202-225-9681 Office of Congressman G Office of Hon. Goodlatte 05:51:18p.m. 07-10-2014 2/2 BOB GOODLATIE 6TH DISTRICT, VIRGINIA COMMITTEE ON 1li£ JUDICIARY CHAIRMAN 2309 RAYBURN HOUSE OfFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON, DC 20515-4600 12021 225-6431 FAX(202)2~1 WWW.ItoUIO.IJOV/gtlodl•aa CHAIRMAN, HOUSE REPUBUCAN TECHNOLOGY WORKING GROUP CO.CHAIA, CONGRESSIONAliNT&ftNET CAUCUS Congress of the United States House of Representatives CONGRESSIONAL INTERNAOONAL ANTI-PIRACY CAUCUS CONGRESSIONAL CIVIL JUSTICE CAUCUS The Honorable Thomas Wheeler Chainnan Federal Communications Commission 445 121h Street, NW Washington, DC 20SS4 Dear Chairman Wheeler: July 10, 2014 COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE VICE CHAIRMAN SUBCOMMITTEE ON U\IEITOCK. "UllAI.. DE\IELOF'M!NT, AND CREDIT SU8CDMMITTI!E·aN DtiPARTMENT OPERATIONS, OVeRSIGHT, AND NUTftmON DEPUTY WHIP As you know, the passage of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 codified a long standing policy commitment to ensure universal service in the provision of telecommunications service. Also included in this Act was the establishment of the schools and libraries, orE-rate, program. Under this program, telecommunications service, Internet access, and internal connections are provided at discounts ranging from 20% to 90% to eligible schools and libraries. I write to share my concerns with your proposal to modernize theE-Rate program, which is scheduled to be considered by the Federal Communications Commission at a meeting on July 11,2014. One component of this plan is to promote Wi-Fi and phase down support of non-broadband services. In rural areas of our country, including in the Sixth District of Virginia, basic Internet connectivity is a challenge, Jet alone harnessing Wi-Fi. Should the FCC begin to limit their expenditures on basic non-broadband services, rural schools and libraries may sec their access to Internet decreased - the exact opposite goal of theE-Rate program. Additionally, reports that your proposal includes altering theE-Rate program's funding formula from a needs-based system to a per-student or per-square foot formula are concerning. These types of measures would likely disadvantage schools and libraries in rural communities as the need for better ielecommunications services grows. I ask that you reconsider this proposal and work with those will be directly impacted by changes in the E-Rate program. It is clear that technologies have changed greatly since the passage of the Telecommunications Act of 1996, and I am encouraged that a conversation to modernize theE-Rate program has begun. It is important, however, that we recognize the challenges still faced in many rural parts of our nation before making one-size-fits-all changes. I look forward to bearing bow the FCC will renew their commitment to serve all eligible schools and libraries and work with both urban and rural communities before implementing any modernizing changes. 1i~ Bob Goodlatte Member of Congress rfiiNtl!O ON RI!CVCL!D PAPER 202-225-9681 Office of Congressman G Office of Hon. Goodlatte 05:50:58 p.m. 07-10-2014 CONGRESSMAN BOB GOODLA TTE 6th District, Virginia 2309 Rayburn Building Washington, D.C. 20515 Fax: {202} 225-9681 U.S. House of Representatives Phone: (202} 225-5431 To: fet ChilAvmdn ~t\t( Fax: 102. -1\ i:- 2.-<(0 l.o Phone: '2.6~ • 4\ ~ • l~bD From: ~b Goodlatte o Mary Pritschau o Chrissi Lee 0 Number of pages to follow: ) 0 Charlie Keller o I Beth Breeding o Angela Inglett o Carrie Meadows o Lindsay Yates o Temple Moore Message: ________________________ _ The Information contained In this facsimile Is Intended only for the use of the individual or entity to whom It Is addressed. If you are not the Intended recipient, or the person responsible for delivering this facsimile to the Intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any use, dissemination, distribution, or copying of this communication Is strictly prohlblted.lfyou have received this facsimile In error, please notify this office at (202)225-5431. Thank you. 1 12