & CEO of the Microelectronics Center of North Carolina (MCNC), participated in the Workshop and shared their insights on these important issues. Page 2-The Honorable Howard Coble I can assure you that as we proceed with reform of this important program, we will take the views of all stakeholders into account, including those espoused by your constituents. We also will include your letter in the record of the proceeding for Commission consideration. I appreciate your interest in this matter. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. Sincerely, Tom Wheeler Enclosures ((() FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASH INGTON OFFICE OF May 16, 2014 THE CHAIRMAN The Honorable Renee Ellmers U.S. House of Representatives 426 Cannon House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 Dear Congresswoman Elimers: Thank you for your letter regarding modernization of the Commission's rules governing the Schools and Libraries universal service support mechanism - also known as the E-rate program - and the concerted efforts the State of North Carolina has made to strengthen digital learning opportunities. I particularly appreciate the bipartisan commitment North Carolina lawmakers at both the state and federal level have demonstrated to ensure connectivity for schools and libraries within your state. Modernization of the E-rate program is among the most important tasks currently facing the Commission. I am a strong advocate for the E-rate program and the need to modernize its operation to emphasize high-speed broadband. I have attached two recent speeches on the topic. Moreover, it is critical to America's future to ensure that our schools and libraries have affordable access to modern high-capacity broadband technologies. In addition, as your letter indicates, in order to help provide our students with a 21st century education, it is essential that we re-prioritize the current program resources to focus both on high-speed broadband connectivity to schools and libraries and within schools and libraries. Commission staff is reviewing the record that has been developed in response to the July 2013 Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, and meeting with stakeholders to ensure that we have robust input from all interested parties. Just a few weeks ago, the staff released a Public Notice seeking focused comment on a handful of specific issues that have been raised by commenters. My goal is for the Commission to adopt an Order this summer that would implement fundamental structural and administrative changes that would go into effect in 2015. We need to ensure that the E-rate program supports the high-capacity broadband needed to give our students access to 21St century educational opportunities, while simultaneously improving the efficiency and administration of the program and establishing explicit program goals and measurements. As part of the effort to reach out to stakeholders, the Commission held an E-rate Modernization Workshop on May 6, 2014, where Commission staff and E-rate stakeholders discussed the challenge of delivering high-speed connectivity to and within schools and libraries. Two respected leaders from North Carolina, Mr. Phil Emer, Director of Technology Planning & Policy of North Carolina State University's Friday Institute for Educational Innovation, and Mr. Joe Freddoso, President & CEO of the Microelectronics Center of North Carolina (MCNC), participated in the Workshop and shared their insights on these important issues. Page 2-The Honorable Renee Elimers I can assure you that as we proceed with reform of this important program, we will take the views of all stakeholders into account, including those espoused by your constituents. We also will include your letter in the record of the proceeding for Commission consideration. I appreciate your interest in this matter. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. Sincerely, / Tom heeler Enclosures FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE OF May 16, 2014 THE CHAIRMAN The Honorable Kay Hagan United States Senate 521 Dirksen Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 Dear Senator Hagan: Thank you for your letter regarding modernization of the Commission's rules governing the Schools and Libraries universal service support mechanism - also known as the E-rate program - and the concerted efforts the State of North Carolina has made to strengthen digital learning opportunities. I particularly appreciate the bipartisan commitment North Carolina lawmakers at both the state and federal level have demonstrated to ensure connectivity for schools and libraries within your state. Modernization of the E-rate program is among the most important tasks currently facing the Commission. I am a strong advocate for the E-rate program and the need to modernize its operation to emphasize high-speed broadband. I have attached two recent speeches on the topic. Moreover, it is critical to America's future to ensure that our schools and libraries have affordable access to modern high-capacity broadband technologies. In addition, as your letter indicates, in order to help provide our students with a 21st century education, it is essential that we re-prioritize the current program resources to focus both on high-speed broadband connectivity to schools and libraries and within schools and libraries. Commission staff is reviewing the record that has been developed in response to the July 2013 Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, and meeting with stakeholders to ensure that we have robust input from all interested parties. Just a few weeks ago, the staff released a Public Notice seeking focused comment on a handful of specific issues that have been raised by commenters. My goal is for the Commission to adopt an Order this summer that would implement fundamental structural and administrative changes that would go into effect in 2015. We need to ensure that the E-rate program supports the high-capacity broadband needed to give our students access to 21st century educational opportunities, while simultaneously improving the efficiency and administration of the program and establishing explicit program goals and measurements. As part of the effort to reach out to stakeholders, the Commission held an E-rate Modernization Workshop on May 6, 2014, where Commission staff and E-rate stakeholders discussed the challenge of delivering high-speed connectivity to and within schools and libraries. Two respected leaders from North Carolina, Mr. Phil Emer, Director of Technology Planning & Policy of North Carolina State University's Friday Institute for Educational Innovation, and Mr. Joe Freddoso, President & CEO of the Microelectronics Center of North Carolina (MCNC), participated in the Workshop and shared their insights on these important issues. Page 2-The Honorable Kay Hagan I can assure you that as we proceed with reform of this important program, we will take the views of all stakeholders into account, including those espoused by your constituents. We also will include your letter in the record of the proceeding for Commission consideration. I appreciate your interest in this matter. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. Sincerely, Tom Wheeler Enclosures FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE OF May 16, 2014 THE CHAIRMAN The Honorable George Holding U.S. House of Representatives 507 Cannon House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 Dear Congressman Holding: Thank you for your letter regarding modernization of the Commission's rules governing the Schools and Libraries universal service support mechanism - also known as the E-rate program - and the concerted efforts the State of North Carolina has made to strengthen digital learning opportunities. I particularly appreciate the bipartisan commitment North Carolina lawmakers at both the state and federal level have demonstrated to ensure connectivity for schools and libraries within your state. Modernization of the E-rate program is among the most important tasks currently facing the Commission. I am a strong advocate for the E-rate program and the need to modernize its operation to emphasize high-speed broadband. I have attached two recent speeches on the topic. Moreover, it is critical to America's future to ensure that our schools and libraries have affordable access to modern high-capacity broadband technologies. In addition, as your letter indicates, in order to help provide our students with a 21st century education, it is essential that we re-prioritize the current program resources to focus both on high-speed broadband connectivity to schools and libraries and within schools and libraries. Commission staff is reviewing the record that has been developed in response to the July 2013 Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, and meeting with stakeholders to ensure that we have robust input from all interested parties. Just a few weeks ago, the staff released a Public Notice seeking focused comment on a handful of specific issues that have been raised by commenters. My goal is for the Commission to adopt an Order this summer that would implement fundamental structural and administrative changes that would go into effect in 2015. We need to ensure that the E-rate program supports the high-capacity broadband needed to give our students access to 21St century educational opportunities, while simultaneously improving the efficiency and administration of the program and establishing explicit program goals and measurements. As part of the effort to reach out to stakeholders, the Commission held an E-rate Modernization Workshop on May 6, 2014, where Commission staff and E-rate stakeholders discussed the challenge of delivering high-speed connectivity to and within schools and libraries. Two respected leaders from North Carolina, Mr. Phil Emer, Director of Technology Planning & Policy of North Carolina State University's Friday Institute for Educational Innovation, and Mr. Joe Freddoso, President & CEO of the Microelectronics Center of North Carolina (MCNC), participated in the Workshop and shared their insights on these important issues. Page 2-The Honorable George Holding I can assure you that as we proceed with reform of this important program, we will take the views of all stakeholders into account, including those espoused by your constituents. We also will include your letter in the record of the proceeding for Commission consideration. I appreciate your interest in this matter. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. Sincerely, /7 Tom Wheeler Enclosures FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASH INGTON OFFICE OF May 16, 2014 THE CHAIRMAN The Honorable Richard Hudson U.S. House of Representatives 429 Cannon House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 Dear Congressman Hudson: Thank you for your letter regarding modernization of the Commission's rules governing the Schools and Libraries universal service support mechanism - also known as the E-rate program - and the concerted efforts the State of North Carolina has made to strengthen digital learning opportunities. I particularly appreciate the bipartisan commitment North Carolina lawmakers at both the state and federal level have demonstrated to ensure connectivity for schools and libraries within your state. Modernization of the E-rate program is among the most important tasks currently facing the Commission. I am a strong advocate for the E-rate program and the need to modernize its operation to emphasize high-speed broadband. I have attached two recent speeches on the topic. Moreover, it is critical to America's future to ensure that our schools and libraries have affordable access to modern high-capacity broadband technologies. In addition, as your letter indicates, in order to help provide our students with a 21st century education, it is essential that we re-prioritize the current program resources to focus both on high-speed broadband connectivity to schools and libraries and within schools and libraries. Commission staff is reviewing the record that has been developed in response to the July 2013 Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, and meeting with stakeholders to ensure that we have robust input from all interested parties. Just a few weeks ago, the staff released a Public Notice seeking focused comment on a handful of specific issues that have been raised by commenters. My goal is for the Commission to adopt an Order this summer that would implement fundamental structural and administrative changes that would go into effect in 2015. We need to ensure that the E-rate program supports the high-capacity broadband needed to give our students access to 21st century educational opportunities, while simultaneously improving the efficiency and administration of the program and establishing explicit program goals and measurements. As part of the effort to reach out to stakeholders, the Commission held an E-rate Modernization Workshop on May 6, 2014, where Commission staff and E-rate stakeholders discussed the challenge of delivering high-speed connectivity to and within schools and libraries. Two respected leaders from North Carolina, Mr. Phil Emer, Director of Technology Planning & Policy of North Carolina State University's Friday Institute for Educational Innovation, and Mr. Joe Freddoso, President & CEO of the Microelectronics Center of North Carolina (MCNC), participated in the Workshop and shared their insights on these important issues. Page 2-The Honorable Richard Hudson I can assure you that as we proceed with reform of this important program, we will take the views of all stakeholders into account, including those espoused by your constituents. We also will include your letter in the record of the proceeding for Commission consideration. I appreciate your interest in this matter. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. Sincerely, Tom Wheeler Enclosures FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE OF May 16, 2014 THE CHAIRMAN The Honorable Walter Jones U.S. House of Representatives 2333 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 Dear Congressman Jones: Thank you for your letter regarding modernization of the Commission's rules governing the Schools and Libraries universal service support mechanism - also known as the E-rate program - and the concerted efforts the State of North Carolina has made to strengthen digital learning opportunities. I particularly appreciate the bipartisan commitment North Carolina lawmakers at both the state and federal level have demonstrated to ensure connectivity for schools and libraries within your state. Modernization of the E-rate program is among the most important tasks currently facing the Commission. I am a strong advocate for the E-rate program and the need to modernize its operation to emphasize high-speed broadband. I have attached two recent speeches on the topic. Moreover, it is critical to America's future to ensure that our schools and libraries have affordable access to modern high-capacity broadband technologies. In addition, as your letter indicates, in order to help provide our students with a 21st century education, it is essential that we re-prioritize the current program resources to focus both on high-speed broadband connectivity to schools and libraries and within schools and libraries. Commission staff is reviewing the record that has been developed in response to the July 2013 Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, and meeting with stakeholders to ensure that we have robust input from all interested parties. Just a few weeks ago, the staff released a Public Notice seeking focused comment on a handful of specific issues that have been raised by commenters. My goal is for the Commission to adopt an Order this summer that would implement fundamental structural and administrative changes that would go into effect in 2015. We need to ensure that the E-rate program supports the high-capacity broadband needed to give our students access to 21st century educational opportunities, while simultaneously improving the efficiency and administration of the program and establishing explicit program goals and measurements. As part of the effort to reach out to stakeholders, the Commission held an E-rate Modernization Workshop on May 6, 2014, where Commission staff and E-rate stakeholders discussed the challenge of delivering high-speed connectivity to and within schools and libraries. Two respected leaders from North Carolina, Mr. Phil Emer, Director of Technology Planning & Policy of North Carolina State University's Friday Institute for Educational Innovation, and Mr. Joe Freddoso, President & CEO of the Microelectronics Center of North Carolina (MCNC), participated in the Workshop and shared their insights on these important issues. Page 2-The Honorable Walter Jones I can assure you that as we proceed with reform of this important program, we will take the views of all stakeholders into account, including those espoused by your constituents. We also will include your letter in the record of the proceeding for Commission consideration. I appreciate your interest in this matter. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. Sincerely, / Tom Wheeler Enclosures FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE OF May16 2014 THE CHAIRMAN The Honorable Patrick McHenry U.S. House of Representatives 2334 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 Dear Congressman McHenry: Thank you for your letter regarding modernization of the Commission's rules governing the Schools and Libraries universal service support mechanism - also known as the E-rate program - and the concerted efforts the State of North Carolina has made to strengthen digital learning opportunities. I particularly appreciate the bipartisan commitment North Carolina lawmakers at both the state and federal level have demonstrated to ensure connectivity for schools and libraries within your state. Modernization of the E-rate program is among the most important tasks currently facing the Commission. I am a strong advocate for the E-rate program and the need to modernize its operation to emphasize high-speed broadband. I have attached two recent speeches on the topic. Moreover, it is critical to America's future to ensure that our schools and libraries have affordable access to modern high-capacity broadband technologies. In addition, as your letter indicates, in order to help provide our students with a 21st century education, it is essential that we re-prioritize the current program resources to focus both on high-speed broadband connectivity to schools and libraries and within schools and libraries. Commission staff is reviewing the record that has been developed in response to the July 2013 Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, and meeting with stakeholders to ensure that we have robust input from all interested parties. Just a few weeks ago, the staff released a Public Notice seeking focused comment on a handful of specific issues that have been raised by commenters. My goal is for the Commission to adopt an Order this summer that would implement fundamental structural and administrative changes that would go into effect in 2015. We need to ensure that the E-rate program supports the high-capacity broadband needed to give our students access to 21st century educational opportunities, while simultaneously improving the efficiency and administration of the program and establishing explicit program goals and measurements. As part of the effort to reach out to stakeholders, the Commission held an E-rate Modernization Workshop on May 6, 2014, where Commission staff and E-rate stakeholders discussed the challenge of delivering high-speed connectivity to and within schools and libraries. Two respected leaders from North Carolina, Mr. Phil Emer, Director of Technology Planning & Policy of North Carolina State University's Friday Institute for Educational Innovation, and Mr. Joe Freddoso, President & CEO of the Microelectronics Center of North Carolina (MCNC), participated in the Workshop and shared their insights on these important issues. Page 2-The Honorable Patrick McHenry I can assure you that as we proceed with reform of this important program, we will take the views of all stakeholders into account, including those espoused by your constituents. We also will include your letter in the record of the proceeding for Commission consideration. I appreciate your interest in this matter. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. Sincerely, om Wheeler Enclosures FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE OF May16 2014 THE CHAIRMAN The Honorable Mike McIntyre U.S. House of Representatives 2428 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 Dear Congressman McIntyre: Thank you for your letter regarding modernization of the Commission's rules governing the Schools and Libraries universal service support mechanism - also known as the E-rate program - and the concerted efforts the State of North Carolina has made to strengthen digital learning opportunities. I particularly appreciate the bipartisan commitment North Carolina lawmakers at both the state and federal level have demonstrated to ensure connectivity for schools and libraries within your state. Modernization of the E-rate program is among the most important tasks currently facing the Commission. I am a strong advocate for the E-rate program and the need to modernize its operation to emphasize high-speed broadband. I have attached two recent speeches on the topic. Moreover, it is critical to America's future to ensure that our schools and libraries have affordable access to modern high-capacity broadband technologies. In addition, as your letter indicates, in order to help provide our students with a 21st century education, it is essential that we re-prioritize the current program resources to focus both on high-speed broadband connectivity to schools and libraries and within schools and libraries. Commission staff is reviewing the record that has been developed in response to the July 2013 Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, and meeting with stakeholders to ensure that we have robust input from all interested parties. Just a few weeks ago, the staff released a Public Notice seeking focused comment on a handful of specific issues that have been raised by commenters. My goal is for the Commission to adopt an Order this summer that would implement fundamental structural and administrative changes that would go into effect in 2015. We need to ensure that the E-rate program supports the high-capacity broadband needed to give our students access to 21st century educational opportunities, while simultaneously improving the efficiency and administration of the program and establishing explicit program goals and measurements. As part of the effort to reach out to stakeholders, the Commission held an E-rate Modernization Workshop on May 6, 2014, where Commission staff and E-rate stakeholders discussed the challenge of delivering high-speed connectivity to and within schools and libraries. Two respected leaders from North Carolina, Mr. Phil Emer, Director of Technology Planning & Policy of North Carolina State University's Friday Institute for Educational Innovation, and Mr. Joe Freddoso, President & CEO of the Microelectronics Center of North Carolina (MCNC), participated in the Workshop and shared their insights on these important issues. Page 2-The Honorable Mike McIntyre I can assure you that as we proceed with reform of this important program, we will take the views of all stakeholders into account, including those espoused by your constituents. We also will include your letter in the record of the proceeding for Commission consideration. I appreciate your interest in this matter. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. Sincerely, Tom Wheeler Enclosures FEDERAL CoMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE OF THE CHAIRMAN May 16, 2014 The Honorable Mark Meadows U.S. House of Representatives 1516 Longworth House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 Dear Congressman Meadows: Thank you for your letter regarding modernization of the Commission's rules governing the Schools and Libraries universal service support mechanism - also known as the E-rate program and the concerted efforts the State of North Carolina has made to strengthen digital learning opportunities. I particularly appreciate the bipartisan commitment North Carolina lawmakers at both the state and federal level have demonstrated to ensure connectivity for schools and libraries within your state. Modernization of the E-rate program is among the most important tasks currently facing the Commission. I am a strong advocate for the E-rate program and the need to modernize its operation to emphasize high-speed broadband. I have attached two recent speeches on the topic. Moreover, it is critical to America's future to ensure that our schools and libraries have affordable access to modern high-capacity broadband technologies. In addition, as your letter indicates, in order to help provide our students with a 21st century education, it is essential that we re-prioritize the current program resources to focus both on high-speed broadband connectivity to schools and libraries and within schools and libraries. Commission staff is reviewing the record that has been developed in response to the July 2013 Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, and meeting with stakeholders to ensure that we have robust input from all interested parties. Just a few weeks ago, the staff released a Public Notice seeking focused comment on a handful of specific issues that have been raised by commenters. My goal is for the Commission to adopt an Order this summer that would implement fundamental structural and administrative changes that would go into effect in 2015. We need to ensure that the E-rate program supports the high-capacity broadband needed to give our students access to 21 St century educational opportunities, while simultaneously improving the efficiency and administration of the program and establishing explicit program goals and measurements. As part of the effort to reach out to stakeholders, the Commission held an E-rate Modernization Workshop on May 6, 2014, where Commission staff and E-rate stakeholders discussed the challenge of delivering high-speed connectivity to and within schools and libraries. Two respected leaders from North Carolina, Mr. Phil Emer, Director of Technology Planning & Policy of North Carolina State University's Friday Institute for Educational Innovation, and Mr. Joe Freddoso, President & CEO of the Microelectronics Center of North Carolina (MCNC), participated in the Workshop and shared their insights on these important issues. Page 2-The Honorable Mark Meadows I can assure you that as we proceed with reform of this important program, we will take the views of all stakeholders into account, including those espoused by your constituents. We also will include your letter in the record of the proceeding for Commission consideration. I appreciate your interest in this matter. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. Sincerely, Tom Wheeler Enclosures FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASH I NGTON OFFICE OF May 16, 2014 THE CHAIRMAN The Honorable Robert Pittenger U.S. House of Representatives 224 Cannon House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 Dear Congressman Pittenger: Thank you for your letter regarding modernization of the Commission's rules governing the Schools and Libraries universal service support mechanism - also known as the E-rate program - and the concerted efforts the State of North Carolina has made to strengthen digital learning opportunities. I particularly appreciate the bipartisan commitment North Carolina lawmakers at both the state and federal level have demonstrated to ensure connectivity for schools and libraries within your state. Modernization of the E-rate program is among the most important tasks currently facing the Commission. I am a strong advocate for the E-rate program and the need to modernize its operation to emphasize high-speed broadband. I have attached two recent speeches on the topic. Moreover, it is critical to America's future to ensure that our schools and libraries have affordable access to modern high-capacity broadband technologies. In addition, as your letter indicates, in order to help provide our students with a 21st century education, it is essential that we re-prioritize the current program resources to focus both on high-speed broadband connectivity to schools and libraries and within schools and libraries. Commission staff is reviewing the record that has been developed in response to the July 2013 Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, and meeting with stakeholders to ensure that we have robust input from all interested parties. Just a few weeks ago. the staff released a Public Notice seeking focused comment on a handful of specific issues that have been raised by commenters. My goal is for the Commission to adopt an Order this summer that would implement fundamental structural and administrative changes that would go into effect in 2015. We need to ensure that the E-rate program supports the high-capacity broadband needed to give our students access to 21st century educational opportunities, while simultaneously improving the efficiency and administration of the program and establishing explicit program goals and measurements. As part of the effort to reach out to stakeholders, the Commission held an E-rate Modernization Workshop on May 6, 2014, where Commission staff and E-rate stakeholders discussed the challenge of delivering high-speed connectivity to and within schools and libraries. Two respected leaders from North Carolina, Mr. Phil Emer, Director of Technology Planning & Policy of North Carolina State University's Friday Institute for Educational Innovation, and Mr. Joe Freddoso, President & CEO of the Microelectronics Center of North Carolina (MCNC), participated in the Workshop and shared their insights on these important issues. Page 2-The Honorable Robert Pittenger Joe Freddoso, President & CEO of the Microelectronics Center of North Carolina (MCNC), participated in the Workshop and shared their insights on these important issues. I can assure you that as we proceed with reform of this important program, we will take the views of all stakeholders into account, including those espoused by your constituents. We also will include your letter in the record of the proceeding for Commission consideration. I appreciate your interest in this matter. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. Sincerely, Tom Wheeler Enclosures