FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASHINGTON
OFFICE OF
THE CHAIRMAN June 30, 2014
The Honorable Tom Latham
U.S. House of Representatives
2217 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressman Latham:
Thank you for your letter supporting the creation of a Connect America mechanism for areas
served by rural rate-of-return carriers, and a method to provide support for broadband-only lines. This
is one of the key issues that the Commission raised in the Connect America Fund Further Notice of
Proposed Rulemaking that we adopted in April. Your views are on this matter are very important, and
will be included in the record of the proceeding and considered as part of the Commission's review.
The universal service program is one of the most important tools at our disposal to ensure that
consumers and businesses in rural America have the same opportunities as their urban and suburban
counterparts to be active participants in the United States of the 21st century. I agree with you that the
existing universal service mechanisms for rate-of-return carriers "represent a real obstacle to the
broadband future toward which we are all aiming." We are focused on updating the universal service
program to ensure that we are delivering the best possible voice and broadband experiences to rural
America within the confines of our Connect America budget, while providing increased certainty and
predictability for all carriers and a climate for increased broadband expansion.
To that end, in April the Commission voted to move forward with Phase II of the Connect
America Fund for price-cap carriers, and took several steps to improve the climate for broadband
investment in areas served by incumbent rate-of-return carriers. In particular, we eliminated the
Quantile Regression Analysis benchmarks rule because it was not serving its intended purpose. In
addition, in the above-mentioned Further Notice, the Commission proposed a stand-alone broadband
funding mechanism for rate-of-return carriers and sought comment on how to support the deployment
of broadband-capable networks by rate-of-return carriers within the current budget for the program.
We expect a robust record on how a standalone broadband mechanism could be structured to provide
support consistent with the $2 billion budget for rate-of-return territories.
I appreciate your interest in this matter, and I look forward to working with you as we continue
the work of reforming and modernizing the universal service fund high-cost program - as well as other
components of the Fund - to ensure that all Americans have access to robust voice and broadband
services.
Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance.
Sincerely,
Tom Wheeler
OFFICE OF
THE CHAIRMAN
The Honorable Bob Latta
U.S. House of Representatives
2448 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressman Latta:
June 30, 2014
Thank you for your letter supporting the creation of a Connect America mechanism for areas
served by rural rate-of-return carriers, and a method to provide support for broadband-only lines. This
is one of the key issues that the Commission raised in the Connect America Fund Further Notice of
Proposed Rulemaking that we adopted in April. Your views are on this matter are very important, and
will be included in the record of the proceeding and considered as part of the Commission's review.
The universal service program is one of the most important tools at our disposal to ensure that
consumers and businesses in rural America have the same opportunities as their urban and suburban
counterparts to be active participants in the United States of the 21St century. I agree with you that the
existing universal service mechanisms for rate-of-return carriers "represent a real obstacle to the
broadband future toward which we are all aiming." We are focused on updating the universal service
program to ensure that we are delivering the best possible voice and broadband experiences to rural
America within the confines of our Connect America budget, while providing increased certainty and
predictability for all carriers and a climate for increased broadband expansion.
To that end, in April the Commission voted to move forward with Phase II of the Connect
America Fund for price-cap carriers, and took several steps to improve the climate for broadband
investment in areas served by incumbent rate-of-return carriers. In particular, we eliminated the
Quantile Regression Analysis benchmarks rule because it was not serving its intended purpose. In
addition, in the above-mentioned Further Notice, the Commission proposed a stand-alone broadband
funding mechanism for rate-of-return carriers and sought comment on how to support the deployment
of broadband-capable networks by rate-of-return carriers within the current budget for the program.
We expect a robust record on how a standalone broadband mechanism could be structured to provide
support consistent with the $2 billion budget for rate-of-return territories.
I appreciate your interest in this matter, and I look forward to working with you as we continue
the work of reforming and modernizing the universal service fund high-cost program - as well as other
components of the Fund - to ensure that all Americans have access to robust voice and broadband
services.
Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance.
Sincerely,
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASHINGTON
Tom Wheeler
cOMMoA,
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASHINGTON
0MP4ISS"0
OFFICE OF
THE CHAIRMAN June 30, 2014
The Honorable Dave Loebsack
U.S. House of Representatives
1527 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressman Loebsack:
Thank you for your letter supporting the creation of a Connect America mechanism for areas
served by rural rate-of-return carriers, and a method to provide support for broadband-only lines. This
is one of the key issues that the Commission raised in the Connect America Fund Further Notice of
Proposed Rulemaking that we adopted in April. Your views are on this matter are very important, and
will be included in the record of the proceeding and considered as part of the Commission's review.
The universal service program is one of the most important tools at our disposal to ensure that
consumers and businesses in rural America have the same opportunities as their urban and suburban
counterparts to be active participants in the United States of the 21st century. I agree with you that the
existing universal service mechanisms for rate-of-return carriers "represent a real obstacle to the
broadband future toward which we are all aiming." We are focused on updating the universal service
program to ensure that we are delivering the best possible voice and broadband experiences to rural
America within the confines of our Connect America budget, while providing increased certainty and
predictability for all carriers and a climate for increased broadband expansion.
To that end, in April the Commission voted to move forward with Phase II of the Connect
America Fund for price-cap carriers, and took several steps to improve the climate for broadband
investment in areas served by incumbent rate-of-return carriers. In particular, we eliminated the
Quantile Regression Analysis benchmarks rule because it was not serving its intended purpose. In
addition, in the above-mentioned Further Notice, the Commission proposed a stand-alone broadband
funding mechanism for rate-of-return carriers and sought comment on how to support the deployment
of broadband-capable networks by rate-of-return carriers within the current budget for the program.
We expect a robust record on how a standalone broadband mechanism could be structured to provide
support consistent with the $2 billion budget for rate-of-return territories.
I appreciate your interest in this matter, and I look forward to working with you as we continue
the work of reforming and modernizing the universal service fund high-cost program - as well as other
components of the Fund - to ensure that all Americans have access to robust voice and broadband
services.
Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance.
Sincerely,
Tom Wheeler
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASHINGTON
°AIMISS'
OFFICE OF
THE CHAIRMAN June 30, 2014
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 supporting the creation of a Connect America mechanism for areas
served by rural rate-of-return carriers, and a method to provide support for broadband-only lines. This
is one of the key issues that the Commission raised in the Connect America Fund Further Notice of
Proposed Rulemaking that we adopted in April. Your views are on this matter are very important, and
will be included in the record of the proceeding and considered as part of the Commission's review.
The universal service program is one of the most important tools at our disposal to ensure that
consumers and businesses in rural America have the same opportunities as their urban and suburban
counterparts to be active participants in the United States of the 21st century. I agree with you that the
existing universal service mechanisms for rate-of-return carriers "represent a real obstacle to the
broadband future toward which we are all aiming." We are focused on updating the universal service
program to ensure that we are delivering the best possible voice and broadband experiences to rural
America within the confines of our Connect America budget, while providing increased certainty and
predictability for all carriers and a climate for increased broadband expansion.
To that end, in April the Commission voted to move forward with Phase II of the Connect
America Fund for price-cap carriers, and took several steps to improve the climate for broadband
investment in areas served by incumbent rate-of-return carriers. In particular, we eliminated the
Quantile Regression Analysis benchmarks rule because it was not serving its intended purpose. In
addition, in the above-mentioned Further Notice, the Commission proposed a stand-alone broadband
funding mechanism for rate-of-return carriers and sought comment on how to support the deployment
of broadband-capable networks by rate-of-return carriers within the current budget for the program.
We expect a robust record on how a standalone broadband mechanism could be structured to provide
support consistent with the $2 billion budget for rate-of-return territories.
I appreciate your interest in this matter, and I look forward to working with you as we continue
the work of reforming and modernizing the universal service fund high-cost program - as well as other
components of the Fund - to ensure that all Americans have access to robust voice and broadband
services.
Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance.
Sincerely,
aZ
Tom Wheeler
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASHINGTON
OFFICE OF
THE CHAIRMAN June 30, 2014
The Honorable Frank Lucas
U.S. House of Representatives
2311 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressman Lucas:
Thank you for your letter supporting the creation of a Connect America mechanism for areas
served by rural rate-of-return carriers, and a method to provide support for broadband-only lines. This
is one of the key issues that the Commission raised in the Connect America Fund Further Notice of
Proposed Rulemaking that we adopted in April. Your views are on this matter are very important, and
will be included in the record of the proceeding and considered as part of the Commission's review.
The universal service program is one of the most important tools at our disposal to ensure that
consumers and businesses in rural America have the same opportunities as their urban and suburban
counterparts to be active participants in the United States of the 21st century. I agree with you that the
existing universal service mechanisms for rate-of-return carriers "represent a real obstacle to the
broadband future toward which we are all aiming." We are focused on updating the universal service
program to ensure that we are delivering the best possible voice and broadband experiences to rural
America within the confines of our Connect America budget, while providing increased certainty and
predictability for all carriers and a climate for increased broadband expansion.
To that end, in April the Commission voted to move forward with Phase II of the Connect
America Fund for price-cap carriers, and took several steps to improve the climate for broadband
investment in areas served by incumbent rate-of-return carriers. In particular, we eliminated the
Quantile Regression Analysis benchmarks rule because it was not serving its intended purpose. In
addition, in the above-mentioned Further Notice, the Commission proposed a stand-alone broadband
funding mechanism for rate-of-return carriers and sought comment on how to support the deployment
of broadband-capable networks by rate-of-return carriers within the current budget for the program.
We expect a robust record on how a standalone broadband mechanism could be structured to provide
support consistent with the $2 billion budget for rate-of-return territories.
I appreciate your interest in this matter, and I look forward to working with you as we continue
the work of reforming and modernizing the universal service fund high-cost program - as well as other
components of the Fund - to ensure that all Americans have access to robust voice and broadband
services.
Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance.
Sincerely,
Tom Wheeler
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASHINGTON
OFFICE OF June 30, 2014THE CHAIRMAN
The Honorable Blame Luetkemeyer
U.S. House of Representatives
2440 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressman Luetkemeyer:
Thank you for your letter supporting the creation of a Connect America mechanism for areas
served by rural rate-of-return carriers, and a method to provide support for broadband-only lines. This
is one of the key issues that the Commission raised in the Connect America Fund Further Notice of
Proposed Rulemaking that we adopted in April. Your views are on this matter are very important, and
will be included in the record of the proceeding and considered as part of the Commission's review.
The universal service program is one of the most important tools at our disposal to ensure that
consumers and businesses in rural America have the same opportunities as their urban and suburban
counterparts to be active participants in the United States of the 21st century. I agree with you that the
existing universal service mechanisms for rate-of-return carriers "represent a real obstacle to the
broadband future toward which we are all aiming." We are focused on updating the universal service
program to ensure that we are delivering the best possible voice and broadband experiences to rural
America within the confines of our Connect America budget, while providing increased certainty and
predictability for all carriers and a climate for increased broadband expansion.
To that end, in April the Commission voted to move forward with Phase II of the Connect
America Fund for price-cap carriers, and took several steps to improve the climate for broadband
investment in areas served by incumbent rate-of-return carriers. In particular, we eliminated the
Quantile Regression Analysis benchmarks rule because it was not serving its intended purpose. In
addition, in the above-mentioned Further Notice, the Commission proposed a stand-alone broadband
funding mechanism for rate-of-return carriers and sought comment on how to support the deployment
of broadband-capable networks by rate-of-return carriers within the current budget for the program.
We expect a robust record on how a standalone broadband mechanism could be structured to provide
support consistent with the $2 billion budget for rate-of-return territories.
I appreciate your interest in this matter, and I look forward to working with you as we continue
the work of reforming and modernizing the universal service fund high-cost program - as well as other
components of the Fund - to ensure that all Americans have access to robust voice and broadband
services.
Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance.
Sincerely,
Tom Wheeler
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASHINGTON
A1MISS\0
OFFICE OF June 30, 2014THE CHAIRMAN
The Honorable Cynthia Lummis
U.S. House of Representatives
113 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congresswoman Lummis:
Thank you for your letter supporting the creation of a Connect America mechanism for areas
served by rural rate-of-return carriers, and a method to provide support for broadband-only lines. This
is one of the key issues that the Commission raised in the Connect America Fund Further Notice of
Proposed Rulemaking that we adopted in April. Your views are on this matter are very important, and
will be included in the record of the proceeding and considered as part of the Commission's review.
The universal service program is one of the most important tools at our disposal to ensure that
consumers and businesses in rural America have the same opportunities as their urban and suburban
counterparts to be active participants in the United States of the 21st century. I agree with you that the
existing universal service mechanisms for rate-of-return carriers "represent a real obstacle to the
broadband future toward which we are all aiming." We are focused on updating the universal service
program to ensure that we are delivering the best possible voice and broadband experiences to rural
America within the confines of our Connect America budget, while providing increased certainty and
predictability for all carriers and a climate for increased broadband expansion.
To that end, in April the Commission voted to move forward with Phase II of the Connect
America Fund for price-cap carriers, and took several steps to improve the climate for broadband
investment in areas served by incumbent rate-of-return carriers. In particular, we eliminated the
Quantile Regression Analysis benchmarks rule because it was not serving its intended purpose. In
addition, in the above-mentioned Further Notice, the Commission proposed a stand-alone broadband
funding mechanism for rate-of-return carriers and sought comment on how to support the deployment
of broadband-capable networks by rate-of-return carriers within the current budget for the program.
We expect a robust record on how a standalone broadband mechanism could be structured to provide
support consistent with the $2 billion budget for rate-of-return territories.
I appreciate your interest in this matter, and I look forward to working with you as we continue
the work of reforming and modernizing the universal service fund high-cost program - as well as other
components of the Fund - to ensure that all Americans have access to robust voice and broadband
services.
Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance.
Sincerely,
Tom Wheeler
,cOMMS.
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASHINGTON
OFFICE OF June 30, 2014THE 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 supporting the creation of a Connect America mechanism for areas
served by rural rate-of-return carriers, and a method to provide support for broadband-only lines. This
is one of the key issues that the Commission raised in the Connect America Fund Further Notice of
Proposed Rulemaking that we adopted in April. Your views are on this matter are very important, and
will be included in the record of the proceeding and considered as part of the Commission's review.
The universal service program is one of the most important tools at our disposal to ensure that
consumers and businesses in rural America have the same opportunities as their urban and suburban
counterparts to be active participants in the United States of the 21st century. I agree with you that the
existing universal service mechanisms for rate-of-return carriers "represent a real obstacle to the
broadband future toward which we are all aiming." We are focused on updating the universal service
program to ensure that we are delivering the best possible voice and broadband experiences to rural
America within the confines of our Connect America budget, while providing increased certainty and
predictability for all carriers and a climate for increased broadband expansion.
To that end, in April the Commission voted to move forward with Phase II of the Connect
America Fund for price-cap carriers, and took several steps to improve the climate for broadband
investment in areas served by incumbent rate-of-return carriers. In particular, we eliminated the
Quantile Regression Analysis benchmarks rule because it was not serving its intended purpose. In
addition, in the above-mentioned Further Notice, the Commission proposed a stand-alone broadband
funding mechanism for rate-of-return carriers and sought comment on how to support the deployment
of broadband-capable networks by rate-of-return carriers within the current budget for the program.
We expect a robust record on how a standalone broadband mechanism could be structured to provide
support consistent with the $2 billion budget for rate-of-return territories.
I appreciate your interest in this matter, and I look forward to working with you as we continue
the work of reforming and modernizing the universal service fund high-cost program - as well as other
components of the Fund - to ensure that all Americans have access to robust voice and broadband
services.
Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance.
Sincerely,
Tom Wheeler
//7 FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASHINGTON
\e *.
•9Aq1iss\° -
OFFICE OF June 30, 2014THE CHAIRMAN
The Honorable David McKinley
U.S. House of Representatives
412 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressman McKinley:
Thank you for your letter supporting the creation of a Connect America mechanism for areas
served by rural rate-of-return carriers, and a method to provide support for broadband-only lines. This
is one of the key issues that the Commission raised in the Connect America Fund Further Notice of
Proposed Rulemaking that we adopted in April. Your views are on this matter are very important, and
will be included in the record of the proceeding and considered as part of the Commission's review.
The universal service program is one of the most important tools at our disposal to ensure that
consumers and businesses in rural America have the same opportunities as their urban and suburban
counterparts to be active participants in the United States of the 21st century. I agree with you that the
existing universal service mechanisms for rate-of-return carriers "represent a real obstacle to the
broadband future toward which we are all aiming." We are focused on updating the universal service
program to ensure that we are delivering the best possible voice and broadband experiences to rural
America within the confines of our Connect America budget, while providing increased certainty and
predictability for all carriers and a climate for increased broadband expansion.
To that end, in April the Commission voted to move forward with Phase II of the Connect
America Fund for price-cap carriers, and took several steps to improve the climate for broadband
investment in areas served by incumbent rate-of-return carriers. In particular, we eliminated the
Quantile Regression Analysis benchmarks rule because it was not serving its intended purpose. In
addition, in the above-mentioned Further Notice, the Commission proposed a stand-alone broadband
funding mechanism for rate-of-return carriers and sought comment on how to support the deployment
of broadband-capable networks by rate-of-return carriers within the current budget for the program.
We expect a robust record on how a standalone broadband mechanism could be structured to provide
support consistent with the $2 billion budget for rate-of-return territories.
I appreciate your interest in this matter, and I look forward to working with you as we continue
the work of reforming and modernizing the universal service fund high-cost program - as well as other
components of the Fund - to ensure that all Americans have access to robust voice and broadband
services.
Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance.
Sincerely,
Tom Wheeler
>OMM
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASHINGTON
'C. .OAlMjsS\
OFFICE OF
THE CHAIRMAN June 30, 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 supporting the creation of a Connect America mechanism for areas
served by rural rate-of-return carriers, and a method to provide support for broadband-only lines. This
is one of the key issues that the Commission raised in the Connect America Fund Further Notice of
Proposed Rulemaking that we adopted in April. Your views are on this matter are very important, and
will be included in the record of the proceeding and considered as part of the Commission's review.
The universal service program is one of the most important tools at our disposal to ensure that
consumers and businesses in rural America have the same opportunities as their urban and suburban
counterparts to be active participants in the United States of the 21st century. I agree with you that the
existing universal service mechanisms for rate-of-return carriers "represent a real obstacle to the
broadband future toward which we are all aiming." We are focused on updating the universal service
program to ensure that we are delivering the best possible voice and broadband experiences to rural
America within the confines of our Connect America budget, while providing increased certainty and
predictability for all carriers and a climate for increased broadband expansion.
To that end, in April the Commission voted to move forward with Phase II of the Connect
America Fund for price-cap carriers, and took several steps to improve the climate for broadband
investment in areas served by incumbent rate-of-return carriers. In particular, we eliminated the
Quantile Regression Analysis benchmarks rule because it was not serving its intended purpose. In
addition, in the above-mentioned Further Notice, the Commission proposed a stand-alone broadband
funding mechanism for rate-of-return carriers and sought comment on how to support the deployment
of broadband-capable networks by rate-of-return carriers within the current budget for the program.
We expect a robust record on how a standalone broadband mechanism could be structured to provide
support consistent with the $2 billion budget for rate-of-return territories.
I appreciate your interest in this matter, and I look forward to working with you as we continue
the work of reforming and modernizing the universal service fund high-cost program - as well as other
components of the Fund - to ensure that all Americans have access to robust voice and broadband
services.
Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance.
Sincerely,
Tom Wheeler
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASHINGTON
°'fMISS'° -
OFFICE OF June 30, 2014THE CHAIRMAN
The Honorable Luke Messer
U.S. House of Representatives
508 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressman Messer:
Thank you for your letter supporting the creation of a Connect America mechanism for areas
served by rural rate-of-return carriers, and a method to provide support for broadband-only lines. This
is one of the key issues that the Commission raised in the Connect America Fund Further Notice of
Proposed Rulemaking that we adopted in April. Your views are on this matter are very important, and
will be included in the record of the proceeding and considered as part of the Commission's review.
The universal service program is one of the most important tools at our disposal to ensure that
consumers and businesses in rural America have the same opportunities as their urban and suburban
counterparts to be active participants in the United States of the 21st century. I agree with you that the
existing universal service mechanisms for rate-of-return carriers "represent a real obstacle to the
broadband future toward which we are all aiming." We are focused on updating the universal service
program to ensure that we are delivering the best possible voice and broadband experiences to rural
America within the confines of our Connect America budget, while providing increased certainty and
predictability for all carriers and a climate for increased broadband expansion.
To that end, in April the Commission voted to move forward with Phase II of the Connect
America Fund for price-cap carriers, and took several steps to improve the climate for broadband
investment in areas served by incumbent rate-of-return carriers. In particular, we eliminated the
Quantile Regression Analysis benchmarks rule because it was not serving its intended purpose. In
addition, in the above-mentioned Further Notice, the Commission proposed a stand-alone broadband
funding mechanism for rate-of-return carriers and sought comment on how to support the deployment
of broadband-capable networks by rate-of-return carriers within the current budget for the program.
We expect a robust record on how a standalone broadband mechanism could be structured to provide
support consistent with the $2 billion budget for rate-of-return territories.
I appreciate your interest in this matter, and I look forward to working with you as we continue
the work of reforming and modernizing the universal service fund high-cost program - as well as other
components of the Fund - to ensure that all Americans have access to robust voice and broadband
services.
Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance.
Sincerely,
Tom Wheeler
4.
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASHINGTON
OFFICE OF June 30, 2014THE CHAIRMAN
The Honorable Michael Michaud
U.S. House of Representatives
1724 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressman Michaud:
Thank you for your letter supporting the creation of a Connect America mechanism for areas
served by rural rate-of-return carriers, and a method to provide support for broadband-only lines. This
is one of the key issues that the Commission raised in the Connect America Fund Further Notice of
Proposed Rulemaking that we adopted in April. Your views are on this matter are very important, and
will be included in the record of the proceeding and considered as part of the Commission's review.
The universal service program is one of the most important tools at our disposal to ensure that
consumers and businesses in rural America have the same opportunities as their urban and suburban
counterparts to be active participants in the United States of the 21St century. I agree with you that the
existing universal service mechanisms for rate-of-return carriers "represent a real obstacle to the
broadband future toward which we are all aiming." We are focused on updating the universal service
program to ensure that we are delivering the best possible voice and broadband experiences to rural
America within the confines of our Connect America budget, while providing increased certainty and
predictability for all carriers and a climate for increased broadband expansion.
To that end, in April the Commission voted to move forward with Phase II of the Connect
America Fund for price-cap carriers, and took several steps to improve the climate for broadband
investment in areas served by incumbent rate-of-return carriers. In particular, we eliminated the
Quantile Regression Analysis benchmarks rule because it was not serving its intended purpose. In
addition, in the above-mentioned Further Notice, the Commission proposed a stand-alone broadband
funding mechanism for rate-of-return carriers and sought comment on how to support the deployment
of broadband-capable networks by rate-of-return carriers within the current budget for the program.
We expect a robust record on how a standalone broadband mechanism could be structured to provide
support consistent with the $2 billion budget for rate-of-return territories.
I appreciate your interest in this matter, and I look forward to working with you as we continue
the work of reforming and modernizing the universal service fund high-cost program - as well as other
components of the Fund - to ensure that all Americans have access to robust voice and broadband
services.
Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance.
Sincerely,
Tom Wheeler
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASHINGTON
AftiSS?'
OFFICE OF
THE CHAIRMAN June 30, 2014
The Honorable Kristi Noem
U.S. House of Representatives
1323 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congresswoman Noem:
Thank you for your letter supporting the creation of a Connect America mechanism for areas
served by rural rate-of-return carriers, and a method to provide support for broadband-only lines. This
is one of the key issues that the Commission raised in the Connect America Fund Further Notice of
Proposed Rulemaking that we adopted in April. Your views are on this matter are very important, and
will be included in the record of the proceeding and considered as part of the Commission's review.
The universal service program is one of the most important tools at our disposal to ensure that
consumers and businesses in rural America have the same opportunities as their urban and suburban
counterparts to be active participants in the United States of the 21St century. I agree with you that the
existing universal service mechanisms for rate-of-return carriers "represent a real obstacle to the
broadband future toward which we are all aiming." We are focused on updating the universal service
program to ensure that we are delivering the best possible voice and broadband experiences to rural
America within the confines of our Connect America budget, while providing increased certainty and
predictability for all carriers and a climate for increased broadband expansion.
To that end, in April the Commission voted to move forward with Phase II of the Connect
America Fund for price-cap carriers, and took several steps to improve the climate for broadband
investment in areas served by incumbent rate-of-return carriers. In particular, we eliminated the
Quantile Regression Analysis benchmarks rule because it was not serving its intended purpose. In
addition, in the above-mentioned Further Notice, the Commission proposed a stand-alone broadband
funding mechanism for rate-of-return carriers and sought comment on how to support the deployment
of broadband-capable networks by rate-of-return carriers within the current budget for the program.
We expect a robust record on how a standalone broadband mechanism could be structured to provide
support consistent with the $2 billion budget for rate-of-return territories.
I appreciate your interest in this matter, and I look forward to working with you as we continue
the work of reforming and modernizing the universal service fund high-cost program - as well as other
components of the Fund - to ensure that all Americans have access to robust voice and broadband
services.
Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance.
Sincerely,
7
Tom Wheeler
OFFICE OF
THE CHAIRMAN
The Honorable Rick Nolan
U.S. House of Representatives
2447 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressman Nolan:
June 30, 2014
Thank you for your letter supporting the creation of a Connect America mechanism for areas
served by rural rate-of-return carriers, and a method to provide support for broadband-only lines. This
is one of the key issues that the Commission raised in the Connect America Fund Further Notice of
Proposed Rulemaking that we adopted in April. Your views are on this matter are very important, and
will be included in the record of the proceeding and considered as part of the Commission's review.
The universal service program is one of the most important tools at our disposal to ensure that
consumers and businesses in rural America have the same opportunities as their urban and suburban
counterparts to be active participants in the United States of the 21st century. I agree with you that the
existing universal service mechanisms for rate-of-return carriers "represent a real obstacle to the
broadband future toward which we are all aiming." We are focused on updating the universal service
program to ensure that we are delivering the best possible voice and broadband experiences to rural
America within the confines of our Connect America budget, while providing increased certainty and
predictability for all carriers and a climate for increased broadband expansion.
To that end, in April the Commission voted to move forward with Phase II of the Connect
America Fund for price-cap carriers, and took several steps to improve the climate for broadband
investment in areas served by incumbent rate-of-return carriers. In particular, we eliminated the
Quantile Regression Analysis benchmarks rule because it was not serving its intended purpose. In
addition, in the above-mentioned Further Notice, the Commission proposed a stand-alone broadband
funding mechanism for rate-of-return carriers and sought comment on how to support the deployment
of broadband-capable networks by rate-of-return carriers within the current budget for the program.
We expect a robust record on how a standalone broadband mechanism could be structured to provide
support consistent with the $2 billion budget for rate-of-return territories.
I appreciate your interest in this matter, and I look forward to working with you as we continue
the work of reforming and modernizing the universal service fund high-cost program - as well as other
components of the Fund - to ensure that all Americans have access to robust voice and broadband
services.
Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance.
Sincerely,
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASHINGTON
Tom Wheeler
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASHINGTON
'.o '•AfMISSA v
OFFICE OF
THE CHAIRMAN June 30, 2014
The Honorable Alan Nunnelee
U.S. House of Representatives
1427 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressman Nunnelee:
Thank you for your letter supporting the creation of a Connect America mechanism for areas
served by rural rate-of-return carriers, and a method to provide support for broadband-only lines. This
is one of the key issues that the Commission raised in the Connect America Fund Further Notice of
Proposed Rulemaking that we adopted in April. Your views are on this matter are very important, and
will be included in the record of the proceeding and considered as part of the Commission's review.
The universal service program is one of the most important tools at our disposal to ensure that
consumers and businesses in rural America have the same opportunities as their urban and suburban
counterparts to be active participants in the United States of the 21st century. I agree with you that the
existing universal service mechanisms for rate-of-return carriers "represent a real obstacle to the
broadband future toward which we are all aiming." We are focused on updating the universal service
program to ensure that we are delivering the best possible voice and broadband experiences to rural
America within the confines of our Connect America budget, while providing increased certainty and
predictability for all carriers and a climate for increased broadband expansion.
To that end, in April the Commission voted to move forward with Phase II of the Connect
America Fund for price-cap carriers, and took several steps to improve the climate for broadband
investment in areas served by incumbent rate-of-return carriers. In particular, we eliminated the
Quantile Regression Analysis benchmarks rule because it was not serving its intended purpose. In
addition, in the above-mentioned Further Notice, the Commission proposed a stand-alone broadband
funding mechanism for rate-of-return carriers and sought comment on how to support the deployment
of broadband-capable networks by rate-of-return carriers within the current budget for the program.
We expect a robust record on how a standalone broadband mechanism could be structured to provide
support consistent with the $2 billion budget for rate-of-return territories.
I appreciate your interest in this matter, and I look forward to working with you as we continue
the work of reforming and modernizing the universal service fund high-cost program - as well as other
components of the Fund - to ensure that all Americans have access to robust voice and broadband
services.
Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance.
Sincerely,
Tom Wheeler
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASHINGTON
OFFICE OF June 30, 2014THE CHAIRMAN
The Honorable Steve Pearce
U.S. House of Representatives
2432 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressman Pearce:
Thank you for your letter supporting the creation of a Connect America mechanism for areas
served by rural rate-of-return carriers, and a method to provide support for broadband-only lines. This
is one of the key issues that the Commission raised in the Connect America Fund Further Notice of
Proposed Rulemaking that we adopted in April. Your views are on this matter are very important, and
will be included in the record of the proceeding and considered as part of the Commission's review.
The universal service program is one of the most important tools at our disposal to ensure that
consumers and businesses in rural America have the same opportunities as their urban and suburban
counterparts to be active participants in the United States of the 21st century. I agree with you that the
existing universal service mechanisms for rate-of-return carriers "represent a real obstacle to the
broadband future toward which we are all aiming." We are focused on updating the universal service
program to ensure that we are delivering the best possible voice and broadband experiences to rural
America within the confines of our Connect America budget, while providing increased certainty and
predictability for all carriers and a climate for increased broadband expansion.
To that end, in April the Commission voted to move forward with Phase II of the Connect
America Fund for price-cap carriers, and took several steps to improve the climate for broadband
investment in areas served by incumbent rate-of-return carriers. In particular, we eliminated the
Quantile Regression Analysis benchmarks rule because it was not serving its intended purpose. In
addition, in the above-mentioned Further Notice, the Commission proposed a stand-alone broadband
funding mechanism for rate-of-return carriers and sought comment on how to support the deployment
of broadband-capable networks by rate-of-return carriers within the current budget for the program.
We expect a robust record on how a standalone broadband mechanism could be structured to provide
support consistent with the $2 billion budget for rate-of-return territories.
I appreciate your interest in this matter, and I look forward to working with you as we continue
the work of reforming and modernizing the universal service fund high-cost program - as well as other
components of the Fund - to ensure that all Americans have access to robust voice and broadband
services.
Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance.
Sincerely,
Tom Wheeler
/ -'.---
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASHINGTON
OFFICE OF
THE CHAIRMAN June 30, 2014
The Honorable Tom Petri
U.S. House of Representatives
2462 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressman Petri:
Thank you for your letter supporting the creation of a Connect America mechanism for areas
served by rural rate-of-return carriers, and a method to provide support for broadband-only lines. This
is one of the key issues that the Commission raised in the Connect America Fund Further Notice of
Proposed Rulemaking that we adopted in April. Your views are on this matter are very important, and
will be included in the record of the proceeding and considered as part of the Commission's review.
The universal service program is one of the most important tools at our disposal to ensure that
consumers and businesses in rural America have the same opportunities as their urban and suburban
counterparts to be active participants in the United States of the 21St century. I agree with you that the
existing universal service mechanisms for rate-of-return carriers "represent a real obstacle to the
broadband future toward which we are all aiming." We are focused on updating the universal service
program to ensure that we are delivering the best possible voice and broadband experiences to rural
America within the confines of our Connect America budget, while providing increased certainty and
predictability for all carriers and a climate for increased broadband expansion.
To that end, in April the Commission voted to move forward with Phase II of the Connect
America Fund for price-cap carriers, and took several steps to improve the climate for broadband
investment in areas served by incumbent rate-of-return carriers. In particular, we eliminated the
Quantile Regression Analysis benchmarks rule because it was not serving its intended purpose. In
addition, in the above-mentioned Further Notice, the Commission proposed a stand-alone broadband
funding mechanism for rate-of-return carriers and sought comment on how to support the deployment
of broadband-capable networks by rate-of-return carriers within the current budget for the program.
We expect a robust record on how a standalone broadband mechanism could be structured to provide
support consistent with the $2 billion budget for rate-of-return territories.
I appreciate your interest in this matter, and I look forward to working with you as we continue
the work of reforming and modernizing the universal service fund high-cost program - as well as other
components of the Fund - to ensure that all Americans have access to robust voice and broadband
services.
Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance.
Sincerely,
Tom Wheeler
OMMLyA
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASHINGTON
OFFICE OF June 30, 2014THE CHAIRMAN
The Honorable Chellie Pingree
U.S. House of Representatives
1318 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congresswoman Pingree:
Thank you for your letter supporting the creation of a Connect America mechanism for areas
served by rural rate-of-return carriers, and a method to provide support for broadband-only lines. This
is one of the key issues that the Commission raised in the Connect America Fund Further Notice of
Proposed Rulemaking that we adopted in April. Your views are on this matter are very important, and
will be included in the record of the proceeding and considered as part of the Commission's review.
The universal service program is one of the most important tools at our disposal to ensure that
consumers and businesses in rural America have the same opportunities as their urban and suburban
counterparts to be active participants in the United States of the 21st century. I agree with you that the
existing universal service mechanisms for rate-of-return carriers "represent a real obstacle to the
broadband future toward which we are all aiming." We are focused on updating the universal service
program to ensure that we are delivering the best possible voice and broadband experiences to rural
America within the confines of our Connect America budget, while providing increased certainty and
predictability for all carriers and a climate for increased broadband expansion.
To that end, in April the Commission voted to move forward with Phase II of the Connect
America Fund for price-cap carriers, and took several steps to improve the climate for broadband
investment in areas served by incumbent rate-of-return carriers. In particular, we eliminated the
Quantile Regression Analysis benchmarks rule because it was not serving its intended purpose. In
addition, in the above-mentioned Further Notice, the Commission proposed a stand-alone broadband
funding mechanism for rate-of-return carriers and sought comment on how to support the deployment
of broadband-capable networks by rate-of-return carriers within the current budget for the program.
We expect a robust record on how a standalone broadband mechanism could be structured to provide
support consistent with the $2 billion budget for rate-of-return territories.
I appreciate your interest in this matter, and I look forward to working with you as we continue
the work of reforming and modernizing the universal service fund high-cost program - as well as other
components of the Fund - to ensure that all Americans have access to robust voice and broadband
services.
Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance.
Sincerely,
Tom Wheeler
//' 'e\
0\\
OFFICE OF
THE CHAIRMAN
The Honorable Reid Ribble
U.S. House of Representatives
1513 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressman Ribble:
June 30, 2014
Thank you for your letter supporting the creation of a Connect America mechanism for areas
served by rural rate-of-return carriers, and a method to provide support for broadband-only lines. This
is one of the key issues that the Commission raised in the Connect America Fund Further Notice of
Proposed Rulemaking that we adopted in April. Your views are on this matter are very important, and
will be included in the record of the proceeding and considered as part of the Commission's review.
The universal service program is one of the most important tools at our disposal to ensure that
consumers and businesses in rural America have the same opportunities as their urban and suburban
counterparts to be active participants in the United States of the 21 st century. I agree with you that the
existing universal service mechanisms for rate-of-return carriers "represent a real obstacle to the
broadband future toward which we are all aiming." We are focused on updating the universal service
program to ensure that we are delivering the best possible voice and broadband experiences to rural
America within the confines of our Connect America budget, while providing increased certainty and
predictability for all carriers and a climate for increased broadband expansion.
To that end, in April the Commission voted to move forward with Phase II of the Connect
America Fund for price-cap carriers, and took several steps to improve the climate for broadband
investment in areas served by incumbent rate-of-return carriers. In particular, we eliminated the
Quantile Regression Analysis benchmarks rule because it was not serving its intended purpose. In
addition, in the above-mentioned Further Notice, the Commission proposed a stand-alone broadband
funding mechanism for rate-of-return carriers and sought comment on how to support the deployment
of broadband-capable networks by rate-of-return carriers within the current budget for the program.
We expect a robust record on how a standalone broadband mechanism could be structured to provide
support consistent with the $2 billion budget for rate-of-return territories.
I appreciate your interest in this matter, and I look forward to working with you as we continue
the work of reforming and modernizing the universal service fund high-cost program - as well as other
components of the Fund - to ensure that all Americans have access to robust voice and broadband
services.
Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance.
Sincerely,
Tom Wheeler
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASHINGTON
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASHINGTON
OFFICE OF
THE CHAIRMAN June 30, 2014
The Honorable Harold Rogers
U.S. House of Representatives
2406 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressman Rogers:
Thank you for your letter supporting the creation of a Connect America mechanism for areas
served by rural rate-of-return carriers, and a method to provide support for broadband-only lines. This
is one of the key issues that the Commission raised in the Connect America Fund Further Notice of
Proposed Rulemaking that we adopted in April. Your views are on this matter are very important, and
will be included in the record of the proceeding and considered as part of the Commission's review.
The universal service program is one of the most important tools at our disposal to ensure that
consumers and businesses in rural America have the same opportunities as their urban and suburban
counterparts to be active participants in the United States of the 21St century. I agree with you that the
existing universal service mechanisms for rate-of-return carriers "represent a real obstacle to the
broadband future toward which we are all aiming." We are focused on updating the universal service
program to ensure that we are delivering the best possible voice and broadband experiences to rural
America within the confines of our Connect America budget, while providing increased certainty and
predictability for all carriers and a climate for increased broadband expansion.
To that end, in April the Commission voted to move forward with Phase II of the Connect
America Fund for price-cap carriers, and took several steps to improve the climate for broadband
investment in areas served by incumbent rate-of-return carriers. In particular, we eliminated the
Quantile Regression Analysis benchmarks rule because it was not serving its intended purpose. In
addition, in the above-mentioned Further Notice, the Commission proposed a stand-alone broadband
funding mechanism for rate-of-return carriers and sought comment on how to support the deployment
of broadband-capable networks by rate-of-return carriers within the current budget for the program.
We expect a robust record on how a standalone broadband mechanism could be structured to provide
support consistent with the $2 billion budget for rate-of-return territories.
I appreciate your interest in this matter, and I look forward to working with you as we continue
the work of reforming and modernizing the universal service fund high-cost program - as well as other
components of the Fund - to ensure that all Americans have access to robust voice and broadband
services.
Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance.
Sincerely,
Tom Wheeler
,4P COMMU4,O
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASHINGTON
OFFICE OF June 30, 2014THE CHAIRMAN
The Honorable Todd Rokita
U.S. House of Representatives
236 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressman Rokita:
Thank you for your letter supporting the creation of a Connect America mechanism for areas
served by rural rate-of-return carriers, and a method to provide support for broadband-only lines. This
is one of the key issues that the Commission raised in the ConnectAmerica Fund Further Notice of
Proposed Rulemaking that we adopted in April. Your views are on this matter are very important, and
will be included in the record of the proceeding and considered as part of the Commission's review.
The universal service program is one of the most important tools at our disposal to ensure that
consumers and businesses in rural America have the same opportunities as their urban and suburban
counterparts to be active participants in the United States of the 21st century. I agree with you that the
existing universal service mechanisms for rate-of-return carriers "represent a real obstacle to the
broadband future toward which we are all aiming." We are focused on updating the universal service
program to ensure that we are delivering the best possible voice and broadband experiences to rural
America within the confines of our Connect America budget, while providing increased certainty and
predictability for all carriers and a climate for increased broadband expansion.
To that end, in April the Commission voted to move forward with Phase II of the Connect
America Fund for price-cap carriers, and took several steps to improve the climate for broadband
investment in areas served by incumbent rate-of-return carriers. In particular, we eliminated the
Quantile Regression Analysis benchmarks rule because it was not serving its intended purpose. In
addition, in the above-mentioned Further Notice, the Commission proposed a stand-alone broadband
funding mechanism for rate-of-return carriers and sought comment on how to support the deployment
of broadband-capable networks by rate-of-return carriers within the current budget for the program.
We expect a robust record on how a standalone broadband mechanism could be structured to provide
support consistent with the $2 billion budget for rate-of-return territories.
I appreciate your interest in this matter, and I look forward to working with you as we continue
the work of reforming and modernizing the universal service fund high-cost program - as well as other
components of the Fund - to ensure that all Americans have access to robust voice and broadband
services.
Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance.
Sincerely,
Tom Wheeler
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASHINGTON
OOMISSO'
OFFICE OF
THE CHAIRMAN June 30, 2014
The Honorable Aaron Schock
U.S. House of Representatives
328 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressman Schock:
Thank you for your letter supporting the creation of a Connect America mechanism for areas
served by rural rate-of-return carriers, and a method to provide support for broadband-only lines. This
is one of the key issues that the Commission raised in the Connect America Fund Further Notice of
Proposed Rulemaking that we adopted in April. Your views are on this matter are very important, and
will be included in the record of the proceeding and considered as part of the Commission's review.
The universal service program is one of the most important tools at our disposal to ensure that
consumers and businesses in rural America have the same opportunities as their urban and suburban
counterparts to be active participants in the United States of the 21st century. I agree with you that the
existing universal service mechanisms for rate-of-return carriers "represent a real obstacle to the
broadband future toward which we are all aiming." We are focused on updating the universal service
program to ensure that we are delivering the best possible voice and broadband experiences to rural
America within the confines of our Connect America budget, while providing increased certainty and
predictability for all carriers and a climate for increased broadband expansion.
To that end, in April the Commission voted to move forward with Phase II of the Connect
America Fund for price-cap carriers, and took several steps to improve the climate for broadband
investment in areas served by incumbent rate-of-return carriers. In particular, we eliminated the
Quantile Regression Analysis benchmarks rule because it was not serving its intended purpose. In
addition, in the above-mentioned Further Notice, the Commission proposed a stand-alone broadband
funding mechanism for rate-of-return carriers and sought comment on how to support the deployment
of broadband-capable networks by rate-of-return carriers within the current budget for the program.
We expect a robust record on how a standalone broadband mechanism could be structured to provide
support consistent with the $2 billion budget for rate-of-return territories.
I appreciate your interest in this matter, and I look forward to working with you as we continue
the work of reforming and modernizing the universal service fund high-cost program - as well as other
components of the Fund - to ensure that all Americans have access to robust voice and broadband
services.
Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance.
Sincerely,
Tom Wheeler
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASHINGTON
c' *-•
'OPMM1SS'°
OFFICE OF June 30, 2014
THE CHAIRMAN
The Honorable Kurt Schrader
U.S. House of Representatives
108 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressman Schrader:
Thank you for your letter supporting the creation of a Connect America mechanism for areas
served by rural rate-of-return carriers, and a method to provide support for broadband-only lines. This
is one of the key issues that the Commission raised in the Connect America Fund Further Notice of
Proposed Rulemaking that we adopted in April. Your views are on this matter are very important, and
will be included in the record of the proceeding and considered as part of the Commission's review.
The universal service program is one of the most important tools at our disposal to ensure that
consumers and businesses in rural America have the same opportunities as their urban and suburban
counterparts to be active participants in the United States of the 21st century. I agree with you that the
existing universal service mechanisms for rate-of-return carriers "represent a real obstacle to the
broadband future toward which we are all aiming." We are focused on updating the universal service
program to ensure that we are delivering the best possible voice and broadband experiences to rural
America within the confines of our Connect America budget, while providing increased certainty and
predictability for all carriers and a climate for increased broadband expansion.
To that end, in April the Commission voted to move forward with Phase II of the Connect
America Fund for price-cap carriers, and took several steps to improve the climate for broadband
investment in areas served by incumbent rate-of-return carriers. In particular, we eliminated the
Quantile Regression Analysis benchmarks rule because it was not serving its intended purpose. In
addition, in the above-mentioned Further Notice, the Commission proposed a stand-alone broadband
funding mechanism for rate-of-return carriers and sought comment on how to support the deployment
of broadband-capable networks by rate-of-return carriers within the current budget for the program.
We expect a robust record on how a standalone broadband mechanism could be structured to provide
support consistent with the $2 billion budget for rate-of-return territories.
I appreciate your interest in this matter, and I look forward to working with you as we continue
the work of reforming and modernizing the universal service fund high-cost program - as well as other
components of the Fund - to ensure that all Americans have access to robust voice and broadband
services.
Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance.
Sincerely,
Tom Wheeler
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASH INGTON
OFFICE OF June 30, 2014
THE CHAIRMAN
The Honorable Jim Sensenbrenner
U.S. House of Representatives
2449 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressman Sensenbrenner:
Thank you for your letter supporting the creation of a Connect America mechanism for areas
served by rural rate-of-return carriers, and a method to provide support for broadband-only lines. This
is one of the key issues that the Commission raised in the Connect America Fund Further Notice of
Proposed Rulemaking that we adopted in April. Your views are on this matter are very important, and
will be included in the record of the proceeding and considered as part of the Commission's review.
The universal service program is one of the most important tools at our disposal to ensure that
consumers and businesses in rural America have the same opportunities as their urban and suburban
counterparts to be active participants in the United States of the 21st century. I agree with you that the
existing universal service mechanisms for rate-of-return carriers "represent a real obstacle to the
broadband future toward which we are all aiming." We are focused on updating the universal service
program to ensure that we are delivering the best possible voice and broadband experiences to rural
America within the confines of our Connect America budget, while providing increased certainty and
predictability for all carriers and a climate for increased broadband expansion.
To that end, in April the Commission voted to move forward with Phase II of the Connect
America Fund for price-cap carriers, and took several steps to improve the climate for broadband
investment in areas served by incumbent rate-of-return carriers. In particular, we eliminated the
Quantile Regression Analysis benchmarks rule because it was not serving its intended purpose. In
addition, in the above-mentioned Further Notice, the Commission proposed a stand-alone broadband
funding mechanism for rate-of-return carriers and sought comment on how to support the deployment
of broadband-capable networks by rate-of-return carriers within the current budget for the program.
We expect a robust record on how a standalone broadband mechanism could be structured to provide
support consistent with the $2 billion budget for rate-of-return territories.
I appreciate your interest in this matter, and I look forward to working with you as we continue
the work of reforming and modernizing the universal service fund high-cost program - as well as other
components of the Fund - to ensure that all Americans have access to robust voice and broadband
services.
Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance.
Sincerely,
Tom Wheeler
.f' FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
J
WASHINGTON
\MIf
OFFICE OF June 30, 2014
THE CHAIRMAN
The Honorable Adrian Smith
U.S. House of Representatives
2241 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressman Smith:
Thank you for your letter supporting the creation of a Connect America mechanism for areas
served by rural rate-of-return carriers, and a method to provide support for broadband-only lines. This
is one of the key issues that the Commission raised in the Connect America Fund Further Notice of
Proposed Rulemaking that we adopted in April. Your views are on this matter are very important, and
will be included in the record of the proceeding and considered as part of the Commission's review.
The universal service program is one of the most important tools at our disposal to ensure that
consumers and businesses in rural America have the same opportunities as their urban and suburban
counterparts to be active participants in the United States of the 21 St century. I agree with you that the
existing universal service mechanisms for rate-of-return carriers "represent a real obstacle to the
broadband future toward which we are all aiming." We are focused on updating the universal service
program to ensure that we are delivering the best possible voice and broadband experiences to rural
America within the confines of our Connect America budget, while providing increased certainty and
predictability for all carriers and a climate for increased broadband expansion.
To that end, in April the Commission voted to move forward with Phase II of the Connect
America Fund for price-cap carriers, and took several steps to improve the climate for broadband
investment in areas served by incumbent rate-of-return carriers. In particular, we eliminated the
Quantile Regression Analysis benchmarks rule because it was not serving its intended purpose. In
addition, in the above-mentioned Further Notice, the Commission proposed a stand-alone broadband
funding mechanism for rate-of-return carriers and sought comment on how to support the deployment
of broadband-capable networks by rate-of-return carriers within the current budget for the program.
We expect a robust record on how a standalone broadband mechanism could be structured to provide
support consistent with the $2 billion budget for rate-of-return territories.
I appreciate your interest in this matter, and I look forward to working with you as we continue
the work of reforming and modernizing the universal service fund high-cost program - as well as other
components of the Fund - to ensure that all Americans have access to robust voice and broadband
services.
Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance.
Sincerely,
Tom Wheeler
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASHINGTON
OFFICE OF June 30, 2014THE CHAIRMAN
The Honorable Jason Smith
U.S. House of Representatives
2230 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressman Smith:
Thank you for your letter supporting the creation of a Coimect America mechanism for areas
served by rural rate-of-return carriers, and a method to provide support for broadband-only lines. This
is one of the key issues that the Commission raised in the Connect America Fund Further Notice of
Proposed Rulemaking that we adopted in April. Your views are on this matter are very important, and
will be included in the record of the proceeding and considered as part of the Commission's review.
The universal service program is one of the most important tools at our disposal to ensure that
consumers and businesses in rural America have the same opportunities as their urban and suburban
counterparts to be active participants in the United States of the 21st century. I agree with you that the
existing universal service mechanisms for rate-of-return carriers "represent a real obstacle to the
broadband future toward which we are all aiming." We are focused on updating the universal service
program to ensure that we are delivering the best possible voice and broadband experiences to rural
America within the confines of our Connect America budget, while providing increased certainty and
predictability for all carriers and a climate for increased broadband expansion.
To that end, in April the Commission voted to move forward with Phase II of the Connect
America Fund for price-cap carriers, and took several steps to improve the climate for broadband
investment in areas served by incumbent rate-of-return carriers. In particular, we eliminated the
Quantile Regression Analysis benchmarks rule because it was not serving its intended purpose. In
addition, in the above-mentioned Further Notice, the Commission proposed a stand-alone broadband
funding mechanism for rate-of-return carriers and sought comment on how to support the deployment
of broadband-capable networks by rate-of-return carriers within the current budget for the program.
We expect a robust record on how a standalone broadband mechanism could be structured to provide
support consistent with the $2 billion budget for rate-of-return territories.
I appreciate your interest in this matter, and I look forward to working with you as we continue
the work of reforming and modernizing the universal service fund high-cost program - as well as other
components of the Fund - to ensure that all Americans have access to robust voice and broadband
services.
Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance.
Sincerely,
Tom Wheeler
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASHINGTON
OFFICE OF June 30, 2014
THE CHAIRMAN
The Honorable John Shimkus
U.S. House of Representatives
2452 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressman Shimkus:
Thank you for your letter supporting the creation of a Connect America mechanism for areas
served by rural rate-of-return carriers, and a method to provide support for broadband-only lines. This
is one of the key issues that the Commission raised in the Connect America Fund Further Notice of
Proposed Rulemaking that we adopted in April. Your views are on this matter are very important, and
will be included in the record of the proceeding and considered as part of the Commission's review.
The universal service program is one of the most important tools at our disposal to ensure that
consumers and businesses in rural America have the same opportunities as their urban and suburban
counterparts to be active participants in the United States of the 21st century. I agree with you that the
existing universal service mechanisms for rate-of-return carriers "represent a real obstacle to the
broadband future toward which we are all aiming." We are focused on updating the universal service
program to ensure that we are delivering the best possible voice and broadband experiences to rural
America within the confines of our Connect America budget, while providing increased certainty and
predictability for all carriers and a climate for increased broadband expansion.
To that end, in April the Commission voted to move forward with Phase II of the Connect
America Fund for price-cap carriers, and took several steps to improve the climate for broadband
investment in areas served by incumbent rate-of-return carriers. In particular, we eliminated the
Quantile Regression Analysis benchmarks rule because it was not serving its intended purpose. In
addition, in the above-mentioned Further Notice, the Commission proposed a stand-alone broadband
funding mechanism for rate-of-return carriers and sought comment on how to support the deployment
of broadband-capable networks by rate-of-return carriers within the current budget for the program.
We expect a robust record on how a standalone broadband mechanism could be structured to provide
support consistent with the $2 billion budget for rate-of-return territories.
I appreciate your interest in this matter, and I look forward to working with you as we continue
the work of reforming and modernizing the universal service fund high-cost program - as well as other
components of the Fund - to ensure that all Americans have access to robust voice and broadband
services.
Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance.
Sincerely,
Tom Wheeler
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
CbAqMS\o$
WASHINGTON
OFFICE OF June 30, 2014
THE CHAIRMAN
The Honorable Chris Stewart
U.S. House of Representatives
323 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressman Stewart:
Thank you for your letter supporting the creation of a Connect America mechanism for areas
served by rural rate-of-return carriers, and a method to provide support for broadband-only lines. This
is one of the key issues that the Commission raised in the Connect America Fund Further Notice of
Proposed Rulemaking that we adopted in April. Your views are on this matter are very important, and
will be included in the record of the proceeding and considered as part of the Commission's review.
The universal service program is one of the most important tools at our disposal to ensure that
consumers and businesses in rural America have the same opportunities as their urban and suburban
counterparts to be active participants in the United States of the 21st century. I agree with you that the
existing universal service mechanisms for rate-of-return carriers "represent a real obstacle to the
broadband future toward which we are all aiming." We are focused on updating the universal service
program to ensure that we are delivering the best possible voice and broadband experiences to rural
America within the confines of our Connect America budget, while providing increased certainty and
predictability for all carriers and a climate for increased broadband expansion.
To that end, in April the Commission voted to move forward with Phase II of the Connect
America Fund for price-cap carriers, and took several steps to improve the climate for broadband
investment in areas served by incumbent rate-of-return carriers. In particular, we eliminated the
Quantile Regression Analysis benchmarks rule because it was not serving its intended purpose. In
addition, in the above-mentioned Further Notice, the Commission proposed a stand-alone broadband
funding mechanism for rate-of-return carriers and sought comment on how to support the deployment
of broadband-capable networks by rate-of-return carriers within the current budget for the program.
We expect a robust record on how a standalone broadband mechanism could be structured to provide
support consistent with the $2 billion budget for rate-of-return territories.
I appreciate your interest in this matter, and I look forward to working with you as we continue
the work of reforming and modernizing the universal service fund high-cost program - as well as other
components of the Fund - to ensure that all Americans have access to robust voice and broadband
services.
Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance.
Sincerely,
Tom Wheeler
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASHINGTON
OFFICE OF June 30, 2014
THE CHAIRMAN
The Honorable Lee Terry
U.S. House of Representatives
2266 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressman Terry:
Thank you for your letter supporting the creation of a Connect America mechanism for areas
served by rural rate-of-return carriers, and a method to provide support for broadband-only lines. This
is one of the key issues that the Commission raised in the Connect America Fund Further Notice of
Proposed Rulemaking that we adopted in April. Your views are on this matter are very important, and
will be included in the record of the proceeding and considered as part of the Commission's review.
The universal service program is one of the most important tools at our disposal to ensure that
consumers and businesses in rural America have the same opportunities as their urban and suburban
counterparts to be active participants in the United States of the 21st century. I agree with you that the
existing universal service mechanisms for rate-of-return carriers "represent a real obstacle to the
broadband future toward which we are all aiming." We are focused on updating the universal service
program to ensure that we are delivering the best possible voice and broadband experiences to rural
America within the confines of our Connect America budget, while providing increased certainty and
predictability for all carriers and a climate for increased broadband expansion.
To that end, in April the Commission voted to move forward with Phase II of the Connect
America Fund for price-cap carriers, and took several steps to improve the climate for broadband
investment in areas served by incumbent rate-of-return carriers. In particular, we eliminated the
Quantile Regression Analysis benchmarks rule because it was not serving its intended purpose. In
addition, in the above-mentioned Further Notice, the Commission proposed a stand-alone broadband
funding mechanism for rate-of-return carriers and sought comment on how to support the deployment
of broadband-capable networks by rate-of-return calTiers within the current budget for the program.
We expect a robust record on how a standalone broadband mechanism could be structured to provide
support consistent with the $2 billion budget for rate-of-return territories.
I appreciate your interest in this matter, and I look forward to working with you as we continue
the work of reforming and modernizing the universal service fund high-cost program - as well as other
components of the Fund - to ensure that all Americans have access to robust voice and broadband
services.
Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance.
Sincerely,
Tom Wheeler
() FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSIONWASH INGTON
OFFICE OF June 30, 2014THE CHAIRMAN
The Honorable Mac Thornberry
U.S. House of Representatives
2329 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressman Thornberry:
Thank you for your letter supporting the creation of a Connect America mechanism for areas
served by rural rate-of-return carriers, and a method to provide support for broadband-only lines. This
is one of the key issues that the Commission raised in the Connect America Fund Further Notice of
Proposed Rulemaking that we adopted in April. Your views are on this matter are very important, and
will be included in the record of the proceeding and considered as part of the Commission's review.
The universal service program is one of the most important tools at our disposal to ensure that
consumers and businesses in rural America have the same opportunities as their urban and suburban
counterparts to be active participants in the United States of the 21st century. I agree with you that the
existing universal service mechanisms for rate-of-return carriers "represent a real obstacle to the
broadband future toward which we are all aiming." We are focused on updating the universal service
program to ensure that we are delivering the best possible voice and broadband experiences to rural
America within the confines of our Connect America budget, while providing increased certainty and
predictability for all carriers and a climate for increased broadband expansion.
To that end, in April the Commission voted to move forward with Phase II of the Connect
America Fund for price-cap carriers, and took several steps to improve the climate for broadband
investment in areas served by incumbent rate-of-return carriers. In particular, we eliminated the
Quantile Regression Analysis benchmarks rule because it was not serving its intended purpose. In
addition, in the above-mentioned Further Notice, the Commission proposed a stand-alone broadband
funding mechanism for rate-of-return carriers and sought comment on how to support the deployment
of broadband-capable networks by rate-of-return carriers within the current budget for the program.
We expect a robust record on how a standalone broadband mechanism could be structured to provide
support consistent with the $2 billion budget for rate-of-return territories.
I appreciate your interest in this matter, and I look forward to working with you as we continue
the work of reforming and modernizing the universal service fund high-cost program - as well as other
components of the Fund - to ensure that all Americans have access to robust voice and broadband
services.
Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance.
Sincerely,
21
Tom Wheeler
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASHINGTON
OFFICE OF June 30, 2014
THE CHAIRMAN
The Honorable Scott Tipton
U.S. House of Representatives
218 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressman Tipton:
Thank you for your letter supporting the creation of a Connect America mechanism for areas
served by rural rate-of-return carriers, and a method to provide support for broadband-only lines. This
is one of the key issues that the Commission raised in the Connect America Fund Further Notice of
Proposed Rulemaking that we adopted in April. Your views are on this matter are very important, and
will be included in the record of the proceeding and considered as part of the Commission's review.
The universal service program is one of the most important tools at our disposal to ensure that
consumers and businesses in rural America have the same opportunities as their urban and suburban
counterparts to be active participants in the United States of the 21st century. I agree with you that the
existing universal service mechanisms for rate-of-return carriers "represent a real obstacle to the
broadband future toward which we are all aiming." We are focused on updating the universal service
program to ensure that we are delivering the best possible voice and broadband experiences to rural
America within the confines of our Connect America budget, while providing increased certainty and
predictability for all carriers and a climate for increased broadband expansion.
To that end, in April the Commission voted to move forward with Phase II of the Connect
America Fund for price-cap carriers, and took several steps to improve the climate for broadband
investment in areas served by incumbent rate-of-return carriers. In particular, we eliminated the
Quantile Regression Analysis benchmarks rule because it was not serving its intended purpose. In
addition, in the above-mentioned Further Notice, the Commission proposed a stand-alone broadband
funding mechanism for rate-of-return carriers and sought comment on how to support the deployment
of broadband-capable networks by rate-of-return carriers within the current budget for the program.
We expect a robust record on how a standalone broadband mechanism could be structured to provide
support consistent with the $2 billion budget for rate-of-return territories.
I appreciate your interest in this matter, and I look forward to working with you as we continue
the work of reforming and modernizing the universal service fund high-cost program - as well as other
components of the Fund - to ensure that all Americans have access to robust voice and broadband
services.
Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance.
Sincerely,
Tom Wheeler
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASH INGTON
OFFICE OF June 30, 2014
THE CHAIRMAN
The Honorable David Valadao
U.S. House of Representatives
1004 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressman Valadao:
Thank you for your letter supporting the creation of a Connect America mechanism for areas
served by rural rate-of-return carriers, and a method to provide support for broadband-only lines. This
is one of the key issues that the Commission raised in the Connect America Fund Further Notice of
Proposed Rulemaking that we adopted in April. Your views are on this matter are very important, and
will be included in the record of the proceeding and considered as part of the Commission's review.
The universal service program is one of the most important tools at our disposal to ensure that
consumers and businesses in rural America have the same opportunities as their urban and suburban
counterparts to be active participants in the United States of the 21st century. I agree with you that the
existing universal service mechanisms for rate-of-return carriers "represent a real obstacle to the
broadband future toward which we are all aiming." We are focused on updating the universal service
program to ensure that we are delivering the best possible voice and broadband experiences to rural
America within the confines of our Connect America budget, while providing increased certainty and
predictability for all carriers and a climate for increased broadband expansion.
To that end, in April the Commission voted to move forward with Phase II of the Connect
America Fund for price-cap carriers, and took several steps to improve the climate for broadband
investment in areas served by incumbent rate-of-return carriers. In particular, we eliminated the
Quantile Regression Analysis benchmarks rule because it was not serving its intended purpose. In
addition, in the above-mentioned Further Notice, the Commission proposed a stand-alone broadband
funding mechanism for rate-of-return carriers and sought comment on how to support the deployment
of broadband-capable networks by rate-of-return carriers within the current budget for the program.
We expect a robust record on how a standalone broadband mechanism could be structured to provide
support consistent with the $2 billion budget for rate-of-return territories.
I appreciate your interest in this matter, and I look forward to working with you as we continue
the work of reforming and modernizing the universal service fund high-cost program - as well as other
components of the Fund - to ensure that all Americans have access to robust voice and broadband
services.
Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance.
Sincerely,
Tom Wheeler
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASH INGTON
'S
OF June 30, 2014
THE CHAIRMAN
The Honorable Filemon Vela
U.S. House of Representatives
437 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressman Vela:
Thank you for your letter supporting the creation of a Connect America mechanism for areas
served by rural rate-of-return carriers, and a method to provide support for broadband-only lines. This
is one of the key issues that the Commission raised in the Connect America Fund Further Notice of
Proposed Rulemaking that we adopted in April. Your views are on this matter are very important, and
will be included in the record of the proceeding and considered as part of the Commission's review.
The universal service program is one of the most important tools at our disposal to ensure that
consumers and businesses in rural America have the same opportunities as their urban and suburban
counterparts to be active participants in the United States of the 21st century. I agree with you that the
existing universal service mechanisms for rate-of-return carriers "represent a real obstacle to the
broadband future toward which we are all aiming." We are focused on updating the universal service
program to ensure that we are delivering the best possible voice and broadband experiences to rural
America within the confines of our Connect America budget, while providing increased certainty and
predictability for all carriers and a climate for increased broadband expansion.
To that end, in April the Commission voted to move forward with Phase II of the Connect
America Fund for price-cap carriers, and took several steps to improve the climate for broadband
investment in areas served by incumbent rate-of-return carriers. In particular, we eliminated the
Quantile Regression Analysis benchmarks rule because it was not serving its intended purpose. In
addition, in the above-mentioned Further Notice, the Commission proposed a stand-alone broadband
funding mechanism for rate-of-return carriers and sought comment on how to support the deployment
of broadband-capable networks by rate-of-return carriers within the current budget for the program.
We expect a robust record on how a standalone broadband mechanism could be structured to provide
support consistent with the $2 billion budget for rate-of-return territories.
I appreciate your interest in this matter, and I look forward to working with you as we continue
the work of reforming and modernizing the universal service fund high-cost program - as well as other
components of the Fund - to ensure that all Americans have access to robust voice and broadband
services.
Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance.
Sincerely,
Tom Wheeler
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASHINGTON
OFFICE OF June 30, 2014
THE CHAIRMAN
The Honorable Tim Walberg
U.S. House of Representatives
418 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressman Walberg:
Thank you for your letter supporting the creation of a Connect America mechanism for areas
served by rural rate-of-return carriers, and a method to provide support for broadband-only lines. This
is one of the key issues that the Commission raised in the Connect America Fund Further Notice of
Proposed Rulemaking that we adopted in April. Your views are on this matter are very important, and
will be included in the record of the proceeding and considered as part of the Commission's review.
The universal service program is one of the most important tools at our disposal to ensure that
consumers and businesses in rural America have the same opportunities as their urban and suburban
counterparts to be active participants in the United States of the 21st century. I agree with you that the
existing universal service mechanisms for rate-of-return carriers "represent a real obstacle to the
broadband future toward which we are all aiming." We are focused on updating the universal service
program to ensure that we are delivering the best possible voice and broadband experiences to rural
America within the confines of our Connect America budget, while providing increased certainty and
predictability for all carriers and a climate for increased broadband expansion.
To that end, in April the Commission voted to move forward with Phase II of the Connect
America Fund for price-cap carriers, and took several steps to improve the climate for broadband
investment in areas served by incumbent rate-of-return carriers. In particular, we eliminated the
Quantile Regression Analysis benchmarks rule because it was not serving its intended purpose. In
addition, in the above-mentioned Further Notice, the Commission proposed a stand-alone broadband
funding mechanism for rate-of-return carriers and sought comment on how to support the deployment
of broadband-capable networks by rate-of-return carriers within the current budget for the program.
We expect a robust record on how a standalone broadband mechanism could be structured to provide
support consistent with the $2 billion budget for rate-of-return territories.
I appreciate your interest in this matter, and I look forward to working with you as we continue
the work of reforming and modernizing the universal service fund high-cost program - as well as other
components of the Fund - to ensure that all Americans have access to robust voice and broadband
services.
Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance.
Sincerely,
Tom Wheeler
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASH INGTON
OFFICE OF June 30, 2014
THE CHAIRMAN
The Honorable Jackie Walorski
U.S. House of Representatives
419 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congresswoman Walorski:
Thank you for your letter supporting the creation of a Connect America mechanism for areas
served by rural rate-of-return carriers, and a method to provide support for broadband-only lines. This
is one of the key issues that the Commission raised in the Connect America Fund Further Notice of
Proposed Rulemaking that we adopted in April. Your views are on this matter are very important, and
will be included in the record of the proceeding and considered as part of the Commission's review.
The universal service program is one of the most important tools at our disposal to ensure that
consumers and businesses in rural America have the same opportunities as their urban and suburban
counterparts to be active participants in the United States of the 21 st century. I agree with you that the
existing universal service mechanisms for rate-of-return carriers "represent a real obstacle to the
broadband future toward which we are all aiming." We are focused on updating the universal service
program to ensure that we are delivering the best possible voice and broadband experiences to rural
America within the confines of our Connect America budget, while providing increased certainty and
predictability for all carriers and a climate for increased broadband expansion.
To that end, in April the Commission voted to move forward with Phase II of the Connect
America Fund for price-cap carriers, and took several steps to improve the climate for broadband
investment in areas served by incumbent rate-of-return carriers. In particular, we eliminated the
Quantile Regression Analysis benchmarks rule because it was not serving its intended purpose. In
addition, in the above-mentioned Further Notice, the Commission proposed a stand-alone broadband
funding mechanism for rate-of-return carriers and sought comment on how to support the deployment
of broadband-capable networks by rate-of-return carriers within the current budget for the program.
We expect a robust record on how a standalone broadband mechanism could be structured to provide
support consistent with the $2 billion budget for rate-of-return territories.
I appreciate your interest in this matter, and I look forward to working with you as we continue
the work of reforming and modernizing the universal service fund high-cost program - as well as other
components of the Fund - to ensure that all Americans have access to robust voice and broadband
services.
Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance.
Sincerely,
Tom Wheeler
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASH INGTON
\ISo4
OFFICE OF June 30, 2014
THE CHAIRMAN
The Honorable Tim Walz
U.S. House of Representatives
1034 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressman Walz:
Thank you for your letter supporting the creation of a Connect America mechanism for areas
served by rural rate-of-return carriers, and a method to provide support for broadband-only lines. This
is one of the key issues that the Commission raised in the Connect America Fund Further Notice of
Proposed Rulemaking that we adopted in April. Your views are on this matter are very important, and
will be included in the record of the proceeding and considered as part of the Commission's review.
The universal service program is one of the most important tools at our disposal to ensure that
consumers and businesses in rural America have the same opportunities as their urban and suburban
counterparts to be active participants in the United States of the 21st century. I agree with you that the
existing universal service mechanisms for rate-of-return carriers "represent a real obstacle to the
broadband future toward which we are all aiming." We are focused on updating the universal service
program to ensure that we are delivering the best possible voice and broadband experiences to rural
America within the confines of our Connect America budget, while providing increased certainty and
predictability for all carriers and a climate for increased broadband expansion.
To that end, in April the Commission voted to move forward with Phase II of the Connect
America Fund for price-cap carriers, and took several steps to improve the climate for broadband
investment in areas served by incumbent rate-of-return carriers. In particular, we eliminated the
Quantile Regression Analysis benchmarks rule because it was not serving its intended purpose. In
addition, in the above-mentioned Further Notice, the Commission proposed a stand-alone broadband
funding mechanism for rate-of-return carriers and sought comment on how to support the deployment
of broadband-capable networks by rate-of-return carriers within the current budget for the program.
We expect a robust record on how a standalone broadband mechanism could be structured to provide
support consistent with the $2 billion budget for rate-of-return territories.
I appreciate your interest in this matter, and I look forward to working with you as we continue
the work of reforming and modernizing the universal service fund high-cost program - as well as other
components of the Fund - to ensure that all Americans have access to robust voice and broadband
services.
Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance.
Sincerely,
Tom Wheeler
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
J)
WASHINGTON
OFFICE OF June 30, 2014
The Honorable Peter Welch
U.S. House of Representatives
2303 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressman Welch:
Thank you for your letter supporting the creation of a Connect America mechanism for areas
served by rural rate-of-return carriers, and a method to provide support for broadband-only lines. This
is one of the key issues that the Commission raised in the Connect America Fund Further Notice of
Proposed Rulemaking that we adopted in April. Your views are on this matter are very important, and
will be included in the record of the proceeding and considered as part of the Commission's review.
The universal service program is one of the most important tools at our disposal to ensure that
consumers and businesses in rural America have the same opportunities as their urban and suburban
counterparts to be active participants in the United States of the 21St century. I agree with you that the
existing universal service mechanisms for rate-of-return carriers "represent a real obstacle to the
broadband future toward which we are all aiming." We are focused on updating the universal service
program to ensure that we are delivering the best possible voice and broadband experiences to rural
America within the confines of our Connect America budget, while providing increased certainty and
predictability for all carriers and a climate for increased broadband expansion.
To that end, in April the Commission voted to move forward with Phase II of the Connect
America Fund for price-cap carriers, and took several steps to improve the climate for broadband
investment in areas served by incumbent rate-of-return carriers. In particular, we eliminated the
Quantile Regression Analysis benchmarks rule because it was not serving its intended purpose. In
addition, in the above-mentioned Further Notice, the Commission proposed a stand-alone broadband
funding mechanism for rate-of-return carriers and sought comment on how to support the deployment
of broadband-capable networks by rate-of-return carriers within the current budget for the program.
We expect a robust record on how a standalone broadband mechanism could be structured to provide
support consistent with the $2 billion budget for rate-of-return territories.
I appreciate your interest in this matter, and I look forward to working with you as we continue
the work of reforming and modernizing the universal service fund high-cost program - as well as other
components of the Fund - to ensure that all Americans have access to robust voice and broadband
services.
Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance.
Sincerely,
Tom Wheeler
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASH INGTON
OFFICE OF J 'f
THE CHAIRMAN dune .flJ,
The Honorable Edward Whitfield
U.S. House of Representatives
2184 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressman Whitfield:
Thank you for your letter supporting the creation of a Connect America mechanism for areas
served by rural rate-of-return carriers, and a method to provide support for broadband-only lines. This
is one of the key issues that the Commission raised in the Connect America Fund Further Notice of
Proposed Rulemaking that we adopted in April. Your views are on this matter are very important, and
will be included in the record of the proceeding and considered as part of the Commission's review.
The universal service program is one of the most important tools at our disposal to ensure that
consumers and businesses in rural America have the same opportunities as their urban and suburban
counterparts to be active participants in the United States of the 21st century. I agree with you that the
existing universal service mechanisms for rate-of-return carriers "represent a real obstacle to the
broadband future toward which we are all aiming." We are focused on updating the universal service
program to ensure that we are delivering the best possible voice and broadband experiences to rural
America within the confines of our Connect America budget, while providing increased certainty and
predictability for all carriers and a climate for increased broadband expansion.
To that end, in April the Commission voted to move forward with Phase II of the Connect
America Fund for price-cap carriers, and took several steps to improve the climate for broadband
investment in areas served by incumbent rate-of-return carriers. In particular, we eliminated the
Quantile Regression Analysis benchmarks rule because it was not serving its intended purpose. In
addition, in the above-mentioned Further Notice, the Commission proposed a stand-alone broadband
funding mechanism for rate-of-return carriers and sought comment on how to support the deployment
of broadband-capable networks by rate-of-return carriers within the current budget for the program.
We expect a robust record on how a standalone broadband mechanism could be structured to provide
support consistent with the $2 billion budget for rate-of-return territories.
I appreciate your interest in this matter, and I look forward to working with you as we continue
the work of reforming and modernizing the universal service fund high-cost program - as well as other
components of the Fund - to ensure that all Americans have access to robust voice and broadband
services.
Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance.
Sincerely,
Tom Wheeler
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASHINGTON
MIS0
OFFICE OF
THE CHAIRMAN June 30, 2014
The Honorable Joe Wilson
U.S. House of Representatives
2229 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressman Wilson:
Thank you for your letter supporting the creation of a Connect America mechanism for areas
served by rural rate-of-return carriers, and a method to provide support for broadband-only lines. This
is one of the key issues that the Commission raised in the Connect America Fund Further Notice of
Proposed Rulemaking that we adopted in April. Your views are on this matter are very important, and
will be included in the record of the proceeding and considered as part of the Commission's review.
The universal service program is one of the most important tools at our disposal to ensure that
consumers and businesses in rural America have the same opportunities as their urban and suburban
counterparts to be active participants in the United States of the 21st century. I agree with you that the
existing universal service mechanisms for rate-of-return carriers "represent a real obstacle to the
broadband future toward which we are all aiming." We are focused on updating the universal service
program to ensure that we are delivering the best possible voice and broadband experiences to rural
America within the confines of our Connect America budget, while providing increased certainty and
predictability for all carriers and a climate for increased broadband expansion.
To that end, in April the Commission voted to move forward with Phase II of the Connect
America Fund for price-cap carriers, and took several steps to improve the climate for broadband
investment in areas served by incumbent rate-of-return carriers. In particular, we eliminated the
Quantile Regression Analysis benchmarks rule because it was not serving its intended purpose. In
addition, in the above-mentioned Further Notice, the Commission proposed a stand-alone broadband
funding mechanism for rate-of-return carriers and sought comment on how to support the deployment
of broadband-capable networks by rate-of-return carriers within the current budget for the program.
We expect a robust record on how a standalone broadband mechanism could be structured to provide
support consistent with the $2 billion budget for rate-of-return territories.
I appreciate your interest in this matter, and I look forward to working with you as we continue
the work of reforming and modernizing the universal service fund high-cost program - as well as other
components of the Fund - to ensure that all Americans have access to robust voice and broadband
services.
Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance.
Sincerely,
Tom Wheeler
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASHINGTON
AIMISSO
OFFICE OF June 30, 2014THE CHAIRMAN
The Honorable Steve Womack
U.S. House of Representatives
1119 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressman Womack:
Thank you for your letter supporting the creation of a Connect America mechanism for areas
served by rural rate-of-return carriers, and a method to provide support for broadband-only lines. This
is one of the key issues that the Commission raised in the Connect America Fund Further Notice of
Proposed Rulemaking that we adopted in April. Your views are on this matter are very important, and
will be included in the record of the proceeding and considered as part of the Commission's review.
The universal service program is one of the most important tools at our disposal to ensure that
consumers and businesses in rural America have the same opportunities as their urban and suburban
counterparts to be active participants in the United States of the 21st century. I agree with you that the
existing universal service mechanisms for rate-of-return carriers "represent a real obstacle to the
broadband future toward which we are all aiming." We are focused on updating the universal service
program to ensure that we are delivering the best possible voice and broadband experiences to rural
America within the confines of our Connect America budget, while providing increased certainty and
predictability for all carriers and a climate for increased broadband expansion.
To that end, in April the Commission voted to move forward with Phase II of the Connect
America Fund for price-cap carriers, and took several steps to improve the climate for broadband
investment in areas served by incumbent rate-of-return carriers. In particular, we eliminated the
Quantile Regression Analysis benchmarks rule because it was not serving its intended purpose. In
addition, in the above-mentioned Further Notice, the Commission proposed a stand-alone broadband
funding mechanism for rate-of-return carriers and sought comment on how to support the deployment
of broadband-capable networks by rate-of-return carriers within the current budget for the program.
We expect a robust record on how a standalone broadband mechanism could be structured to provide
support consistent with the $2 billion budget for rate-of-return territories.
I appreciate your interest in this matter, and I look forward to working with you as we continue
the work of reforming and modernizing the universal service fund high-cost program - as well as other
components of the Fund - to ensure that all Americans have access to robust voice and broadband
services.
Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance.
Sincerely,
Tom Wheeler
1(1 FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASHINGTON
lMISS\0
OFFICE OF June 30, 2014THE CHAIRMAN
The Honorable Don Young
U.S. House of Representatives
2314 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressman Young:
Thank you for your letter supporting the creation of a Connect America mechanism for areas
served by rural rate-of-return carriers, and a method to provide support for broadband-only lines. This
is one of the key issues that the Commission raised in the Connect America Fund Further Notice of
Proposed Rulemaking that we adopted in April. Your views are on this matter are very important, and
will be included in the record of the proceeding and considered as part of the Commission's review.
The universal service program is one of the most important tools at our disposal to ensure that
consumers and businesses in rural America have the same opportunities as their urban and suburban
counterparts to be active participants in the United States of the 21st century. I agree with you that the
existing universal service mechanisms for rate-of-return carriers "represent a real obstacle to the
broadband future toward which we are all aiming." We are focused on updating the universal service
program to ensure that we are delivering the best possible voice and broadband experiences to rural
America within the confines of our Connect America budget, while providing increased certainty and
predictability for all carriers and a climate for increased broadband expansion.
To that end, in April the Commission voted to move forward with Phase II of the Connect
America Fund for price-cap carriers, and took several steps to improve the climate for broadband
investment in areas served by incumbent rate-of-return carriers. In particular, we eliminated the
Quantile Regression Analysis benchmarks rule because it was not serving its intended purpose. In
addition, in the above-mentioned Further Notice, the Commission proposed a stand-alone broadband
funding mechanism for rate-of-return carriers and sought comment on how to support the deployment
of broadband-capable networks by rate-of-return carriers within the current budget for the program.
We expect a robust record on how a standalone broadband mechanism could be structured to provide
support consistent with the $2 billion budget for rate-of-return territories.
I appreciate your interest in this matter, and I look forward to working with you as we continue
the work of reforming and modernizing the universal service fund high-cost program - as well as other
components of the Fund - to ensure that all Americans have access to robust voice and broadband
services.
Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance.
Sincerely,
Tom Wheeler
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASHINGTON
OFFICE OF June 30, 2014
THE CHAIRMAN
The Honorable Todd Young
U.S. House of Representatives
1721 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressman Young:
Thank you for your letter supporting the creation of a Connect America mechanism for areas
served by rural rate-of-return carriers, and a method to provide support for broadband-only lines. This
is one of the key issues that the Commission raised in the Connect America Fund Further Notice of
Proposed Rulemaking that we adopted in April. Your views are on this matter are very important, and
will be included in the record of the proceeding and considered as part of the Commission's review.
The universal service program is one of the most important tools at our disposal to ensure that
consumers and businesses in rural America have the same opportunities as their urban and suburban
counterparts to be active participants in the United States of the 21st century. I agree with you that the
existing universal service mechanisms for rate-of-return carriers "represent a real obstacle to the
broadband future toward which we are all aiming." We are focused on updating the universal service
program to ensure that we are delivering the best possible voice and broadband experiences to rural
America within the confines of our Connect America budget, while providing increased certainty and
predictability for all carriers and a climate for increased broadband expansion.
To that end, in April the Commission voted to move forward with Phase II of the Connect
America Fund for price-cap carriers, and took several steps to improve the climate for broadband
investment in areas served by incumbent rate-of-return carriers. In particular, we eliminated the
Quantile Regression Analysis benchmarks rule because it was not serving its intended purpose. In
addition, in the above-mentioned Further Notice, the Commission proposed a stand-alone broadband
funding mechanism for rate-of-return carriers and sought comment on how to support the deployment
of broadband-capable networks by rate-of-return carriers within the current budget for the program.
We expect a robust record on how a standalone broadband mechanism could be structured to provide
support consistent with the $2 billion budget for rate-of-return territories.
I appreciate your interest in this matter, and I look forward to working with you as we continue
the work of reforming and modernizing the universal service fund high-cost program - as well as other
components of the Fund - to ensure that all Americans have access to robust voice and broadband
services.
Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance.
Sincerely,
Tom Wheeler
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASHINGTON
'IMISS0
OFFICE OF
THE CHAIRMAN June 30, 2014
The Honorable Doug Lamborn
U.S. House of Representatives
2402 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressman Lamborn:
Thank you for your letter supporting the creation of a Connect America mechanism for areas
served by rural rate-of-return carriers, and a method to provide support for broadband-only lines. This
is one of the key issues that the Commission raised in the Connect America Fund Further Notice of
Proposed Rulemaking that we adopted in April. Your views are on this matter are very important, and
will be included in the record of the proceeding and considered as part of the Commission's review.
The universal service program is one of the most important tools at our disposal to ensure that
consumers and businesses in rural America have the same opportunities as their urban and suburban
counterparts to be active participants in the United States of the 21st century. I agree with you that the
existing universal service mechanisms for rate-of-return carriers "represent a real obstacle to the
broadband future toward which we are all aiming." We are focused on updating the universal service
program to ensure that we are delivering the best possible voice and broadband experiences to rural
America within the confines of our Connect America budget, while providing increased certainty and
predictability for all carriers and a climate for increased broadband expansion.
To that end, in April the Commission voted to move forward with Phase II of the Connect
America Fund for price-cap carriers, and took several steps to improve the climate for broadband
investment in areas served by incumbent rate-of-return carriers. In particular, we eliminated the
Quantile Regression Analysis benchmarks rule because it was not serving its intended purpose. In
addition, in the above-mentioned Further Notice, the Commission proposed a stand-alone broadband
funding mechanism for rate-of-return carriers and sought comment on how to support the deployment
of broadband-capable networks by rate-of-return carriers within the current budget for the program.
We expect a robust record on how a standalone broadband mechanism could be structured to provide
support consistent with the $2 billion budget for rate-of-return territories.
I appreciate your interest in this matter, and I look forward to working with you as we continue
the work of reforming and modernizing the universal service fund high-cost program - as well as other
components of the Fund - to ensure that all Americans have access to robust voice and broadband
services.
Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance.
Sincerely,
Tom Wheeler
cOMMO,
:' FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASHINGTON
OFFICE OF June 30, 2014
The Honorable Doug LaMalfa
U.S. House of Representatives
506 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressman LaMalfa:
Thank you for your letter supporting the creation of a Connect America mechanism for areas
served by rural rate-of-return carriers, and a method to provide support for broadband-only lines. This
is one of the key issues that the Commission raised in the Connect America Fund Further Notice of
Proposed Rulemaking that we adopted in April. Your views are on this matter are very important, and
will be included in the record of the proceeding and considered as part of the Commission's review.
The universal service program is one of the most important tools at our disposal to ensure that
consumers and businesses in rural America have the same opportunities as their urban and suburban
counterparts to be active participants in the United States of the 21st century. I agree with you that the
existing universal service mechanisms for rate-of-return carriers "represent a real obstacle to the
broadband future toward which we are all aiming." We are focused on updating the universal service
program to ensure that we are delivering the best possible voice and broadband experiences to rural
America within the confines of our Connect America budget, while providing increased certainty and
predictability for all carriers and a climate for increased broadband expansion.
To that end, in April the Commission voted to move forward with Phase II of the Connect
America Fund for price-cap carriers, and took several steps to improve the climate for broadband
investment in areas served by incumbent rate-of-return carriers. In particular, we eliminated the
Quantile Regression Analysis benchmarks rule because it was not serving its intended purpose. In
addition, in the above-mentioned Further Notice, the Commission proposed a stand-alone broadband
funding mechanism for rate-of-return carriers and sought comment on how to support the deployment
of broadband-capable networks by rate-of-return carriers within the current budget for the program.
We expect a robust record on how a standalone broadband mechanism could be structured to provide
support consistent with the $2 billion budget for rate-of-return territories.
I appreciate your interest in this matter, and I look forward to working with you as we continue
the work of reforming and modernizing the universal service fund high-cost program - as well as other
components of the Fund - to ensure that all Americans have access to robust voice and broadband
services.
Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance.
Sincerely,
Tom Wheeler