SCOTT R. TIPTON 
3RO DISTRICT, COLORADO 
AGRICULTURE 
NATURAL RESOURCES 
SMALL BUSINESS 
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The Honorable Tom Wheeler 
Chairman 
Federal Communications Commission 
445 1ih Street, SW 
Washington, DC 20536 
Dear Chairman Wheeler: 
August 5, 2014 
218 CANNON HOUSE OFFICE Bu LDING 
(202 1225-4761 
Broadband Internet access has become an essential part of the economic and social fabric in 
many rural communities, as a tool to build businesses, apply for jobs, enhance educational 
opportunities and connect to friends and relatives. With robust broadband service, even a small 
town can rely on its residents' talent and determination to compete with the world. Without it, 
the same community risks being left behind in today's technology-driven economy. 
Phase II of the Connect America Fund ("CAF II") offers a tremendous opportunity to bring 
speedier, fiber-fed broadband connections to millions of Americans who would not otherwise 
receive these benefits. Thanks to the Commission's well-publicized efforts, thousands of rural 
communities are now counting on CAF II. Indeed, the June 10 Further Notice of Proposed 
Rulemaking (FNPRM) has raised hopes even higher by more than doubling the promised 
download speeds from 4 Mbps to 10 Mbps. And because CAF II represents the final phase of 
Universal Service reform for these areas, its rules will effectively determine-for years to 
come-how broadband support is distributed in these areas. 
I am writing today to emphasize how important it is to ensure that the final details of CAF II live 
up to its promise. I am concerned that if the Commission more than doubles the speed 
requirements without allowing the appropriate level of flexibility in other elements of CAF II, 
the program's overall mission could be endangered. Increasing broadband speeds is not as 
simple as turning a dial. 
To the Commission's credit, the June 10 FNPRM identifies a number of constructive ideas that 
could provide this flexibility, while helping achieve the speedier network goals without 
exceeding the CAF II annual budget. We urge the Commission to adopt several of these 
proposals. First, the CAF II funding period must be extended from the current 5 years to 1 0 
years to allow adequate time for the construction of the higher-capacity network. Additionally, 
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when determining whether an area is "served," the Commission should eventually count only 
services providing 10 Mbps speeds or higher, rather than 4 Mbps. Furthermore, the Commission 
should establish a verification process that ensures other providers are indeed providing 10 Mbps 
speeds to prevent overbuilding. 
The Commission also must establish network build-out parameters consistent with the goal of 
providing quality broadband service to as many people as possible within the CAF's limited 
funding framework. As such, the Commission should give providers the flexibility to use CAF 
support to build facilities to unserved consumers in partially served census blocks. 
Despite years of federal efforts to overcome the digital divide, I still often hear from my 
constituents seeking assistance to bring broadband service to their homes. The concerns they 
raise are a reminder of how challenging rural broadband policy can be, but also how important it 
is. Thank you for considering my concerns, and I look forward to working with you. 
Sincerely, 
Q/::;;:z:... -
Scott Tipton 
Member of Congress