FEDERA L COMMUNI C ATI O N S C OM MI SSIO N W AS HING T ON OF'F'ICE O F' THE CHAIRMAN The Honorable G.K. Butterfield U.S. House of Representatives 2305 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 Dear Congressman Butterfield: July 29, 2014 Thank you for sharing your views on the importance of modernizing theE-rate program to provide high-speed broadband to and within all of our nation's schools and libraries. Your views are very important and will be included in the record ofthe proceeding and considered as part of the Commission's review. Since its creation as part of the 1996 Telecommunications Act, the E-rate program has provided crucial support to meet the technology needs of schools and libraries. But just as technology and teaching have evolved over the past two decades, so too must E-rate. The technology tools that supported the educational needs of the Class of 1998 bear virtually no resemblance to those the Classes of2015 and beyond need to succeed in the 21st century. I completely agree with your statement that "[tJhe technological priorities of the E-rate program should be updated to fit current needs." I am committed to ensuring that theE-rate program evolves to focus on providing support for high-speed broadband both to and within schools and libraries. Schools need this broadband to take advantage of digital learning technologies, and libraries need to provide their patrons with high-speed access to the Internet. The Order adopted by the Commission at our July Open Meeting takes significant steps to modernize theE-rate program by addressing the Wi-Fi gap in America's schools and libraries. We established an annual funding target of $1 billion for Wi-Fi, as well as a more fair method Cor distributing funds so that all schools and libraries can benefit, including far more rural schools and libraries than in the past. Given that 40 percent of classrooms are not currently Wi­ Fi-enabled, and nearly two-thirds of schools indicate that they do not have sufficient Wi-Fi capacity to meet their digital learning needs, it is critically important that we focus our limited program resources on connectivity, not only to the school or library, but also to the student or library patron. The Order funds this support for Wi-Fi through the combination of funds already available for this purpose and by utilizing savmgs associated with transitioning suppott from non-broadband services to broadband. At the same time, the Order ensures that adequate funding will also be available for broadband connectivity to schools and libraries and seeks further comment on the long-term funding neeJs of the program. Moreover, to make E-rate dollars go even further, the Order adopts transparency measures to provide applicants with the pricing and connectivity data needed to make smart Page 2- The Honorable G.K. Butterfield purchasing decisions, encourages consortia purchasing to drive down prices, and ensures that applicants are selecting from the best possible bids through the lowest corresponding price rule. The Order also makes several changes 'to help make theE-rate processes faster, simpler, and more efficient for all stakeholders. It streamlines the application process by simplifying review of multi-year contracts, expediting small dollar, cost-effective applications, speeding review of all applications, requiring electronic filing, and enabling direct connections between schools and libraries. The Order is a common sense, responsible step in theE-rate modernization process. We are targeting already available funds to meet the greatest current needs, we are getting as much as we can out of every E-rate dollar, and we are formally and expeditiously investigating the appropriate funding level for this program, based upon the steps we have taken to improve its structure and administration. But there is still more work to do. E-rate modernization is one of the most important issues before the Commission today. We have an opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of millions of students. I look forward to working with you and your colleagues toward our mutual goal of increased access to high-speed broadband in our nation' s schools and libraries. Thank you again for your interest in this important matter. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further concerns. Tom Wheeler FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION W ASHINGTON OFF"ICE OF THE CHAIRMAN The Honorable Bill Enyart U.S. House of Representatives 1722 Longworth House Office Building Washington, D. C. 20515 Dear Congressman Enyart: July 29, 2014 Thank you for sharing your views on the importance of modernizing the E-rate program to provide high-speed broadband to and within all of our nation's schools and libraries. Your views are very important and will be included in the record of the proceeding and considered as part of the Commission's review. Since its creation as part of the 1996 Telecommunications Act, the E-rate program has provided crucial support to meet the technology needs of schools and libraries. But just as technology and teaching have evolved over the past two decades, so too must E-rate. The technology tools that supported the educational needs of the Class of 1998 bear virtually no resemblance to those the Classes of 2015 and beyond need to succeed in the 21st century. I completely agree with your statement that "[t]he technological priorities of theE-rate program should be updated to fit current needs." I am committed to ensuring that theE-rate program evolves to focus on providing support for high-speed broadband both to and within schools and libraries. Schools need this broadband to take advantage of digital learning technologies, and libraries need to provide their patrons with high-speed access to the Internet. The Order adopted by the Commission at our July Open Meeting takes significant steps to modernize theE-rate program by addressing the Wi-Fi gap in America's schools and libraries. We established an annual funding target of$1 billion for Wi-Fi, as well as a more fair method for distributing funds so that all schools and libraries can benefit, including far more rural schools and libraries than in the past. Given that 40 percent of classrooms are not currently Wi­ Fi-enabled, and nearly two-thirds of schools indicate that they do not have sufficient Wi-Fi capacity to meet their digital learning needs, it is critically important that we focus our limited program resources on connectivity, not only to the school or library, but also to the student or library patron. The Order funds this support for Wi-Fi through the combination of funds already available for this purpose and by utilizing savings associated with transitioning support from non-broadband services to broadband. At the same time, the Order ensures that adequate funding will also be available for broadband connectivity to schools and libraries and seeks further comment on the long-term funding needs of the program. Moreover, to make E-rate dollars go even further, the Order adopts transparency measures to provide applicants with the pricing and connectivity data needed to make smart Page 2-The Honorable Bill Enyart purcha ing decisions, encourages consortia purchasing to drive down prices, and ensures that applicants are selecting from the best possible bids through the lowest corresponding price rule. The Order also makes several changes to help make theE-rate processes faster, simpler, and more efficient for all stakeholders. It streamlines the application process by simplifying review of multi-year contracts, expediting small dollar, cost-effective applications, speeding review of all applications, requiring electronic filing, and enabling direct connections between schools and libraries. The Order is a common sense, responsible step in theE-rate modernization process. We are targeting already available funds to meet the greatest current needs, we are getting as much as we can out of every E-rate dollar, and we are formally and expeditiously investigating the appropriate funding level for this program, based upon the steps we have taken to improve its structure and administration. But there is still more work to do. E-rate modernization is one of the most important issues before the Commission today. We have an opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of millions of students. I look forward to working with you and your colleagues toward our mutual goal of increased access to high-speed broadband in our nation's schools and libraries. Thank you again for your interest in this important matter. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further concerns. FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE OF THE CHAIRMAN The Honorable Steve Cohen U.S. House of Representatives 2404 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 Dear Congressman Cohen: July 29, 2014 Thank you for sharing your views on the importance of modernizing the E-rate program to provide high-speed broadband to and within all of our nation's schools and libraries. Your views are very important and will be included in the record of the proceeding and considered as part of the Commission's review. Since its creation as part of the 1996 Telecommunications Act, theE-rate program has provided crucial support to meet tre technology needs of schools and libraries. But just as technology and teaching have evolved over the past two decades, so too must E-rate. The technology tools that supported the educational needs of the Class of 1998 bear virtually no resemblance to those the Classes of2015 and beyond need to succeed in the 21st century. I completely agree with your statement that " [t]he technological priorities of theE-rate program should be updated to fit current needs." I am committed to ensuring that theE-rate program evolves to focus on providing support for high-speed broadband both to and within schools and libraries. Schools need this broadband to take advantage of digital learning technologies, and libraries need to provide their patrons with high-speed access to the Internet. The Order adopted by the Commission at our July Open Meeting takes significant steps to modernize theE-rate program by addressing the Wi-Fi gap in America's schools and libraries. We established an annual funding target of $1 billion for Wi-Fi, as well as a more fair method for distributing funds so that all schools and libraries can benefit, including far more rural schools and libraries than in the past. Given that 40 percent of classrooms are not currently Wi­ Fi-enabled, and nearly two-thirds of schools indicate that they do not have sufficient Wi-Fi capacity to meet their digital learning needs, it is critically important that we focus our limited program resources on connectivity, not only to the school or library, but also to the student or library patron. The Order funds this support for Wi-Fi through the combination of funds already available for this purpose and by utilizing savings associated with transitioning support from non-broadband services to broadband. At the same time, the Order ensures that adequate funding will also be available for broadband connectivity to schools and libraries and seeks further comment on the long-term funding needs of the program. Moreover, to make E-rate dollars go even fut1her, the Order adopts transparency measures to provide applicants with the pricing and connectivity data needed to make smart Page 2-The Honorable Steve Cohen purchasing decisions, encourages consortia purchasing to drive down prices, and ensures that applicants are selecting from the best possible bids through the lowest corresponding price rule. The Order also makes several changes to help make theE-rate processes faster, simpler, and more efficient for all stakeholders. It streamlines the application process by simplifying review of multi-year contracts, expediting small dollar, cost-effective applications, speeding review of all applications, requiring electronic filing, and enabling direct connections between schools and libraries. The Order is a common sense, responsible step in theE-rate modernization process. We are targeting already available funds to meet the greatest current needs, we are getting as much as we can out of every E-rate dollar, and we are formally and expeditiously investigating the appropriate funding level for this program, based upon the steps we have taken to improve its structure and administration. But there is still more work to do. E-rate modernization is one of the most important issues before the Commission today. We have an opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of millions of students. I look forward to working with you and your colleagues toward our mutual goal of increased access to high-speed broadband in our nation's schools and libraries. Thank you again for your interest in this important matter. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further concerns. FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE OF THE CHAIRMAN The Honorable Sam Farr U .. I louse of Representatives 1126 Longworth House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 Dear Congressman Farr: July 29, 2014 Thank you for sharing your views on the importance of modernizing the E-rate program to provide high-speed broadband to and within all of our nation's schools and libraries. Your views are very important and will be included in the record of the proceeding and considered as part of the Commission's review. Since its creation as part of the 1996 Telecommunications Act, the E-rate program has provided crucial support to meet the technology needs of schools and libraries. But just as technology and teaching have evolved over the past two decades, so too must E-rate. The technology tools that supported the educational needs of the Class of 1998 bear virtually no resemblance to those the Classes of2015 and beyond need to succeed in the 21st century. I completely agree with your statement that "[t]he technological priorities of theE-rate program should be updated to fit current needs." I am committed to ensuring that theE-rate program evolves to focus on providing support for high-speed broadband both to and within schools and libraries. Schools need this broadband to take advantage of digital learning technologies, and libraries need to provide their patrons with high-speed access to the Internet. The Order adopted by the Commission at our July Open Meeting takes significant steps to modernize theE-rate program by addressing the Wi-Fi gap in America's schools and libraries. We established an annual funding target of$1 billion for Wi-Fi, as well as a more fair method for distributing funds so that all schools and libraries can benefit, including far more rural schools and libraries than in the past. Given that 40 percent of classrooms are not currently Wi­ Fi-enabled, and nearly two-thirds of schools indicate that they do not have sufficient Wi-Fi capacity to meet their digital learning needs, it is critically important that we focus our limited program resources on connectivity, not only to the school or library, but also to the student or library patron. The Order funds this support for Wi-Fi through the combination of funds already available for this purpose and by utilizing savings associated with transitioning support from non-broadband services to broadband. At the same time, the Order ensures that adequate funding will also be available for broadband connectivity to schools and libraries and seeks further comment on the long-term funding needs of the program. Moreover, to make E-rate dollars go even further, the Order adopts transparency measures to provide applicants with the pricing and connectivity data needed to make smart Page 2-The Honorable Sam Farr purchasing decisions, encourages consortia purchasing to drive down prices, and ensures that applicants are selecting from the best possible bids through the lowest corresponding price rule. The Order also makes several changes to help make theE-rate processes faster, simpler, and more efficient for all stakeholders. It streamlines the application process by simplifying review of multi-year contracts, expediting small dollar, cost-effective applications, speeding review of all applications, requiring electronic filing, and enabling direct connections between schools and libraries. The Order is a common sense, responsible step in theE-rate modernization process. We are targeting already available funds to meet the greatest current needs, we are getting as much as we can out of every E-rate dollar, and we are formally and expeditiously investigating the appropriate funding level for this program, based upon the steps we have taken to improve its structure and administration. But there is still more work to do. E-rate modernization is one of the most important issues before the Commission today. We have an opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of millions of students. I look forward to working with you and your colleagues toward our mutual goal of increased access to high-speed broadband in our nation's schools and libraries. Thank you again for your interest in this important matter. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further concerns. FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON Orner: o• 1~1[. C.HAIRMAN The Honorable Gene Green U.S. House of Representatives 2470 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 Dear Congressman Green: July 29,2014 Thank you for sharing your views on the importance of modernizing the E-rate program to provide high-speed broadband to and within all of our nation's schools and libraries. Your views are very important and will be included in the record of the proceeding and considered as part of the Commission's review. ince its creation as part of the 1996 Telecommunications Act, the E-rate program has provided crucial support to meet the technology needs of schools and libraries. But just as technology and teaching have evolved over the past two decades, so too must E-rate. The technology tools that supported the educational needs of the Class of 1998 bear virtually no resemblance to those the Classes of 20 15 and beyond need to succeed in the 21st century. I completely agree with your statement that "[t]he technological priorities of the E-rate program should be updated to fit current needs." I am committed to ensuring that theE-rate program evolves to focus on providing support for high-speed broadband both to and within schools and libraries. Schools need this broadband to take advantage of digital learning technologies, and libraries need to provide their patrons with high-speed access to the Internet. The Order adopted by the Commission at our July Open Meeting takes significant steps to modernize theE-rate program by addressing the Wi-Fi gap in America's schools and libraries. We established an annual funding target of $1 billion for Wi-Fi, as well as a more fair method for distributing funds so that all schools and libraries can benefit, including far more rural schools and libraries than in the past. Given that 40 percent of classrooms are not currently Wi­ Fi-enabled, and nearly two-thirds of schools indicate that they do not have sufficient Wi-Fi capacity to meet their digital learning needs, it is critically important that we focus our limited program resources on connectivity, not only to the school or library, but also to the student or library patron. The Order funds this support for Wi-Fi through the combination of funds already available for this purpose and by utilizing savings associated with transitioning support from non-broadband services to broadband. At the same time, the Order ensures that adequate funding will also be available for broadband connectivity to schools and libraries and seeks further comment on the long-term funding needs of the program. Moreover, to make E-rate dollars go even further, the Order adopts transparency measures to provide applicants with the pricing and connectivity data needed to make smart Page 2- The Honorable Gene Green purchasing decisions, encourages consortia purchasing to drive down prices, and ensures that applicants are selecting from the best possible bids through the lowest corresponding price rule. The Order also makes several changes to help make theE-rate processes faster, simpler, and more efficient for all stakeholders. It streamlines the application process by simplifying review of multi-year contracts, expediting small dollar, cost-effective applications, speeding review of all applications, requiring electronic filing, and enabling direct connections between schools and libraries. The Order is a common sense, responsible step in theE-rate modernization process. We are targeting already available funds to meet the greatest current needs, we are getting as much as we can out of every E-rate dollar, and we are formally and expeditiously investigating the appropriate funding level for this program, based upon the steps we have taken to improve its structure and administration. But there is still more work to do. E-rate modernization is one of the most important issues before the Commission today. We have an opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of millions of students. I look forward to working with you and your colleagues toward our mutual goal of increased access to high-speed broadband in our nation's schools and libraries. Thank you again for your interest in this important matter. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further concerns. :;Jt(/ ~eeler FEDERAL C O MMUNI C ATI O N S C OM MI SSIO N WA S HINGTO N OFFICE OF THC CHAIRMAN The Honorable Ruben Hinojosa U.S. House of Representatives 2262 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 Dear Congressman Hinojosa: July 29, 2014 Thank you for sharing your views on the importance of modernizing the E-rate program to provide high-speed broadband to and within all of our nation's schools and libraries. Your views are very important and will be included in the record of the proceeding and considered as part of the Commission's review. Since its creation as part of the 1996 Telecommunications Act, theE-rate program has provided crucial support to meet the technology needs of schools and libraries. But just as technology and teaching have evolved over the past two decades, so too must E-rate. The technology tools that supported the educational needs of the Class of 1998 bear virtually no resemblance to those the Classes of2015 and beyond need to succeed in the 21st century. I completely agree with your statement that "[t]he technological priorities of the E-rate program should be updated to fit current needs." I am committed to ensuring that theE-rate program evolves to focus on providing support for high-speed broadband both to and within schools and libraries. Schools need this broadband to take advantage of digital learning technologies, and libraries need to provide their patrons with high-speed access to the Internet. The Order adopted by the Commission at our July Open Meeting takes significant steps to modernize theE-rate program by addressing the Wi-Fi gap in America' s schools and libraries. We established an annual funding target of $1 billion for Wi-Fi, as well as a more fair method for distributing funds so that all schools and libraries can benefit, including far more rural schools and libraries than in the past. Given that 40 percent of classrooms are not currently Wi­ Fi-enabled, and nearly two-thirds of schools indicate that they do not have sufficient Wi-Fi capacity to meet their digital learning needs, it is critically important that we focus our limited program resources on connectivity, not only to the school or library, but also to the student or library patron. The Order funds this support for Wi-Fi through the combination of funds already available for this purpose and by utilizing savings associated with transitioning support from non-broadband services to broadband. At the same time, the Order ensures that adequate funding will also be available for broadband connectivity to schools and libraries and seeks further comment on the long-term funding needs of the progran1. Moreover, to make E-rate dollars go even further, the Order adopts transparency measures to provide applicants with the pricing and connectivity data needed to make smart Page 2- The Honorable Ruben Hinojosa purchasing decisions, encourages consortia purchasing to drive down prices, and ensures that applicants are selecting from the best possible bids through the lowest corresponding price rule. The Order also makes several changes to help make the E-rate processes faster, simpler, and more efficient for all stakeholders. It streamlines the application process by simplifying review of multi-year contracts, expediting small dollar, cost-effective applications, speeding review of all applications, requiring electronic filing, and enabling direct connections between schools and libraries. The Order is a common sense, responsible step in theE-rate modernization process. We are targeting already available funds to meet the greatest current needs, we are getting as much as we can out of every E-rate dollar, and we are formally and expeditiously investigating the appropriate funding level for this program, based upon the steps we have taken to improve its structure and administration. But there is still more work to do. E-rate modernization is one of the most important issues before the Commission today. We have an opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of millions of students. I look forward to working with you and your colleagues toward our mutual goal of increased access to high-speed broadband in our nation' s schools and libraries. Thank you again for your interest in this important matter. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further concerns. Sincerely, ~ Tom Wheeler FEDERAL COMMUNI C ATION S COMMI SSION WA S HINGTON OFFICE OF THE CHAIRMAN The Honorable Richard Hudson U.S. House of Representatives 429 Cannon House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 Dear Congressman Hudson: July 29,2014 Thank you for sharing your views on the importance of modernizing the E-rate program to provide high-speed broadband to and within all of our nation's schools and libraries. Your views are very important and will be included in the record of the proceeding and considered as part of the Commission's review. Since its creation as part of the 1996 Telecommunications Act, the E-rate program has provided crucial support to meet the technology needs of schools and libraries. But just as technology and teaching have evolved over the past two decades, so too must E-rate. The technology tools that supported the educational needs of the Class of 1998 bear virtually no resemblance to those the Classes of2015 and beyond need to succeed in the 21st century. I completely agree with your statement that "[t]he technological priorities of theE-rate program should be updated to fit current needs." I am committed to ensuring that theE-rate program evolves to focus on providing support for high-speed broadband both to and within schools and libraries. Schools need this broadband to take advantage of digital learning technologies, and libraries need to provide their patrons with high-speed access to the Internet. The Order adopted by the Commission at our July Open Meeting takes significant steps to modernize theE-rate program by addressing the Wi-Fi gap in America's schools and libraries. We established an annual funding target of $1 billion for Wi-Fi, as well as a more fair method for distributing funds so that all schools and libraries can benefit, including far more rural schools and libraries than in the past. Given that 40 percent of classrooms are not currently Wi­ Fi-enabled, and nearly two-thirds of schools indicate that they do not have sufficient Wi-Fi capacity to meet their digital learning needs, it is critically important that we focus our limited program resources on connectivity, not only to the school or library, but also to the student or library patron. The Order funds this support for Wi-Fi through the combination of funds already available for this purpose and by utilizing savings associated with transitioning support from non-broadband services to broadband. At the same time, the Order ensures that adequate funding will also be available for broadband connectivity to schools and libraries and seeks further comment on the long-term funding needs of the program. Moreover, to make E-rate dollars go even further, the Order adopts transparency measures to provide applicants with the pricing and connectivity data needed to make smart Page 2-The Honorable Richard Hudson purchasing decisions, encourages consortia purchasing to drive down prices, and ensures that applicants are selecting from the best possible bids through the lowest corresponding price rule. The Order also makes several changes to help make the E-rate processes faster, simpler, and more efficient for all stakeholders. It streamlines the application process by simplifying review of multi-year contracts, expediting small dollar, cost-effective applications, speeding review of all applications, requiring electronic filing, and enabling direct connections between schools and libraries. The Order is a common sense, responsible step in theE-rate modernization process. We are targeting already available funds to meet the greatest current needs, we are getting as much as we can out of every E-rate dollar, and we are formally and expeditiously investigating the appropriate funding level for this program, based upon the steps we have taken to improve its structure and administration. But there is still more work to do. E-rate modernization is o~e of the most important issues before the Commission today. We have an opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of millions of students. I look forward to working with you and your colleagues toward our mutual goal of increased access to high-speed broadband in our nation' s schools and libraries. Thank you again for your interest in this important matter. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further concerns. ~/J~t Tom Wheeler FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE OF THE CHAIRMAN The Honorable Sheila Jackson Lee U.S. House of Representatives 2160 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 Dear Congresswoman Jackson Lee: July 29,2014 Thank you for sharing your views on the importance of modernizing the E-rate program to provide high-speed broadband to and within all of our nation's schools and libraries. Your views are very important and will be included in the record of the proceeding and considered as part of the Commission's review. Since its creation as part of the 1996 Telecommunications Act, the E-rate program has provided crucial support to meet the technology needs of schools and libraries. But just as technology and teaching have evolved over the past two decades, so too must E-rate. The technology tools that supported the educational needs of the Class of 1998 bear virtually no resemblance to those the Classes of2015 and beyond need to succeed in the 21st century. I completely agree with your statement that "[t]he technological priorities of theE-rate program should be updated to fit current needs." I am committed to ensuring that theE-rate program evolves to focus on providing support for high-speed broadband both to and within schools and libraries. Schools need this broadband to take advantage of digital learning technologies, and libraries need to provide their patrons with high-speed access to the Internet. The Order adopted by the Commission at our July Open Meeting takes significant steps to modernize theE-rate program by addressing the Wi-Fi gap in America's schools and libraries. We established an annual funding target of $1 billion for Wi-Fi, as well as a more fair method for distributing funds so that all schools and libraries can benefit, including far more rural schools and libraries than in the past. Given that 40 percent of classrooms are not currently Wi­ Fi-enabled, and nearly two-thirds of schools indicate that they do not have sufficient Wi-Fi capacity to meet their digital learning needs, it is critically important that we focus our limited program resources on connectivity, not only to the school or library, but also to the student or library patron. The Order funds this support for Wi-Fi through the combination of funds already available for this purpose and by utilizing savings associated with transitioning support from non-broadband services to broadband. At the same time, the Order ensures that adequate funding will also be available for broadband connectivity to schools and libraries and seeks further comment on the long-term funding needs of the program. Moreover, to make E-rate dollars go even further, the Order adopts transparency measures to provide applicants with the pricing and connectivity data needed to make smart Page 2- The Honorable Sheila Jackson Lee purchasing decisions, encourages consortia purchasing to drive down prices, and ensures that applicants are selecting from the best possible bids through the lowest corresponding price rule. The Order also makes several changes to help make theE-rate processes faster, simpler, and more efficient for all stakeholders. It streamlines the application process by simplifying review of multi-year contracts, expediting small dollar, cost-effective applications, speeding review of aJI applications, requiring electronic filing, and enabling direct connections between schools and libraries. The Order is a common sense, responsible step in theE-rate modernization process. We are targeting already available funds to meet the greatest current needs, we are getting as much as we can out of every E-rate dollar, and we are formally and expeditiously investigating the appropriate funding level for this program, based upon the steps we have taken to improve its structure and administration. But there is still more work to do. E-rate modernization is one of the most important issues before the Commission today. We have an opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of millions of students. I look forward to working with you and your colleagues toward our mutual goal of increased access to high-speed broadband in our nation's schools and libraries. Thank you again for your interest in this important matter. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further concerns. Sincerely, ~ &~ / FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE OF THE CHAIRMAN The Honorable Hank Johnson U.S. House of Representatives 2240 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 Dear Congressman Johnson: July 29,2014 Thank you for sharing your views on the importance of modernizing the E-rate program to provide high-speed broadband to and within all of our nation's schools and libraries. Your views are very important and will be included in the record ofthe proceeding and considered as part of the Commission's review. Since its creation as part of the 1996 Telecommunications Act, the E-rate program has provided crucial support to meet the technology needs of schools and libraries. But just as technology and teaching have evolved over the past two decades, so too must E-rate. The technology tools that supported the educational needs of the Class of 1998 bear virtually no resemblance to those the Classes of 2015 and beyond need to succeed in the 21st century. I completely agree with your statement that "[t]he technological priorities of the E-rate program should be updated to fit current needs." I am committed to ensuring that theE-rate program evolves to focus on providing support for high-speed broadband both to and within schools and libraries. Schools need this broadband to take advantage of digital learning technologies, and libraries need to provide their patrons with high-speed access to the Internet. The Order adopted by the Commission at our July Open Meeting takes significant steps to modernize theE-rate program by addressing the Wi-Fi gap in America's schools and libraries. We established an annual funding target of $1 billion for Wi-Fi, as well as a more fair method for distributing funds so that all schools and libraries can benefit, including far more rural schools and libraries than in the past. Given that 40 percent of classrooms are not currently Wi­ Fi-enabled, and nearly two-thirds of schools indicate that they do not have sufficient Wi-Fi capacity to meet their digital learning needs, it is critically important that we focus our limited program resources on connectivity, not only to the school or library, but also to the student or library patron. The Order funds this support for Wi-Fi through the combination of funds already available for this purpose and by utilizing savings associated with transitioning support from non-broadband services to broadband. At the same time, the Order ensures that adequate funding will also be available for broadband connectivity to schools and libraries and seeks further comment on the long-term funding needs of the program. Moreover, to make E-rate dollars go even further, the Order adopts transparency measures to provide applicants with the pricing and connectivity data needed to make smart Page 2-The Honorable Hank Johnson purchasing decisions, encourages consortia purchasing to drive down prices, and ensures that applicants are selecting from the best possible bids through the lowest corresponding price rule. The Order also makes several changes to help make theE-rate processes faster, simpler, and more efficient for all stakeholders. It streamlines the application process by simplifying review of multi-year contracts, expediting small dollar, cost-effective applications, speeding review of all applications, requiring electronic filing, and enabling direct connections between schools and libraries. The Order is a common sense, responsible step in theE-rate modernization process. We are targeting already available funds to meet the greatest current needs, we are getting as much as we can out of every E-rate dollar, and we are formally and expeditiously investigating the appropriate funding level for this program, based upon the steps we have taken to improve its structure and administration. But there is still more work to do. E-rate modernization is one of the most important issues before the Commission today. We have an opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of millions of students. I look forward to working with you and your colleagues toward our mutual goal of increased access to high-speed broadband in our nation 's schools and libraries. Thank you again for your interest in this important matter. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further concerns. Sin~rely, /;tt liiler F E DERAL C O MMUNIC ATI ONS C O MMI SSION WAS HING T O N OFFICE OF THE CHAIRMAN The I Ionorable Walter Jones U.S. House of Representatives 2333 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 Dear Congressman Jones: July 29, 2014 Thank you for sharing your views on the importance of modernizing the E-rate program to provide high-speed broadband to and within all of our nation's schools and libraries. Your views are very important and will be included in the record of the proceeding and considered as part of the Commission's review. Since its creation as part of the 1996 Telecommunications Act, the E-rate program has provided crucial support to meet the technology needs of schools and libraries. But just as technology and teaching have evolved over the past two decades, so too must E-rate. The technology tools that supported the educational needs of the Class of 1998 bear virtually no resemblance to those the Classes of 2015 and beyond need to succeed in the 21st century. I completely agree with your statement that "[t]he technological priorities of theE-rate program should be updated to fit current needs." I am committed to ensuring that theE-rate program evolves to focus on providing support for high-speed broadband both to and within schools and libraries. Schools need this broadband to take advantage of digital learning technologies, and libraries need to provide their patrons with high-speed access to the Internet. The Order adopted by the Commission at our July Open Meeting takes significant steps to modernize theE-rate program by addressing the Wi-Fi gap in America's schools and libraries. We established an annual funding target of $1 billion for Wi-Fi, as well as a more fair method for di stributing funds so that all schools and libraries can benefit, including far more rural schools and libraries than in the past. Given that 40 percent of classrooms are not currently Wi­ Fi-enabled, and nearly two-thirds of schools indicate that they do not have sufficient Wi-Fi capacity to meet their digital learning needs, it is critically important that we focus our limited program resources on connectivity, not only to the school or library, but also to the student or library patron. The Order funds this support for Wi-Fi through the combination of funds already available for this purpose and by utilizing savings associated with transitioning support from non-broadband services to broadband. At the same time, the Order ensures that adequate funding will also be available for broadband connectivity to schools and libraries and seeks further comment on the long-term funding needs of the program. Moreover, to make E-rate dollars go even further, the Order adopts transparency measures to provide applicants with the pricing and connectivity data needed to make smart Page 2-The Honorable Walter Jones purchasing decisions, encourages consortia purchasing to drive down prices, and ensures that applicants are selecting from the best possible bids through the lowest corresponding price rule. The Order also makes several changes to help make theE-rate processes faster, simpler, and more efficient for all stakeholders. It streamlines the application process by simplifying review of multi-year contracts, expediting small dollar, cost-effective applications, speeding review of aJl applications, requiring electronic filing, and enabling direct connections between schools and libraries. The Order is a common sense, responsible step in theE-rate modernization process. We are targeting already available funds to meet the greatest current needs, we are getting as much as we can out of every E-rate dollar, and we are formally and expeditiously investigating the appropriate funding level for this program, based upon the steps we have taken to improve its structure and administration. But there is still more work to do. E-rate modernization is one of the most important issues before the Commission today. We have an opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of millions of students. I look forward to working with you and your colleagues toward our mutual goal of increased access to high-speed broadband in our nation' s schools and libraries. Thank you again for your interest in this important matter. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further concerns. ;~;~! Tom Wheeler FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMI SS IO N WASHINGTON 0FFoCI! OF THI! CHAIRMAN The Honorable Ben Ray Lujan U.S. House of Representatives 2446 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 Dear Congressman Lujan: July 29,2014 Thank you for sharing your views on the importance of modernizing the E-rate program to provide high-speed broadband to and within all of our nation's schools and libraries. Your views are very important and will be included in the record of the proceeding and considered as part of the Commission's review. Since its creation as part ofthe 1996 Telecommunications Act, theE-rate program has provided crucial support to meet the technology needs of schools and libraries. But just as technology and teaching have evolved over the past two decades, so too must E-rate. The technology tools that supported the educational needs of the Class of 1998 bear virtually no resemblance to those the Classes of 20 15 and beyond need to succeed in the 21st century. I completely agree with your statement that "[t]he technological priorities of the E-rate program should be updated to fit current needs." I am committed to ensuring that the E-rate program evolves to focus on providing support for high-speed broadband both to and within schools and libraries. Schools need this broadband to take advantage of digital learning technologies, and libraries need to provide their patrons with high-speed access to the Internet. The Order adopted by the Commission at our July Open Meeting takes significant steps to modernize theE-rate program by addressing the Wi-Fi gap in America's schools and libraries. We established an annual funding target of $1 billion for Wi-Fi, as well as a more fair method for distributing funds so that all schools and libraries can benefit, including far more rural schools and libraries than in the past. Given that 40 percent of classrooms are not currently Wi­ Fi-enabled, and nearly two-thirds of schools indicate that they do not have sufficient Wi-Fi capacity to meet their digital learning needs, it is critically important that we focus our limited program resources on connectivity, not only to the school or library, but also to the student or library patron. The Order funds this support for Wi-Fi through the combination of funds already available for this purpose and by utilizing savings associated with transitioning support from non-broadband services to broadband. At the same time, the Order ensures that adequate funding will also be available for broadband connectivity to schools and libraries and seeks further comment on the long-term funding needs of the program. Moreover, to make E-rate dollars go even further, the Order adopts transparency measures to provide applicants with the pricing and connectivity data needed to make smart Page 2- The Honorable Ben Ray Lujan purchasing decisions, encourages consortia purchasing to drive down prices, and ensures that applicants are selecting from the best possible bids through the lowest corresponding price rule. The Order also makes several changes to help make the E-rate processes faster, simpler, and more efficient for all stakeholders. It streamlines the application process by simplifying review of multi-year contracts, expediting small dollar, cost-effective applications, speeding review of all applications, requiring electronic filing, and enabling direct connections between schools and libraries. The Order is a common sense, responsible step in theE-rate modernization process. We are targeting already available funds to meet the greatest current needs, we are getting as much as we can out of every E-rate dollar, and we are formally and expeditiously investigating the appropriate funding level for this program, based upon the steps we have taken to improve its structure and administration. But there is still more work to do. E-rate modernization is one of the most important issues before the Commission today. We have an opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of millions of students. !look forward to working with you and your colleagues toward our mutual goal of increased access to high-speed broadband in our nation's schools and libraries. Thank you again for your interest in this important matter. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further concerns. );1£(_ Tom Wheeler FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE OF THE CHAIRMAN The Honorable Mark Meadows U.S. House of Representatives 1516 Longworth House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 Dear Congressman Meadows: July 29, 2014 Thank you for sharing your views on the importance of modernizing the E-rate program to provide high-speed broadband to and within all of our nation's schools and libraries. Your views are very important and will be included in the record of the proceeding and considered as part of the Commission's review. Since its creation as part of the 1996 Telecommunications Act, the E-rate program has provided crucial support to meet the technology needs of schools and libraries. But just as technology and teaching have evolved over the past two decades, so too must E-rate. The technology tools that supported the educational needs of the Class of 1998 bear virtually no resemblance to those the Classes of 2015 and beyond need to succeed in the 21st century. I completely agree with your statement that "[t]he technological priorities of theE-rate program should be updated to fit current needs." I am committed to ensuring that theE-rate program evolves to focus on providing support for high-speed broadband both to and within schools and libraries. Schools need this broadband to take advantage of digital learning technologies, and libraries need to provide their patrons with high-speed access to the Internet. The Order adopted by the Commission at our July Open Meeting takes significant steps to modernize theE-rate program by addressing the Wi-Fi gap in America's schools and libraries. We established an annual funding target of$1 billion for Wi-Fi, as well as a more fair method for distributing funds so that all schools and libraries can benefit, including far more rural schools and libraries than in the past. Given that 40 percent of classrooms are not currently Wi­ Fi-enabled, and nearly two-thirds of schools indicate that they do not have sufficient Wi-Fi capacity to meet their digital learning needs, it is critically important that we focus our limited program resources on connectivity, not only to the school or library, but also to the student or library patron. The Order funds this support for Wi-Fi through the combination of funds already available for this purpose and by utilizing savings associated with transitioning support from non-broadband services to broadband. At the same time, the Order ensures that adequate funding will also be available for broadband connectivity to schools and libraries and seeks further comment on the long-term funding needs of the program. Moreover, to make E-rate dollars go even further, the Order adopts transparency measures to provide applicants with the pricing and connectivity data needed to make smart Page 2- The Honorable Mark Meadows purchasing decisions, encourages consortia purchasing to drive down prices, and ensures that applicants are selecting from the best possible bids through the lowest corresponding price rule. The Order also makes several changes to help make theE-rate processes faster, simpler, and more efficient for all stakeholders. It streamlines the application process by simplifying review of multi-year contracts, expediting small dollar, cost-effective applications, speeding review of all applications, requiring electronic filing, and enabling direct connections between schools and libraries. The Order is a common sense, responsible step in theE-rate modernization process. We are targeting already available funds to meet the greatest current needs, we are getting as much as we can out of every E-rate dollar, and we are formally and expeditiously investigating the appropriate funding level for this program, based upon the steps we have taken to improve its structure and administration. But there is still more work to do. E-rate modernization is one of the most important issues before the Commission today. We have an opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of millions of students. I look forward to working with you and your colleagues toward our mutual goal of increased access to high-speed broadband in our nation' s schools and libraries. Thank you again for your interest in this important matter. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further concerns. FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFICI! OF THE; CHAIRMAN The Honorable Collin Peterson U.S. House of Representatives 2109 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 Dear Congressman Peterson: July 29, 2014 Thank you for sharing your views on the importance of modernizing the E-rate program to provide high-speed broadband to and within all of our nation's schools and libraries. Your views are very important and will be included in the record of the proceeding and considered as part of the Commission's review. Since its creation as part of the 1996 Telecommunications Act, the E-rate program has provided crucial support to meet the technology needs of schools and libraries. But just as technology and teaching have evolved over the past two decades, so too must E-rate. The technology tools that supported the educational needs of the Class of 1998 bear virtually no resemblance to those the Classes of 20 15 and beyond need to succeed in the 21st century. I completely agree with your statement that "[t]he technological priorities of theE-rate program should be updated to fit current needs." I am committed to ensuring that theE-rate program evolves to focus on providing support for high-speed broadband both to and within schools and libraries. Schools need this broadband to take advantage of digital learning technologies, and libraries need to provide their patrons with high-speed access to the Internet. The Order adopted by the Commission at our July Open Meeting takes significant steps to modernize theE-rate program by addressing the Wi-Fi gap in America's schools and libraries. We established an annual funding target of $1 billion for Wi-Fi, as well as a more fair method for distributing funds so that all schools and libraries can benefit, including far more rural schools and libraries than in the past. Given that 40 percent of classrooms are not currently Wi­ Fi-enabled, and nearly two-thirds of schools indicate that they do not have sufficient Wi-Fi capacity to meet their digital learning needs, it is critically important that we focus our limited program resources on connectivity, not only to the school or library, but also to the student or library patron. The Order funds this support for Wi-Fi through the combination of funds already available for this purpose and by utilizing savings associated with transitioning support from non-broadband services to broadband. At the same time, the Order ensures that adequate funding will also be available for broadband connectivity to schools and libraries and seeks further comment on the long-term funding needs of the program. Moreover, to make E-rate dollars go even further, the Order adopts transparency measures to provide applicants with the pricing and connectivity data needed to make smart Page 2-The Honorable Collin Peterson purchasing decisions, encourages consortia purchasing to drive down prices, and ensures that applicants are selecting from the best possible bids through the lowest corresponding price rule. The Order also makes several changes to help make theE-rate processes faster, simpler, and more efficient for all stakeholders. It streamlines the application process by simplifying review of multi-year contracts, expediting small dollar, cost-effective applications, speeding review of all applications, requiring electronic filing, and enabling direct connections between schools and libraries. The Order is a common sense, responsible step in theE-rate modernization process. We are targeting already available funds to meet the greatest current needs, we are getting as much as we can out of every E-rate dollar, and we are formally and expeditiously investigating the appropriate funding level for this program, based upon the steps we have taken to improve its structure and administration. But there is still more work to do. E-rate modernization is one of the most important issues before the Commission today. We have an opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of millions of students. I look forward to working with you and your colleagues toward our mutual goal of increased access to high-speed broadband in our nation's schools and libraries. Thank you again for your interest in this important matter. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further concerns. Sincerel~{- 8 eeler FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE OF THE CHA I RMAN The Honorable Cedric Riclunond U.S. House of Representatives 240 Cannon House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 Dear Congressman Richmond: July 29,2014 Thank you for sharing your views on the importance of modernizing the E-rate program to provide high-speed broadband to and within all of our nation's schools and libraries. Your views are very important and will be included in the record of the proceeding and considered as part of the Commission's review. Since its creation as part of the 1996 Telecommunications Act, theE-rate program has provided crucial support to meet the technology needs of schools and libraries. But just as technology and teaching have evolved over the past two decades, so too must E-rate. The technology tools that supported the educational needs of the Class of 1998 bear virtually no resemblance to those the Classes of 2015 and beyond need to succeed in the 21st century. I completely agree with your statement that "[t]he technological priorities of theE-rate program should be updated to fit current needs." I am committed to ensuring that theE-rate program evolves to focus on providing support for high-speed broadband both to and within schools and libraries. Schools need this broadband to take advantage of digital learning technologies, and libraries need to provide their patrons with high-speed access to the Internet. The Order adopted by the Commission at our July Open Meeting takes significant steps to modernize theE-rate program by addressing the Wi-Fi gap in America's schools and libraries. We established an annual funding target of$1 billion for Wi-Fi, as well as a more fair method for distributing funds so that all schools and libraries can benefit, including far more rural schools and libraries than in the past. Given that 40 percent of classrooms are not currently Wi­ Fi-enabled, and nearly two-thirds of schools indicate that they do not have sufficient Wi-Fi capacity to meet their digital learning needs, it is critically important that we focus our limited program resources on connectivity, not only to the school or library, but also to the student or library patron. The Order funds this support for Wi-Fi through the combination of funds already available for this purpose and by utilizing savings associated with transitioning support from non-broadband services to broadband. At the same time, the Order ensures that adequate funding will also be available for broadband connectivity to schools and libraries and seeks further comment on the long-term funding needs of the program. Moreover, to make E-rate dollars go even further, the Order adopts transparency measures to provide applicants with the pricing and connectivity data needed to make smart Page 2- The Honorable Cedric Richmond purchasing decisions, encourages consortia purchasing to drive down prices, and ensures that applicants are selecting from the best possible bids through the lowest corresponding price rule. The Order also makes several changes to help make the E-rate processes faster, simpler, and more efficient for all stakeholders. It streamlines the application process by simplifying review of multi-year contracts, expediting small dollar, cost-effective applications, speeding review of all applications, requiring electronic filing, and enabling direct connections between schools and libraries. The Order is a common sense, responsible step in theE-rate modernization process. We are targeting already available funds to meet the greatest current needs, we are getting as much as we can out of every E-rate dollar, and we are formally and expeditiously investigating the appropriate funding level for this program, based upon the steps we have taken to improve its structure and administration. But there is still more work to do. E-rate modernization is one of the most important issues before the Commission today. We have an opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of millions of students. I look forward to working with you and your colleagues toward our mutual goal of increased access to high-speed broadband in our nation's schools and libraries. Thank you again for your interest in this important matter. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further concerns. FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE. OF THE CHAIRMAN The Honorable Bobby Rush U.S. House ofRepresentatives 2268 Rayburn I louse Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 Dear Congressman Rush: July 29, 2014 Thank you for sharing your views on the importance of modernizing the E-rate program to provide high-speed broadband to and within all of our nation's schools and libraries. Your views are very important and will be included in the record of the proceeding and considered as part of the Commission's review. Since its creation as part of the 1996 Telecommunications Act, the E-rate program has provided crucial support to meet the technology needs of schools and libraries. But just as technology and teaching have evolved over the past two decades, so too must E-rate. The technology tools that supported the educational needs of the Class of 1998 bear virtually no resemblance to those the Classes of 2015 and beyond need to succeed in the 21st century. I completely agree with your statement that "[t]he technological priorities ofthe E-rate program should be updated to fit current needs." I am committed to ensuring that theE-rate program evolves to focus on providing support for high-speed broadband both to and within schools and libraries. Schools need this broadband to take advantage of digital learning technologies, and libraries need to provide their patrons with high-speed access to the Internet. The Order adopted by the Commission at our July Open Meeting takes significant steps to modernize the E-rate program by addressing the Wi-Fi gap in America's schools and libraries. We established an annual funding target of$1 billion for Wi-Fi, as well as a more fair method for distributing funds so that all schools and libraries can benefit, including far more rural schools and libraries than in the past. Given that 40 percent of classrooms are not currently Wi­ Fi-enabled, and nearly two-thirds of schools indicate that they do not have sufficient Wi-Fi capacity to meet their digital learning needs, it is critically important that we focus our limited program resources on connectivity, not only to the school or library, but also to the student or library patron. The Order funds this support for Wi-Fi through the combination of funds already available for this purpose and by utilizing savings associated with transitioning support from non-broadband services to broadband. At the same time, the Order ensures that adequate funding will also be available for broadband connectivity to schools and libraries and seeks further comment on the long-term funding needs of the program. Moreover, to make E-rate dollars go even further, the Order adopts transparency measures to provide applicants with the pricing and connectivity data needed to make smart Page 2-The Honorable Bobby Rush purchasing decisions, encourages consortia purchasing to drive down prices, and ensures that applicants are selecting from the best possible bids through the lowest corresponding price rule. The Order also makes several changes to help make theE-rate processes faster, simpler, and more efficient for all stakeholders. It streamlines the application process by simplifying review of multi-year contracts, expediting small dollar, cost-effective applications, speeding review of all applications, requiring electronic filing, and enabling direct connections between schools and libraries. The Order is a common sense, responsible step in theE-rate modernization process. We are targeting already available funds to meet the greatest current needs, we are getting as much as we can out of every E-rate dollar, and we are formally and expeditiously investigating the appropriate funding level for this program, based upon the steps we have taken to improve its structure and administration. But there is still more work to do. E-rate modernization is one of the most important issues before the Commission today. We have an opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of millions of students. I look forward to working with you and your colleagues toward our mutual goal of increased access to high-speed broadband in our nation's schools and libraries. Thank you again for your interest in this important matter. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further concerns. e Wheeler FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMI S SION WASH INGTON O FFI CE OF THE CHAI R M AN The I Ionorable David Scott U.S. I louse of Representatives 225 Cannon House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 Dear Congressman Scott: July 29,2014 Thank you for sharing your views on the importance of modernizing the E-rate program to provide high-speed broadband to and within all of our nation's schools and libraries. Your views are very important and will be included in the record of the proceeding and considered as part of the Commission 's review. Since its creation as part of the 1996 Telecommunications Act, theE-rate program has provided crucial support to meet the technology needs of schools and libraries. But just as technology and teaching have evolved over the past two decades, so too must E-rate. The technology tools that supported the educational needs of the Class of 1998 bear virtually no resemblance to those the Classes of2015 and beyond need to succeed in the 21st century. I completely agree with your statement that "[t]he technological priorities of theE-rate program should be updated to fit current needs." I am committed to ensuring that theE-rate program evolves to focus on providing support for high-speed broadband both to and within schools and libraries. Schools need this broadband to take advantage of digital learning technologies, and libraries need to provide their patrons with high-speed access to the Internet. The Order adopted by the Commission at our July Open Meeting takes significant steps to modernize theE-rate program by addressing the Wi-Fi gap in America's schools and libraries. We established an annual funding target of $1 billion for Wi-Fi, as well as a more fair method for distributing funds so that all schools and libraries can benefit, including far more rural schools and libraries than in the past. Given that 40 percent of classrooms are not currently Wi­ Fi-enabled, and nearly two-thirds of schools indicate that they do not have sufficient Wi-Fi capacity to meet their digital learning needs, it is critically important that we focus our limited program resources on connectivity, not only to the school or library, but also to the student or library patron. The Order funds this support for Wi-Fi through the combination of funds already available for this purpose and by utilizing savings associated with transitioning support from non-broadband services to broadband. At the same time, the Order ensures that adequate funding will also be available for broadband connectivity to schools and libraries and seeks further comment on the long-term funding needs of the program. Moreover, to make E-rate dollars go even further, the Order adopts transparency measures to provide applicants with the pricing and connectivity data needed to make smart Page 2-The Honorable David Scott purchasing decisions, encourages consortia purchasing to drive down prices, and ensures that applicants are selecting from the best possible bids through the lowest corresponding price rule. The Order also makes several changes to help make the E-rate processes fastec, simpler, and more efficient for all stakeholders. It streamlines the application process by simplifying review of multi-year contracts, expediting small dollar, cost-effective applications, speeding review of all applications, requiring electronic filing, and enabling direct connections between schools and libraries. The Order is a common sense, responsible step in theE-rate modernization process. We are targeting already available funds to meet the greatest current needs, we are getting as much as we can out of every E-rate dollar, and we are formally and expeditiously investigating the appropriate funding level for this program, based upon the steps we have taken to improve its structure and administration. But there is still more work to do. E-rate modernization is one of the most important issues before the Commission today. We have an opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of millions of students. I look forward to working with you and your colleagues toward our mutual goal of increased access to high-speed broadband in our nation's schools and libraries. Thank you again for your interest in this important matter. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further concerns. FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMI SSION WASHINGTON OFFICE OF THE CHAIRMAN The Honorable Carol Shea-Porter U.S. Ilouse of Representatives 1530 Longworth House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 Dear Congresswoman Shea-Porter: July 29, 2014 Thank you for sharing your views on the importance of modernizing the E-rate program to provide high-speed broadband to and within all of our nation's schools and libraries. Your views are very important and will be included in the record of the proceeding and considered as part of the Commission's review. Since its creation as part ofthe 1996 Telecommunications Act, theE-rate program has provided crucial support to meet the technology needs of schools and libraries. But just as technology and teaching have evolved over the past two decades, so too must E-rate. The technology tools that supported the educational needs of the Class of 1998 bear virtually no resemblance to those the Classes of2015 and beyond need to succeed in the 21st century. I completely agree with your statement that "[tjhe technological priorities of theE-rate program should be updated to fit current needs." I am committed to ensuring that theE-rate program evolves to focus on providing support for high-speed broadband both to and within schools and libraries. Schools need this broadband to take advantage of digital learning technologies, and libraries need to provide their patrons with high-speed access to the Internet. The Order adopted by the Commission at our July Open Meeting takes significant steps to modernize theE-rate program by addressing the Wi-Fi gap in America's schools and libraries. We established an annual funding target of$1 billion for Wi-Fi, as well as a more fair method for distributing funds so that all schools and libraries can benefit, including far more rural schools and libraries than in the past. Given that 40 percent of classrooms are not currently Wi­ Fi-enabled, and nearly two-thirds of schools indicate that they do not have sufficient Wi-Fi capacity to meet their digital learning needs, it is critically important that we focus our limited program resources on connectivity, not only to the school or library, but also to the student or library patron. The Order funds this support for Wi-Fi through the combination of funds already available for this purpose and by utilizing savings associated with transitioning support from non-broadband services to broadband. At the same time, the Order ensures that adequate funding will also be available for broadband connectivity to schools and libraries and seeks further comment on the long-term funding needs of the program. Moreover, to make E-rate dollars go even further, the Order adopts transparency measures to provide applicants with the pricing and connectivity data needed to make smart Page 2- The Honorable Carol Shea-Porter purchasing decisions, encourages consortia purchasing to drive down prices, and ensures that applicants are selecting from the best possible bids through the lowest corresponding price rule. The Order also makes several changes to help make theE-rate processes faster, simpler, and more efficient for all stakeholders. It streamlines the application process by simplifying review of multi-year contracts, expediting small dollar, cost-effective applications, speeding review of all applications, requiring electronic filing, and enabling direct connections between schools and libraries. The Order is a common sense, responsible step in theE-rate modernization process. We are targeting already available funds to meet the greatest current needs, we are getting as much as we can out of every E-rate dollar, and we are formally and expeditiously investigating the appropriate funding level for this program, based upon the steps we have taken to improve its structure and administration. But there is still more work to do. E-rate modernization is one of the most important issues before the Commission today. We have an opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of millions of students. llook forward to working with you and your colleagues toward our mutual goal of increased access to high-speed broadband in our nation's schools and libraries. Thank you again for your interest in this important matter. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further concerns. Sincerely, FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE: OF THE CHAIRMAN The Honorable Juan Vargas U.S. House of Representatives 1605 Longworth House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 Dear Congressman Vargas: July 29, 2014 Thank you for sharing your views on the importance of modernizing the E-rate program to provide high-speed broadband to and within all of our nation's schools and libraries. Your views are very important and will be included in the record of the proceeding and considered as part of the Commission's review. Since its creation as part of the 1996 Telecommunications Act, the E-rate program has provided crucial support to meet the technology needs of schools and libraries. But just as technology and teaching have evolved over the past two decades, so too must E-rate. The technology tools that supported the educational needs of the Class of 1998 bear virtually no resemblance to those the Classes of2015 and beyond need to succeed in the 21st century. I completely agree with your statement that "[t]he technological priorities of the E-rate program should be updated to fit current needs." I am committed to ensuring that theE-rate program evolves to focus on providing support for high-speed broadband both to and within schools and libraries. Schools need this broadband to take advantage of digital learning technologies, and libraries need to provide their patrons with high-speed access to the Internet. The Order adopted by the Commission at our July Open Meeting takes significant steps to modernize theE-rate program by addressing the Wi-Fi gap in America' s schools and libraries. We established an annual funding target of $1 billion for Wi-Fi, as well as a more fair method for distributing funds so that all schools and libraries can benefit, including far more rural schools and libraries than in the past. Given that 40 percent of classrooms are not currently Wi­ Fi-enabled, and nearly two-thirds of schools indicate that they do not have sufficient Wi-Fi capacity to meet their digital learning needs, it is critically important that we focus our limited program resources on connectivity, not only to the school or library, but also to the student or library patron. The Order funds this support for Wi-Fi through the combination of funds already available for this purpose and by utilizing savings associated with transitioning support from non-broadband services to broadband. At the same time, the Order ensures that adequate funding will also be available for broadband connectivity to schools and libraries and seeks further comment on the long-term funding needs of the program. Moreover, to make E-rate dollars go even further, the Order adopts transparency measures to provide applicants with the pricing and connectivity data needed to make smart Page 2-The Honorable Juan Vargas purchasing decisions, encourages consortia purchasing to drive down prices, and ensures that applicants are selecting from the best possible bids through the lowest corresponding price rule. The Order also makes several changes to help make the E-rate processes faster, simpler, and more efficient for all stakeholders. It streamlines the application process by simplifying review of multi-year contracts, expediting small dollar, cost-effective applications, speeding review of all applications, requiring electronic filing, and enabling direct connections between schools and libraries. The Order is a common sense, responsible step in theE-rate modernization process. We are targeting already available funds to meet the greatest current needs, we are getting as much as we can out of every E-rate dollar, and we are formally and expeditiously investigating the appropriate funding level for this program, based upon the steps we have taken to improve its structure and administration. But there is still more work to do. E-rate modernization is one of the most important issues before the Commission today. We have an opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of millions of students. I look forward to working with you and your colleagues toward our mutual goal of increased access to high-speed broadband in our nation's schools and libraries. Thank you again for your interest in this important matter. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further concerns. Sincer~ ~Wheeler ?