O FFICE OF 
T H E C H AIR M A N 
The Honorable Bob Casey 
United States Senate 
FEDERAL COMMUNICATION S COMMIS SION 
WASHINGTON 
August 1, 2014 
393 Russell Senate Office Building 
Washington, D.C. 20510 
Dear Senator Casey: 
Thank you for your follow-up letter expressing concern about the E-Rate program cutting 
funds for web hosting. As you know, on July 11th the Commission adopted a new set of rules for 
theE-rate program. 
I understand fully your concern and agree that web hosting services can be a valuable 
tool for school districts. The issue we face is how best to prioritize E-rate dollars so that all 
schools have the underlying broadband connectivity necessary for students and teachers to take 
advantage of the growing universe of available digital learning tools, as well as so libraries can 
serve their communities. Simply put, if broadband is the priority, then too many funds were 
being spent on non-broadband activities. 
Schools need broadband connectivity to take advantage of d igitallearning technologies, 
and libraries need to provide their patrons with high-speed access to the Internet. I recognize the 
E-rate program has previously supported a variety of services, such as web hosting. However, I 
firmly believe that, in order to meet educational needs, theE-rate program must place a priority 
on ensuring that every school in America has a high-speed broadband connection and high-speed 
Wi-Fi in every classroom. Unfortunately, meeting that goal has meant redirecting funds 
previously spent on other activities such as web hosting. 
The Order adopted by the Commission at our July Open Meeting takes significant steps 
to address the Wi-Fi gap in America's schools today. 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 just to the school or library, but 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. 
As I have said before, E-rate modernization is one of the most important issues in front of 
the Commission today . We have an opportunity to make a real, positive 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. 
Page 2- The Honorable Bob Casey 
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