FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WAS H IN G TO N
'0
OFFICE OF June 30, 2014THE CHAIRMAN
The Honorable Cory Gardner
U.S. House of Representatives
213 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressman Gardner:
Thank you for your letter 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 Mark Amodei
U.S. House of Representatives
222 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressman Amodei:
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
°l?4ISS\
OFFICE OF June 30, 2014THE CHAIRMAN
The Honorable Ron Barber
U.S. House of Representatives
1029 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressman Barber:
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 Honorable Andy Barr
U.S. House of Representatives
1432 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressman Barr:
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
°4MISS\°
OFFICE OF
THE CHAIRMAN June 30, 2014
The Honorable John Barrow
U.S. House of Representatives
2202 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressman Barrow:
Thank you for your letter 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 telTitories.
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 Honorable Dan Benishek
U.S. House of Representatives
514 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressman Benishek:
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 Rob Bishop
U.S. House of Representatives
123 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressman Bishop:
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
k Y WASHINGTON
OA1MISSA
OFFICE OF
THE CHAIRMAN June 30, 2014
The Honorable Sanford Bishop
U.S. House of Representatives
2429 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressman Bishop:
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 telTitories.
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
NZ
OFFICE OF
THE CHAIRMAN June 30, 2014
The Honorable Bruce Braley
U.S. House of Representatives
2263 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressman Braley:
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 Mo Brooks
U.S. House of Representatives
1230 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressman Brooks:
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
OFFICE OF
THE CHAIRMAN June 30, 2014
The Honorable Corrine Brown
U.S. House of Representatives
2111 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congresswoman Brown:
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
77'\
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASHINGTON
OFFICE OF June 30, 2014THE CHAIRMAN
The Honorable Larry Bucshon
U.S. House of Representatives
1005 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressman Bucshon:
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
(0
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASHINGTON
.olI55'o
OFFICE OF June 30, 2014THE CHAIRMAN
The Honorable Bill Cassidy
U.S. House of Representatives
1131 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressman Cassidy:
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 Jason Chaffetz
U.S. House of Representatives
2464 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressman Chaffetz:
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 Emanuel Cleaver
U.S. House of Representatives
2335 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressman Cleaver:
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' '
°1MISS'°
OFFICE OF
THE CHAIRMAN June 30, 2014
The Honorable Doug Collins
U.S. House of Representatives
513 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressman Collins:
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
- cOMM,,
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASHINGTON
OFFICE OF
THE CHAIRMAN June 30, 2014
The Honorable Tom Cotton
U.S. House of Representatives
415 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressman Cotton:
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
AfMIs59.
OFFICE OF
THE CHAIRMAN
The Honorable Kevin Cramer
U.S. House of Representatives
1032 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressman Cramer:
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,
Tom Wheeler
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASHINGTON
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASHINGTON
OFFICE OF June 30, 2014THE CHAIRMAN
The Honorable Rick Crawford
U.S. House of Representatives
1711 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressman Crawford:
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 Dames
U.S. House of Representatives
206 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressman Dames:
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
THE CHAIRMAN June 30, 2014
The Honorable Peter DeFazio
U.S. House of Representatives
2134 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressman DeFazio:
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
.OAfMIs5\O
OFFICE OF June 30, 2014THE CHAIRMAN
The Honorable Sean Duffy
U.S. House of Representatives
1208 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressman Duffy:
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 Jeff Duncan
U.S. House of Representatives
116 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressman Duncan:
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
OFFICE OF
THE CHAIRMAN June 30, 2014
The Honorable Bill Enyart
U.S. House of Representatives
1722 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressman Enyart:
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
MISS''
OFFICE OF June 30, 2014THE CHAIRMAN
The Honorable Blake Farenthold
U.S. House of Representatives
117 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressman Farenthold:
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
JOMMO
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASHINGTON
OFFICE OF June 30, 2014THE CHAIRMAN
The Honorable Stephen Fincher
U.S. House of Representatives
1118 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressman Fincher:
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
, cO).lM&
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASHINGTON
OFFICE OF
THE CHAIRMAN June 30, 2014
The Honorable Virginia Foxx
U.S. House of Representatives
2350 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congresswoman Foxx:
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'CS
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASHINGTON
:.o
OFFICE OF June 30, 2014THE CHAIRMAN
The Honorable Pete Gallego
U.S. House of Representatives
431 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressman Gallego:
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
fli' WASHINGTON
OFFICE OF
THE CHAIRMAN June 30, 2014
The Honorable Joim Garamendi
U.S. House of Representatives
2438 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressman Garamendi:
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 telTitories.
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 Chris Gibson
U.S. House of Representatives
1708 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressman Gibson:
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
OFFICE OF
THE CHAIRMAN June 30, 2014
The Honorable Louie Gohmert
U.S. House of Representatives
2243 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressman Gohmert:
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
i) WASHINGTON
OFFICE OF
THE CHAIRMAN June 30, 2014
The Honorable Sam Graves
U.S. House of Representatives
1415 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressman Graves:
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
OM
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASHINGTON
OFFICE OF June 30, 2014THE CHAIRMAN
The Honorable Tim Griffin
U.S. House of Representatives
1232 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressman Griffin:
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
°MMISS' -.
OFFICE OF June 30, 2014THE CHAIRMAN
The Honorable H. Morgan Griffith
U.S. House of Representatives
1108 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressman Griffith:
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 Raul Grijalva
U.S. House of Representatives
1511 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressman Grijalva:
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
MO/7'- '/
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASHINGTON
MIss\o''
OFFICE OF
THE CHAIRMAN June 30, 2014
The Honorable Brett Guthrie
U.S. House of Representatives
308 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressman Guthrie:
Thank you for your letter 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
OAIMISS\O
OFFICE OF
THE CHAIRMAN June 30, 2014
The Honorable Vicky Hartzler
U.S. House of Representatives
1023 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressman Hartzler:
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 caiTiers 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
WASHINGTON
CCAlM IS5\O
OFFICE OF
THE CHAIRMAN June 30, 2014
The Honorable Ruben Hinojosa
U.S. House of Representatives
2262 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressman Hinojosa:
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 Bill Johnson
U.S. House of Representatives
1710 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressman Johnson:
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
I1
A1MISS\O
OFFICE OF
THE CHAIRMAN
The Honorable Derek Kilmer
U.S. House of Representatives
1429 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressman Kilmer:
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
MN
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WAS H N GTO N
OFFICE OF
THE CHAIRMAN June 30, 2014
The Honorable Steve King
U.S. House of Representatives
2210 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressman King:
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
cOlft4U
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASHINGTON
OFFICE OF June 30, 2014THE CHAIRMAN
The Honorable Ann Kirkpatrick
U.S. House of Representatives
330 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congresswoman Kirkpatrick:
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 Ann Kuster
U.S. House of Representatives
137 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congresswoman Kuster:
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