FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION OFFICE OF THE CHAIRMAN WASH INGTON July 22, 2014 The Honorable Todd Rokita U.S. House of Representatives 236 Cannon House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 Dear Congressman Rokita: Thank you for your letter concerning the critical issue of broadband deployment. The deployment of broadband is, as you know, a powerful platform that encourages economic growth and facilitates improvements in education, health care, public safety, and other key policy areas. This is particularly true for small and rural communities, where the availability of high quality broadband can be the difference between economic decline and a vibrant future. Private sector incumbent telephone and cable companies have invested billions of dollars in broadband deployment in the past decade. That investment has been of great benefit to our Nation in many ways. However, that investment has not necessarily reached every corner of America. Around the country, communities have focused on the importance of ensuring that their citizens receive the benefits of broadband, and some have concluded that investing in their own broadband efforts - or authorizing others to invest in their behalf- will provide more competition and the economic and social benefits that accompany competition for their residents and businesses. Section 706 of the Communications Act charges the Federal Communications Commission with ensuring that broadband is being deployed to all Americans in a reasonable and timely fashion. I believe that competition is a strong means to that critical goal. At the same time, many states have enacted laws that place a range of restrictions on communities' ability to make their own decisions about their own future. There is reason to believe that these laws have the effect of limiting competition in those areas, contrary to almost two decades of bipartisan federal communications policy that is focused on encouraging competition. I respect the important role of state governments in our federal system, but I also know that state laws which directly conflict with critical federal laws and policy may be subject to preemption in appropriate circumstances. I recognize that federal preemption is not a step to be taken lightly and must be done only after careful consideration of all relevant legal and policy issues. Any Commission decision on community broadband issues will be made only after a full opportunity for comment by all interested parties in an open proceeding and a careful analysis of the specific factual, policy, and legal issues involved. I assure you that the final decision on these issues will be based on a careful analysis of the full record in any agency proceeding. Page 2- The Honorable Todd Rokita I now turn to your specific questions. 1. If the courts struck down the FCC's ploy to override state laws restricting municipal broadband do you believe that such a decision would weaken the credibility of the FCC? Response: The Commission gives careful consideration to all relevant factual, policy, and legal issues before making decisions and will, of course, do so in any proceeding to address these issues. That would include careful consideration of record evidence concerning the issues that your letter raises. As you know, final Commission decisions are typically subject to judicial review, but I do not believe that is a reason to shy away from making important decisions. 2 Why does the FCC believe state governors and state legislators should not have a say over how to govern the political subdivisions of their state even though that is what they are elected to do by voters? Response: As stated above, I respect the role of state government in our federal system, but when state laws come into direct conflict with important federal laws and policy, they may be subject to preemption. This is not, however, an action that can be taken lightly without careful consideration of all relevant factual, policy, and legal issues. My starting point is always the language of the statute that Congress has enacted. Here, Section 706 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 directs the Commission to "encourage the deployment on a reasonable and timely basis of advanced telecommunications capability to all Americans. . . ." If the Commission determines that such services are not "being deployed to all Americans in a reasonable and timely fashion[,J" Section 706 provides that the Commission "shall take immediate action to accelerate deployment of such capability by removing barriers to infrastructure investment and by promoting competition in the telecommunications market." In Verizon v. FCC, all three judges agreed with the Commission's conclusion that Section 706 conveys substantive authority to the Commission, as did the Tenth Circuit in In re: FCC 11-161. In the Verizon case, Judge Silberman, expressing his individual views in a separate opinion, specifically characterized preemption of state laws restricting municipal broadband as a "paradigmatic" example of the authority given by Congress to the FCC under Section 706. As with all the issues before us, however, I want to assure you that the Commission will consider all relevant factual, policy, and legal issues presented in the record to determine the appropriate course of action in any proceeding to address issues related to community broadband. Page 3- The Honorable Todd Rokita 3. Does the FCC have any evidence to suggest that facilitating municipal broadband would not impact public debt and would not result in less borrowing for other important state and local projects including pensions, roads, water mains, public safety and seweis? Response: At present, there is no proceeding before the Commission raising issues with state laws restricting municipal broadband. Of course, I have stated my basic philosophy concerning the critical importance of high quality broadband for all communities and the importance of broadband competition, but I assure you that any Commission decision addressing community broadband issues will be made only after a careful review of all relevant factual, policy, and legal issues presented. 4. What level of deference should the FCC give to states who have affirmatively passed laws regarding municipal broadband? Response: As discussed above, possible federal preemption of state law is a serious matter that warrants careful consideration of all relevant issues. In any proceeding that addresses the issue of community broadband restrictions, the Commission will consider all relevant factual, policy, and legal issues presented to determine the appropriate course of action. 5. Has the FCC conducted a cost-benefit analysis looking at the "crowding out" effect on private investment in broadband deployment and maintenance should private entities be forced to further compete with government owned networks? Response: As noted above, there is no current proceeding before the Commission raising issues with state laws restricting municipal broadband. In any proceeding to address such issues, the Commission will give careful consideration to all record evidence, including evidence related to potential "crowding out" of private investment by community broadband. 6. How does the FCC believe Section 706 authority trumps the states' rights in the Constitution? Response: As explained above, Section 706 establishes a strong federal policy of ensuring that broadband is available to all Americans in a reasonable and timely fashion. When state laws come into direct conflict with critically important federal law and policy, it is a long-standing principle of Constitutional law that state laws can be subject to federal preemption in appropriate cases. I do not view federal preemption as a matter to be undertaken lightly. Such action must be premised on careful consideration of all relevant issues. As noted above, in any proceeding involving these issues, the Commission will consider all relevant factual, policy, and legal issues presented to determine the appropriate course of action. Page 4- The Honorable Todd Rokita 7. Did you ever ask Congress for authority to override states' rights with respect to municipal broadband? Response: As discussed above, Section 706 addresses broadband deployment. In any proceeding that addresses these issues, the Commission will consider all relevant factual, policy, and legal issues presented to determine the appropriate course of action. 8. Will the FCC or the federal government bailout states or municipalities if their muni broadband projects fail? How much does the FCC estimate such bailouts would cost taxpayers? Response: Some community broadband initiatives have been less successful than hoped, while others have been very successful. I expect that communities will decide for themselves the appropriate type and level of financial risk to take on in light of their needs in the normal course of local self-governance. I appreciate your interest in this matter. Your views are very important and will be included as part of the Commission's review. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. Sincerely, Tom Wheeler OFFICE OF THE CHAIRMAN The Honorable Tom Rooney U.S. House of Representatives 221 Cannon House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 Dear Congressman Rooney: WASHINGTON July 22, 2014 Thank you for your letter concerning the critical issue of broadband deployment. The deployment of broadband is, as you know, a powerful platform that encourages economic growth and facilitates improvements in education, health care, public safety, and other key policy areas. This is particularly true for small and rural communities, where the availability of high quality broadband can be the difference between economic decline and a vibrant future. Private sector incumbent telephone and cable companies have invested billions of dollars in broadband deployment in the past decade. That investment has been of great benefit to our Nation in many ways. However, that investment has not necessarily reached every corner of America. Around the country, communities have focused on the importance of ensuring that their citizens receive the benefits of broadband, and some have concluded that investing in their own broadband efforts - or authorizing others to invest in their behalf- will provide more competition and the economic and social benefits that accompany competition for their residents and businesses. Section 706 of the Communications Act charges the Federal Communications Commission with ensuring that broadband is being deployed to all Americans in a reasonable and timely fashion. I believe that competition is a strong means to that critical goal. At the same time, many states have enacted laws that place a range of restrictions on communities' ability to make their own decisions about their own future. There is reason to believe that these laws have the effect of limiting competition in those areas, contrary to almost two decades of bipartisan federal communications policy that is focused on encouraging competition. I respect the important role of state governments in our federal system, but I also know that state laws which directly conflict with critical federal laws and policy may be subject to preemption in appropriate circumstances. I recognize that federal preemption is not a step to be taken lightly and must be done only after careful consideration of all relevant legal and policy issues. Any Commission decision on community broadband issues will be made only after a full opportunity for comment by all interested parties in an open proceeding and a careful analysis of the specific factual, policy, and legal issues involved. I assure you that the final decision on these issues will be based on a careful analysis of the full record in any agency proceeding. FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION Page 2- The Honorable Tom Rooney I now turn to your specific questions. 1. If the courts struck down the FCC's pioy to override state laws restricting municipal broadband do you believe that such a decision would weaken the credibility of the FCC? Response: The Commission gives careful consideration to all relevant factual, policy, and legal issues before making decisions and will, of course, do so in any proceeding to address these issues. That would include careful consideration of record evidence concerning the issues that your letter raises. As you know, final Commission decisions are typically subject to judicial review, but I do not believe that is a reason to shy away from making important decisions. 2 Why does the FCC believe state governors and state legislators should not have a say over how to govern the political subdivisions of their state even though that is what they are elected to do by voters? Response: As stated above, I respect the role of state government in our federal system, but when state laws come into direct conflict with important federal laws and policy, they may be subject to preemption, This is not, however, an action that can be taken lightly without careful consideration of all relevant factual, policy, and legal issues. My starting point is always the language of the statute that Congress has enacted. Here, Section 706 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 directs the Commission to "encourage the deployment on a reasonable and timely basis of advanced telecommunications capability to all Americans. . . ." If the Commission determines that such services are not "being deployed to all Americans in a reasonable and timely fashion[,]" Section 706 provides that the Commission "shall take immediate action to accelerate deployment of such capability by removing barriers to infrastructure investment and by promoting competition in the telecommunications market." In Verizon v. FCC, all three judges agreed with the Commission's conclusion that Section 706 conveys substantive authority to the Commission, as did the Tenth Circuit in In re.' FCC 11-161. In the Verizon case, Judge Silberman, expressing his individual views in a separate opinion, specifically characterized preemption of state laws restricting municipal broadband as a "paradigmatic" example of the authority given by Congress to the FCC under Section 706. As with all the issues before us, however, I want to assure you that the Commission will consider all relevant factual, policy, and legal issues presented in the record to determine the appropriate course of action in any proceeding to address issues related to community broadband. Page 3- The Honorable Tom Rooney 3. Does the FCC have any evidence to suggest that facilitating municipal broadband would not impact public debt and would not result in less borrowing for other important state and local projects including pensions, roads, water mains, public safety and sewers? Response: At present, there is no proceeding before the Commission raising issues with state laws restricting municipal broadband. Of course, I have stated my basic philosophy concerning the critical importance of high quality broadband for all communities and the importance of broadband competition, but I assure you that any Commission decision addressing community broadband issues will be made only after a careful review of all relevant factual, policy, and legal issues presented. 4. What level of deference should the FCC give to states who have affirmatively passed laws regarding municipal broadband? Response: As discussed above, possible federal preemption of state law is a serious matter that warrants careful consideration of all relevant issues. In any proceeding that addresses the issue of community broadband restrictions, the Commission will consider all relevant factual, policy, and legal issues presented to determine the appropriate course of action. 5. Has the FCC conducted a cost-benefit analysis looking at the "crowding out" effect on private investment in broadband deployment and maintenance should private entities be forced to further compete with government owned networks? Response: As noted above, there is no current proceeding before the Commission raising issues with state laws restricting municipal broadband. In any proceeding to address such issues, the Commission will give careful consideration to all record evidence, including evidence related to potential "crowding out" of private investment by community broadband. 6. How does the FCC believe Section 706 authority trumps the states' rights in the Constitution? Response: As explained above, Section 706 establishes a strong federal policy of ensuring that broadband is available to all Americans in a reasonable and timely fashion. When state laws come into direct conflict with critically important federal law and policy, it is a long-standing principle of Constitutional law that state laws can be subject to federal preemption in appropriate cases. I do not view federal preemption as a matter to be undertaken lightly. Such action must be premised on careful consideration of all relevant issues. As noted above, in any proceeding involving these issues, the Commission will consider all relevant factual, policy, and legal issues presented to determine the appropriate course of action. Page 4- The Honorable Tom Rooney 7. Did you ever ask Congress for authority to override states' rights with respect to municipal broadband? Response: As discussed above, Section 706 addresses broadband deployment. In any proceeding that addresses these issues, the Commission will consider all relevant factual, policy, and legal issues presented to determine the appropriate course of action. 8. Will the FCC or the federal government bailout states or municipalities if their muni broadband projects fail? How much does the FCC estimate such bailouts would cost taxpayers? Response: Some community broadband initiatives have been less successful than hoped, while others have been very successful. I expect that communities will decide for themselves the appropriate type and level of financial risk to take on in light of their needs in the normal course of local self-governance. I appreciate your interest in this matter. Your views are very important and will be included as part of the Commission's review. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. Sincerely, Tom Wheeler OFFICE OF THE CHAIRMAN The Honorable Dennis Ross U.S. House of Representatives 229 Cannon House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 Dear Congressman Ross: WASHINGTON July 22, 2014 Thank you for your letter concerning the critical issue of broadband deployment. The deployment of broadband is, as you know, a powerful platform that encourages economic growth and facilitates improvements in education, health care, public safety, and other key policy areas. This is particularly true for small and rural communities, where the availability of high quality broadband can be the difference between economic decline and a vibrant future. Private sector incumbent telephone and cable companies have invested billions of dollars in broadband deployment in the past decade. That investment has been of great benefit to our Nation in many ways. However, that investment has not necessarily reached every corner of America. Around the country, communities have focused on the importance of ensuring that their citizens receive the benefits of broadband, and some have concluded that investing in their own broadband efforts - or authorizing others to invest in their behalf- will provide more competition and the economic and social benefits that accompany competition for their residents and businesses. Section 706 of the Communications Act charges the Federal Communications Commission with ensuring that broadband is being deployed to all Americans in a reasonable and timely fashion. I believe that competition is a strong means to that critical goal. At the same time, many states have enacted laws that place a range of restrictions on communities' ability to make their own decisions about their own future. There is reason to believe that these laws have the effect of limiting competition in those areas, contrary to almost two decades of bipartisan federal communications policy that is focused on encouraging competition. I respect the important role of state governments in our federal system, but I also know that state laws which directly conflict with critical federal laws and policy may be subject to preemption in appropriate circumstances. I recognize that federal preemption is not a step to be taken lightly and must be done only after careful consideration of all relevant legal and policy issues. Any Commission decision on community broadband issues will be made only after a full opportunity for comment by all interested parties in an open proceeding and a careful analysis of the specific factual, policy, and legal issues involved. I assure you that the final decision on these issues will be based on a careful analysis of the full record in any agency proceeding. FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION Page 2- The Honorable Dennis Ross ...... I now turn to your specific questions. 1. If the courts struck down the FCC's pioy to override state laws restricting municipal broadband do you believe that such a decision would weaken the credibility of the FCC? Response: The Commission gives careful consideration to all relevant factual, policy, and legal issues before making decisions and will, of course, do so in any proceeding to address these issues. That would include careful consideration of record evidence concerning the issues that your letter raises. As you know, final Commission decisions are typically subject to judicial review, but I do not believe that is a reason to shy away from making important decisions. 2 Why does the FCC believe state governors and state legislators should not have a say over how to govern the political subdivisions of their state even though that is what they are elected to do by voters? Response: As stated above, I respect the role of state government in our federal system, but when state laws come into direct conflict with important federal laws and policy, they may be subject to preemption. This is not, however, an action that can be taken lightly without careful consideration of all relevant factual, policy, and legal issues. My starting point is always the language of the statute that Congress has enacted. Here, Section 706 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 directs the Commission to "encourage the deployment on a reasonable and timely basis of advanced telecommunications capability to all Americans If the Commission determines that such services are not "being deployed to all Americans in a reasonable and timely fashion[,]" Section 706 provides that the Commission "shall take immediate action to accelerate deployment of such capability by removing barriers to infrastructure investment and by promoting competition in the telecommunications market." In Verizon v. FCC, all three judges agreed with the Commission's conclusion that Section 706 conveys substantive authority to the Commission, as did the Tenth Circuit in In re: FCC 11-161. In the Verizon case, Judge Silberman, expressing his individual views in a separate opinion, specifically characterized preemption of state laws restricting municipal broadband as a "paradigmatic" example of the authority given by Congress to the FCC under Section 706. As with all the issues before us, however, I want to assure you that the Commission will consider all relevant factual, policy, and legal issues presented in the record to determine the appropriate course of action in any proceeding to address issues related to community broadband. Page 3- The Honorable Dennis Ross 3. Does the FCC have any evidence to suggest that facilitating municipal broadband would not impact public debt and would not result in less borrowing for other important state and local projects including pensions, roads, water mains, public safety and sewers? Response: At present, there is no proceeding before the Commission raising issues with state laws restricting municipal broadband. Of course, I have stated my basic philosophy concerning the critical importance of high quality broadband for all communities and the importance of broadband competition, but I assure you that any Commission decision addressing community broadband issues will be made only after a careful review of all relevant factual, policy, and legal issues presented. 4. What level of deference should the FCC give to states who have affirmatively passed laws regarding municipal broadband? Response: As discussed above, possible federal preemption of state law is a serious matter that warrants careful consideration of all relevant issues. In any proceeding that addresses the issue of community broadband restrictions, the Commission will consider all relevant factual, policy, and legal issues presented to determine the appropriate course of action. 5. Has the FCC conducted a cost-benefit analysis looking at the "crowding out" effect on private investment in broadband deployment and maintenance should private entities be forced to further compete with government owned networks? Response: As noted above, there is no current proceeding before the Commission raising issues with state laws restricting municipal broadband. In any proceeding to address such issues, the Commission will give careful consideration to all record evidence, including evidence related to potential "crowding out" of private investment by community broadband. 6. How does the FCC believe Section 706 authority trumps the states' rights in the Constitution? Response: As explained above, Section 706 establishes a strong federal policy of ensuring that broadband is available to all Americans in a reasonable and timely fashion. When state laws come into direct conflict with critically important federal law and policy, it is a long-standing principle of Constitutional law that state laws can be subject to federal preemption in appropriate cases. I do not view federal preemption as a matter to be undertaken lightly. Such action must be premised on careful consideration of all relevant issues. As noted above, in any proceeding involving these issues, the Commission will consider all relevant factual, policy, and legal issues presented to determine the appropriate course of action. Page 4- The Honorable Dennis Ross 7. Did you ever ask Congress for authority to override states' rights with respect to municipal broadband? Response: As discussed above, Section 706 addresses broadband deployment. In any proceeding that addresses these issues, the Commission will consider all relevant factual, policy, and legal issues presented to determine the appropriate course of action. 8. Will the FCC or the federal government bailout states or municipalities if their muni broadband projects fail? How much does the FCC estimate such bailouts would cost taxpayers? Response: Some community broadband initiatives have been less successful than hoped, while others have been very successful. I expect that communities will decide for themselves the appropriate type and level of financial risk to take on in light of their needs in the normal course of local self-governance. I appreciate your interest in this matter. Your views are very important and will be included as part of the Commission's review. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. Sincerely, Tom Wheeler OFFICE OF THE CHAIRMAN The Honorable Keith Rothfus U.S. House of Representatives 503 Cannon House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 Dear Congressman Rothfus: WASH NGTON July 22, 2014 Thank you for your letter concerning the critical issue of broadband deployment. The deployment of broadband is, as you know, a powerful platform that encourages economic growth and facilitates improvements in education, health care, public safety, and other key policy areas. This is particularly true for small and rural communities, where the availability of high quality broadband can be the difference between economic decline and a vibrant future. Private sector incumbent telephone and cable companies have invested billions of dollars in broadband deployment in the past decade. That investment has been of great benefit to our Nation in many ways. However, that investment has not necessarily reached every corner of America. Around the country, communities have focused on the importance of ensuring that their citizens receive the benefits of broadband, and some have concluded that investing in their own broadband efforts - or authorizing others to invest in their behalf - will provide more competition and the economic and social benefits that accompany competition for their residents and businesses. Section 706 of the Communications Act charges the Federal Communications Commission with ensuring that broadband is being deployed to all Americans in a reasonable and timely fashion. I believe that competition is a strong means to that critical goal. At the same time, many states have enacted laws that place a range of restrictions on communities' ability to make their own decisions about their own future. There is reason to believe that these laws have the effect of limiting competition in those areas, contrary to almost two decades of bipartisan federal communications policy that is focused on encouraging competition. I respect the important role of state governments in our federal system, but I also know that state laws which directly conflict with critical federal laws and policy may be subject to preemption in appropriate circumstances. I recognize that federal preemption is not a step to be taken lightly and must be done only after careful consideration of all relevant legal and policy issues. Any Commission decision on community broadband issues will be made only after a full opportunity for comment by all interested parties in an open proceeding and a careful analysis of the specific factual, policy, and legal issues involved. I assure you that the final decision on these issues will be based on a careful analysis of the full record in any agency proceeding. FEDERAL COMMUN!CATIONS COMMISSION Page 2- The Honorable Keith Rothfus I now turn to your specific questions. 1. If the courts struck down the FCC' s ploy to override state laws restricting municital broadband do you believe that such a decision would weaken the credibility of the FCC? Response: The Commission gives careful consideration to all relevant factual, policy, and legal issues before making decisions and will, of course, do so in any proceeding to address these issues. That would include careful consideration of record evidence concerning the issues that your letter raises. As you know, final Commission decisions are typically subject to judicial review, but I do not believe that is a reason to shy away from making important decisions. 2 Why does the FCC believe state governors and state legislators should not have a say over how to govern the political subdivisions of their state even though that is what they are elected to do by voters? Response: As stated above, I respect the role of state government in our federal system, but when state laws come into direct conflict with important federal laws and policy, they may be subject to preemption. This is not, however, an action that can be taken lightly without careful consideration of all relevant factual, policy, and legal issues. My starting point is always the language of the statute that Congress has enacted. Here, Section 706 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 directs the Commission to "encourage the deployment on a reasonable and timely basis of advanced telecommunications capability to all Americans . . . ." If the Commission determines that such services are not "being deployed to all Americans in a reasonable and timely fashion[,]" Section 706 provides that the Commission "shall take immediate action to accelerate deployment of such capability by removing barriers to infrastructure investment and by promoting competition in the telecommunications market." In Verizon v. FCC, all three judges agreed with the Commission's conclusion that Section 706 conveys substantive authority to the Commission, as did the Tenth Circuit in In re: FCC 11-161. In the Verizon case, Judge Silberman, expressing his individual views in a separate opinion, specifically characterized preemption of state laws restricting municipal broadband as a "paradigmatic" example of the authority given by Congress to the FCC under Section 706. As with all the issues before us, however, I want to assure you that the Commission will consider all relevant factual, policy, and legal issues presented in the record to determine the appropriate course of action in any proceeding to address issues related to community broadband. Page 3- The Honorable Keith Rothfus 3. Does the FCC have any evidence to suggest that facilitating municipal broadband would not impact public debt and would not result in less borrowing for other important state and local projects including pensions, roads, water mains, public safety and sewers? Response: At present, there is no proceeding before the Commission raising issues with state laws restricting municipal broadband. Of course, I have stated my basic philosophy concerning the critical importance of high quality broadband for all communities and the importance of broadband competition, but I assure you that any Commission decision addressing community broadband issues will be made only after a careful review of all relevant factual, policy, and legal issues presented. 4. What level of deference should the FCC give to states who have affirmatively passed laws regarding municipal broadband? Response: As discussed above, possible federal preemption of state law is a serious matter that warrants careful consideration of all relevant issues. In any proceeding that addresses the issue of community broadband restrictions, the Commission will consider all relevant factual, policy, and legal issues presented to determine the appropriate course of action. 5. Has the FCC conducted a cost-benefit analysis looking at the "crowding out" effect on private investment in broadband deployment and maintenance should private entities be forced to further compete with government owned networks? Response: As noted above, there is no current proceeding before the Commission raising issues with state laws restricting municipal broadband. In any proceeding to address such issues, the Commission will give careful consideration to all record evidence, including evidence related to potential "crowding out" of private investment by community broadband. 6. How does the FCC believe Section 706 authority trumps the states' rights in the Constitution? Response: As explained above, Section 706 establishes a strong federal policy of ensuring that broadband is available to all Americans in a reasonable and timely fashion. When state laws come into direct conflict with critically important federal law and policy, it is a long-standing principle of Constitutional law that state laws can be subject to federal preemption in appropriate cases. I do not view federal preemption as a matter to be undertaken lightly. Such action must be premised on careful consideration of all relevant issues. As noted above, in any proceeding involving these issues, the Commission will consider all relevant factual, policy, and legal issues presented to determine the appropriate course of action. Page 4- The Honorable Keith Rothfus 7. Did you ever ask Congress for authority to override states' rights with respect to municipal broadband? Response: As discussed above, Section 706 addresses broadband deployment. In any proceeding that addresses these issues, the Commission will consider all relevant factual, policy, and legal issues presented to determine the appropriate course of action. 8. Will the FCC or the federal government bailout states or municipalities if their mimi broadband projects fail? How much does the FCC estimate such bailouts would cost taxpayers? Response: Some community broadband initiatives have been less successful than hoped, while others have been very successful. I expect that communities will decide for themselves the appropriate type and level of financial risk to take on in light of their needs in the normal course of local self-governance. I appreciate your interest in this matter. Your views are very important and will be included as part of the Commission's review. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. Sincerely, Tom Wheeler OFFICE OF THE CHAIRMAN The Honorable Matt Salmon U.S. House of Representatives 2349 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 Dear Congressman Salmon: WASH !NGTON July 22, 2014 Thank you for your letter concerning the critical issue of broadband deployment. The deployment of broadband is, as you know, a powerful platform that encourages economic growth and facilitates improvements in education, health care, public safety, and other key policy areas. This is particularly true for small and rural communities, where the availability of high quality broadband can be the difference between economic decline and a vibrant future. Private sector incumbent telephone and cable companies have invested billions of dollars in broadband deployment in the past decade. That investment has been of great benefit to our Nation in many ways. However, that investment has not necessarily reached every corner of America. Around the country, communities have focused on the importance of ensuring that their citizens receive the benefits of broadband, and some have concluded that investing in their own broadband efforts - or authorizing others to invest in their behalf- will provide more competition and the economic and social benefits that accompany competition for their residents and businesses. Section 706 of the Communications Act charges the Federal Communications Commission with ensuring that broadband is being deployed to all Americans in a reasonable and timely fashion. I believe that competition is a strong means to that critical goal. At the same time, many states have enacted laws that place a range of restrictions on communities' ability to make their own decisions about their own future. There is reason to believe that these laws have the effect of limiting competition in those areas, contrary to almost two decades of bipartisan federal communications policy that is focused on encouraging competition. I respect the important role of state governments in our federal system, but I also know that state laws which directly conflict with critical federal laws and policy may be subject to preemption in appropriate circumstances. I recognize that federal preemption is not a step to be taken lightly and must be done only after careful consideration of all relevant legal and policy issues. Any Commission decision on community broadband issues will be made only after a full opportunity for comment by all interested parties in an open proceeding and a careful analysis of the specific factual, policy, and legal issues involved. I assure you that the final decision on these issues will be based on a careful analysis of the full record in any agency proceeding. FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION Page 2- The Honorable Matt Salmon ...... I now turn to your specific questions. 1. If the courts struck down the FCC's ploy to override state laws restricting municipal broadband do you believe that such a decision would weaken the credibility of the FCC? Response: The Commission gives careful consideration to all relevant factual, policy, and legal issues before making decisions and will, of course, do so in any proceeding to address these issues. That would include careful consideration of record evidence concerning the issues that your letter raises. As you know, final Commission decisions are typically subject to judicial review, but I do not believe that is a reason to shy away from making important decisions. 2 Why does the FCC believe state governors and state legislators should not have a say over how to govern the political subdivisions of their state even though that is what they are elected to do by voters? Response: As stated above, I respect the role of state government in our federal system, but when state laws come into direct conflict with important federal laws and policy, they may be subject to preemption. This is not, however, an action that can be taken lightly without careful consideration of all relevant factual, policy, and legal issues. My starting point is always the language of the statute that Congress has enacted. Here, Section 706 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 directs the Commission to "encourage the deployment on a reasonable and timely basis of advanced telecommunications capability to all Americans If the Commission determines that such services are not "being deployed to all Americans in a reasonable and timely fashion[,]" Section 706 provides that the Commission "shall take immediate action to accelerate deployment of such capability by removing barriers to infrastructure investment and by promoting competition in the telecommunications market." In Verizon v. FCC, all three judges agreed with the Commission's conclusion that Section 706 conveys substantive authority to the Commission, as did the Tenth Circuit in In re: FCC 11-161. In the Verizon case, Judge Silberman, expressing his individual views in a separate opinion, specifically characterized preemption of state laws restricting municipal broadband as a "paradigmatic" example of the authority given by Congress to the FCC under Section 706. As with all the issues before us, however, I want to assure you that the Commission will consider all relevant factual, policy, and legal issues presented in the record to determine the appropriate course of action in any proceeding to address issues related to community broadband. Page 3- The Honorable Matt Salmon 3. Does the FCC have any evidence to suggest that facilitating municipal broadband would not impact public debt and would not result in less borrowing for other important state and local projects including pensions, roads, water mains, public safety and sewers? Response: At present, there is no proceeding before the Commission raising issues with state laws restricting municipal broadband. Of course, I have stated my basic philosophy concerning the critical importance of high quality broadband for all communities and the importance of broadband competition, but I assure you that any Commission decision addressing community broadband issues will be made only after a careful review of all relevant factual, policy, and legal issues presented. 4. What level of deference should the FCC give to states who have affirmatively passed laws regarding municipal broadband? Response: As discussed above, possible federal preemption of state law is a serious matter that warrants careful consideration of all relevant issues. In any proceeding that addresses the issue of community broadband restrictions, the Commission will consider all relevant factual, policy, and legal issues presented to determine the appropriate course of action. 5. Has the FCC conducted a cost-benefit analysis looking at the "crowding out" effect on private investment in broadband deployment and maintenance should private entities be forced to further compete with government owned networks? Response: As noted above, there is no current proceeding before the Commission raising issues with state laws restricting municipal broadband. In any proceeding to address such issues, the Commission will give careful consideration to all record evidence, including evidence related to potential "crowding out" of private investment by community broadband. 6. How does the FCC believe Section 706 authority trumps the states' rights in the Constitution? Response: As explained above, Section 706 establishes a strong federal policy of ensuring that broadband is available to all Americans in a reasonable and timely fashion. When state laws come into direct conflict with critically important federal law and policy, it is a long-standing principle of Constitutional law that state laws can be subject to federal preemption in appropriate cases. I do not view federal preemption as a matter to be undertaken lightly. Such action must be premised on careful consideration of all relevant issues. As noted above, in any proceeding involving these issues, the Commission will consider all relevant factual, policy, and legal issues presented to determine the appropriate course of action. Page 4- The Honorable Matt Salmon 7. Did you ever ask Congress for authority to override states' rights with respect to municipal broadband? Response: As discussed above, Section 706 addresses broadband deployment. In any proceeding that addresses these issues, the Commission will consider all relevant factual, policy, and legal issues presented to determine the appropriate course of action. 8. Will the FCC or the federal government bailout states or municipalities if their muni broadband projects fail? How much does the FCC estimate such bailouts would cost taxpayers? Response: Some community broadband initiatives have been less successful than hoped, while others have been very successful. I expect that communities will decide for themselves the appropriate type and level of financial risk to take on in light of their needs in the normal course of local self-governance. I appreciate your interest in this matter. Your views are very important and will be included as part of the Commission's review. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. Sincerely, Tom Wheeler OFFICE OF THE CHAIRMAN The Honorable Steve Scalise U.S. House of Representatives 2338 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 Dear Congressman Scalise: WASHINGTON July 22, 2014 Thank you for your letter concerning the critical issue of broadband deployment. The deployment of broadband is, as you know, a powerful platform that encourages economic growth and facilitates improvements in education, health care, public safety, and other key policy areas. This is particularly true for small and rural communities, where the availability of high quality broadband can be the difference between economic decline and a vibrant future. Private sector incumbent telephone and cable companies have invested billions of dollars in broadband deployment in the past decade. That investment has been of great benefit to our Nation in many ways. However, that investment has not necessarily reached every corner of America. Around the country, communities have focused on the importance of ensuring that their citizens receive the benefits of broadband, and some have concluded that investing in their own broadband efforts - or authorizing others to invest in their behalf- will provide more competition and the economic and social benefits that accompany competition for their residents and businesses. Section 706 of the Communications Act charges the Federal Communications Commission with ensuring that broadband is being deployed to all Americans in a reasonable and timely fashion. I believe that competition is a strong means to that critical goal. At the same time, many states have enacted laws that place a range of restrictions on communities' ability to make their own decisions about their own future. There is reason to believe that these laws have the effect of limiting competition in those areas, contrary to almost two decades of bipartisan federal communications policy that is focused on encouraging competition. I respect the important role of state governments in our federal system, but I also know that state laws which directly conflict with critical federal laws and policy may be subject to preemption in appropriate circumstances. I recognize that federal preemption is not a step to be taken lightly and must be done only after careful consideration of all relevant legal and policy issues. Any Commission decision on community broadband issues will be made only after a full opportunity for comment by all interested parties in an open proceeding and a careful analysis of the specific factual, policy, and legal issues involved. I assure you that the final decision on these issues will be based on a careful analysis of the full record in any agency proceeding. FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION Page 2- The Honorable Steve Scalise I now turn to your specific questions. 1. If the courts struck down the FCC's pioy to override state laws restricting municipal broadband do you believe that such a decision would weaken the credibility of the FCC? Response: The Commission gives careful consideration to all relevant factual, policy, and legal issues before making decisions and will, of course, do so in any proceeding to address these issues. That would include careful consideration of record evidence concerning the issues that your letter raises. As you know, final Commission decisions are typically subject to judicial review, but I do not believe that is a reason to shy away from making important decisions. 2 Why does the FCC believe state governors and state legislators should not have a say over how to govern the political subdivisions of their state even though that is what they are elected to do by voters? Response: As stated above, I respect the role of state government in our federal system, but when state laws come into direct conflict with important federal laws and policy, they may be subject to preemption. This is not, however, an action that can be taken lightly without careful consideration of all relevant factual, policy, and legal issues. My starting point is always the language of the statute that Congress has enacted. Here, Section 706 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 directs the Commission to "encourage the deployment on a reasonable and timely basis of advanced telecommunications capability to all Americans. . . ." If the Commission determines that such services are not "being deployed to all Americans in a reasonable and timely fashion[,J" Section 706 provides that the Commission "shall take immediate action to accelerate deployment of such capability by removing barriers to infrastructure investment and by promoting competition inthe telecommunications market." In Verizoii v. FCC, all three judges agreed with the Commission's conclusion that Section 706 conveys substantive authority to the Commission, as did the Tenth Circuit in In re: FCC 11-161. In the Verizon case, Judge Silberman, expressing his individual views in a separate opinion, specifically characterized preemption of state laws restricting municipal broadband as a "paradigmatic" example of the authority given by Congress to the FCC under Section 706. As with all the issues before us, however, I want to assure you that the Commission will consider all relevant factual, policy, and legal issues presented in the record to determine the appropriate course of action in any proceeding to address issues related to community broadband. Page 3- The Honorable Steve Scalise 3. Does the FCC have any evidence to suggest that facilitating municipal broadband would not impact public debt and would not result in less borrowing for other important state and local projects including pensions, roads, water mains, public safety and sewers? Response: At present, there is no proceeding before the Commission raising issues with state laws restricting municipal broadband. Of course, I have stated my basic philosophy concerning the critical importance of high quality broadband for all communities and the importance of broadband competition, but I assure you that any Commission decision addressing community broadband issues will be made only after a careful review of all relevant factual, policy, and legal issues presented. 4. What level of deference should the FCC give to states who have affirmatively passed laws regarding municipal broadband? Response: As discussed above, possible federal preemption of state law is a serious matter that warrants careful consideration of all relevant issues. In any proceeding that addresses the issue of community broadband restrictions, the Commission will consider all relevant factual, policy, and legal issues presented to determine the appropriate course of action. 5. Has the FCC conducted a cost-benefit analysis looking at the "crowding out" effect on private investment in broadband deployment and maintenance should private entities be forced to further compete with government owned networks? Response: As noted above, there is no current proceeding before the Commission raising issues with state laws restricting municipal broadband. In any proceeding to address such issues, the Commission will give careful consideration to all record evidence, including evidence related to potential "crowding out" of private investment by community broadband. 6. How does the FCC believe Section 706 authority trumps the states' rights in the Constitution? Response: As explained above, Section 706 establishes a strong federal policy of ensuring that broadband is available to all Americans in a reasonable and timely fashion. When state laws come into direct conflict with critically important federal law and policy, it is a long-standing principle of Constitutional law that state laws can be subject to federal preemption in appropriate cases. I do not view federal preemption as a matter to be undertaken lightly. Such action must be premised on careful consideration of all relevant issues. As noted above, in any proceeding involving these issues, the Commission will consider all relevant factual, policy, and legal issues presented to determine the appropriate course of action. Page 4- The Honorable Steve Scalise 7. Did you ever ask Congress for authority to override states' rights with respect to municipal broadband? Response: As discussed above, Section 706 addresses broadband deployment. In any proceeding that addresses these issues, the Commission will consider all relevant factual, policy, and legal issues presented to determine the appropriate course of action. 8. Will the FCC or the federal government bailout states or municipalities if their muni broadband projects fail? How much does the FCC estimate such bailouts would cost taxpayers? Response: Some community broadband initiatives have been less successful than hoped, while others have been very successful. I expect that communities will decide for themselves the appropriate type and level of financial risk to take on in light of their needs in the normal course of local self-governance. I appreciate your interest in this matter. Your views are very important and will be included as part of the Commission's review. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. Sincerely, Tom Wheeler OFFICE OF THE CHAIRMAN The Honorable Adrian Smith U.S. House of Representatives 2241 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 Dear Congressman Smith: WASH INGTON July 22, 2014 Thank you for your letter concerning the critical issue of broadband deployment. The deployment of broadband is, as you know, a powerful platform that encourages economic growth and facilitates improvements in education, health care, public safety, and other key policy areas. This is particularly true for small and rural communities, where the availability of high quality broadband can be the difference between economic decline and a vibrant future. Private sector incumbent telephone and cable companies have invested billions of dollars in broadband deployment in the past decade. That investment has been of great benefit to our Nation in many ways. However, that investment has not necessarily reached every corner of America. Around the country, communities have focused on the importance of ensuring that their citizens receive the benefits of broadband, and some have concluded that investing in their own broadband efforts - or authorizing others to invest in their behalf- will provide more competition and the economic and social benefits that accompany competition for their residents and businesses. Section 706 of the Communications Act charges the Federal Communications Commission with ensuring that broadband is being deployed to all Americans in a reasonable and timely fashion. I believe that competition is a strong means to that critical goal. At the same time, many states have enacted laws that place a range of restrictions on communities' ability to make their own decisions about their own future. There is reason to believe that these laws have the effect of limiting competition in those areas, contrary to almost two decades of bipartisan federal communications policy that is focused on encouraging competition. I respect the important role of state governments in our federal system, but I also know that state laws which directly conflict with critical federal laws and policy may be subject to preemption in appropriate circumstances. I recognize that federal preemption is not a step to be taken lightly and must be done only after careful consideration of all relevant legal and policy issues. Any Commission decision on community broadband issues will be made only after a full opportunity for comment by all interested parties in an open proceeding and a careful analysis of the specific factual, policy, and legal issues involved. I assure you that the final decision on these issues will be based on a careful analysis of the full record in any agency proceeding. FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION Page 2- The Honorable Adrian Smith I now turn to your specific questions. 1. If the courts struck down the FCC's ploy to override state laws restricting municipal broadband do you believe that such a decision would weaken the credibility of the FCC? Response: The Commission gives careful consideration to all relevant factual, policy, and legal issues before making decisions and will, of course, do so in any proceeding to address these issues. That would include careful consideration of record evidence concerning the issues that your letter raises. As you know, final Commission decisions are typically subject to judicial review, but I do not believe that is a reason to shy away from making important decisions. 2 Why does the FCC believe state governors and state legislators should not have a say over how to govern the political subdivisions of their state even though that is what they are elected to do by voters? Response: As stated above, I respect the role of state government in our federal system, but when state laws come into direct conflict with important federal laws and policy, they may be subject to preemption. This is not, however, an action that can be taken lightly without careful consideration of all relevant factual, policy, and legal issues. My starting point is always the language of the statute that Congress has enacted. Here, Section 706 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 directs the Commission to "encourage the deployment on a reasonable and timely basis of advanced telecommunications capability to all Americans. . . ." If the Commission determines that such services are not "being deployed to all Americans in a reasonable and timely fashion[,]" Section 706 provides that the Commission "shall take immediate action to accelerate deployment of such capability by removing barriers to infrastructure investment and by promoting competition in the telecommunications market." In Verizon v. FCC, all three judges agreed with the Commission's conclusion that Section 706 conveys substantive authority to the Commission, as did the Tenth Circuit in In re. FCC 11-161. In the Verizon case, Judge Silberman, expressing his individual views in a separate opinion, specifically characterized preemption of state laws restricting municipal broadband as a "paradigmatic" example of the authority given by Congress to the FCC under Section 706. As with all the issues before us, however, I want to assure you that the Commission will consider all relevant factual, policy, and legal issues presented in the record to determine the appropriate course of action in any proceeding to address issues related to community broadband. Page 3- The Honorable Adrian Smith 3. Does the FCC have any evidence to suggest that facilitating municipal broadband would not impact public debt and would not result in less borrowing for other important state and local projects including pensions, roads, water mains, public safety and sewers? Response: At present, there is no proceeding before the Commission raising issues with state laws restricting municipal broadband. Of course, I have stated my basic philosophy concerning the critical importance of high quality broadband for all communities and the importance of broadband competition, but I assure you that any Commission decision addressing community broadband issues will be made only after a careful review of all relevant factual, policy, and legal issues presented. 4. What level of deference should the FCC give to states who have affirmatively passed laws regarding municipal broadband? Response: As discussed above, possible federal preemption of state law is a serious matter that warrants careful consideration of all relevant issues. In any proceeding that addresses the issue of community broadband restrictions, the Commission will consider all relevant factual, policy, and legal issues presented to determine the appropriate course of action. 5. Has the FCC conducted a cost-benefit analysis looking at the "crowding out" effect on private investment in broadband deployment and maintenance should private entities be forced to further compete with government owned networks? Response: As noted above, there is no current proceeding before the Commission raising issues with state laws restricting municipal broadband. In any proceeding to address such issues, the Commission will give careful consideration to all record evidence, including evidence related to potential "crowding out" of private investment by community broadband. 6. How does the FCC believe Section 706 authority trumps the states' rights in the Constitution? Response: As explained above, Section 706 establishes a strong federal policy of ensuring that broadband is available to all Americans in a reasonable and timely fashion. When state laws come into direct conflict with critically important federal law and policy, it is a long-standing principle of Constitutional law that state laws can be subject to federal preemption in appropriate cases. I do not view federal preemption as a matter to be undertaken lightly. Such action must be premised on careful consideration of all relevant issues. As noted above, in any proceeding involving these issues, the Commission will consider all relevant factual, policy, and legal issues presented to determine the appropriate course of action. Page 4- The Honorable Adrian Smith 7. Did you ever ask Congress for authority to override states' rights with respect to municipal broadband? Response: As discussed above, Section 706 addresses broadband deployment. In any proceeding that addresses these issues, the Commission will consider all relevant factual, policy, and legal issues presented to determine the appropriate course of action. 8. Will the FCC or the federal government bailout states or municipalities if their muni broadband projects fail? How much does the FCC estimate such bailouts would cost taxpayers? Response: Some community broadband initiatives have been less successful than hoped, while others have been very successful. I expect that communities will decide for themselves the appropriate type and level of financial risk to take on in light of their needs in the normal course of local selfgovernance. I appreciate your interest in this matter. Your views are very important and will be included as part of the Commission's review. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. Sincerely, Tom Wheeler OFFICE OF THE CHAIRMAN The Honorable Marlin Stutzman U.S. House of Representatives 1728 Longworth House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 Dear Congressman Stutzman: WASH INGTON July 22, 2014 Thank you for your letter concerning the critical issue of broadband deployment. The deployment of broadband is, as you know, a powerful platform that encourages economic growth and facilitates improvements in education, health care, public safety, and other key policy areas. This is particularly true for small and rural communities, where the availability of high quality broadband can be the difference between economic decline and a vibrant future. Private sector incumbent telephone and cable companies have invested billions of dollars in broadband deployment in the past decade. That investment has been of great benefit to our Nation in many ways. However, that investment has not necessarily reached every corner of America. Around the country, communities have focused on the importance of ensuring that their citizens receive the benefits of broadband, and some have concluded that investing in their own broadband efforts - or authorizing others to invest in their behalf- will provide more competition and the economic and social benefits that accompany competition for their residents and businesses. Section 706 of the Communications Act charges the Federal Communications Commission with ensuring that broadband is being deployed to all Americans in a reasonable and timely fashion. I believe that competition is a strong means to that critical goal. At the same time, many states have enacted laws that place a range of restrictions on communities' ability to make their own decisions about their own future. There is reason to believe that these laws have the effect of limiting competition in those areas, contrary to almost two decades of bipartisan federal communications policy that is focused on encouraging competition. I respect the important role of state governments in our federal system, but I also know that state laws which directly conflict with critical federal laws and policy may be subject to preemption in appropriate circumstances. I recognize that federal preemption is not a step to be taken lightly and must be done only after careful consideration of all relevant legal and policy issues. Any Commission decision on community broadband issues will be made only after a full opportunity for comment by all interested parties in an open proceeding and a careful analysis of the specific factual, policy, and legal issues involved. I assure you that the final decision on these issues will be based on a careful analysis of the full record in any agency proceeding. FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION Page 2- The Honorable Marlin Stutzman I now turn to your specific questions. 1. If the courts struck down the FCC's ploy to override state laws restricting municipal broadband do you believe that such a decision would weaken the credibility of the FCC? Response: The Commission gives careful consideration to all relevant factual, policy, and legal issues before making decisions and will, of course, do so in any proceeding to address these issues. That would include careful consideration of record evidence concerning the issues that your letter raises. As you know, final Commission decisions are typically subject to judicial review, but I do not believe that is a reason to shy away from making important decisions. 2 Why does the FCC believe state governors and state legislators should not have a say over how to govern the political subdivisions of their state even though that is what they are elected to do by voters? Response: As stated above, I respect the role of state government in our federal system, but when state laws come into direct conflict with important federal laws and policy, they may be subject to preemption. This is not, however, an action that can be taken lightly without careful consideration of all relevant factual, policy, and legal issues. My starting point is always the language of the statute that Congress has enacted. Here, Section 706 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 directs the Commission to "encourage the deployment on a reasonable and timely basis of advanced telecommunications capability to all Americans. . . ." If the Commission determines that such services are not "being deployed to all Americans in a reasonable and timely fashion[,]" Section 706 provides that the Commission "shall take immediate action to accelerate deployment of such capability by removing barriers to infrastructure investment and by promoting competition in the telecommunications market." In Verizon v. FCC, all three judges agreed with the Commission's conclusion that Section 706 conveys substantive authority to the Commission, as did the Tenth Circuit in In re: FCC 11-161. In the Verizon case, Judge Silberman, expressing his individual views in a separate opinion, specifically characterized preemption of state laws restricting municipal broadband as a "paradigmatic" example of the authority given by Congress to the FCC under Section 706. As with all the issues before us, however, I want to assure you that the Commission will consider all relevant factual, policy, and legal issues presented in the record to determine the appropriate course of action in any proceeding to address issues related to community broadband. Page 3- The Honorable Marlin Stutzman 3. Does the FCC have any evidence to suggest that facilitating municipal broadband would not impact public debt and would not result in less borrowing for other important state and local projects including pensions, roads, water mains, public safety and sewers? Response: At present, there is no proceeding before the Commission raising issues with state laws restricting municipal broadband. Of course, I have stated my basic philosophy concerning the critical importance of high quality broadband for all communities and the importance of broadband competition, but I assure you that any Commission decision addressing community broadband issues will be made only after a careful review of all relevant factual, policy, and legal issues presented. 4. What level of deference should the FCC give to states who have affirmatively passed laws regarding municipal broadband? Response: As discussed above, possible federal preemption of state law is a serious matter that warrants careful consideration of all relevant issues. In any proceeding that addresses the issue of community broadband restrictions, the Commission will consider all relevant factual, policy, and legal issues presented to determine the appropriate course of action. 5. Has the FCC conducted a cost-benefit analysis looking at the "crowding out" effect on private investment in broadband deployment and maintenance should private entities be forced to further compete with government owned networks? Response: As noted above, there is no current proceeding before the Commission raising issues with state laws restricting municipal broadband. In any proceeding to address such issues, the Commission will give careful consideration to all record evidence, including evidence related to potential "crowding out" of private investment by community broadband. 6. How does the FCC believe Section 706 authority trumps the states' rights in the Constitution? Response: As explained above, Section 706 establishes a strong federal policy of ensuring that broadband is available to all Americans in a reasonable and timely fashion. When state laws come into direct conflict with critically important federal law and policy, it is a long-standing principle of Constitutional law that state laws can be subject to federal preemption in appropriate cases. I do not view federal preemption as a matter to be undertaken lightly. Such action must be premised on careful consideration of all relevant issues. As noted above, in any proceeding involving these issues, the Commission will consider all relevant factual, policy, and legal issues presented to determine the appropriate course of action. Page 4- The Honorable Marlin Stutzman 7. Did you ever ask Congress for authority to override states' rights with respect to municipal broadband? Response: As discussed above, Section 706 addresses broadband deployment. In any proceeding that addresses these issues, the Commission will consider all relevant factual, policy, and legal issues presented to determine the appropriate course of action. 8. Will the FCC or the federal government bailout states or municipalities if their muni broadband projects fail? How much does the FCC estimate such bailouts would cost taxpayers? Response: Some community broadband initiatives have been less successful than hoped, while others have been very successful. I expect that communities will decide for themselves the appropriate type and level of financial risk to take on in light of their needs in the normal course of local self-governance. I appreciate your interest in this matter. Your views are very important and will be included as part of the Commission's review. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. Sincerely, Tom Wheeler FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMM ISSION OFFICE OF THE CHAIRMAN The Honorable Lee Terry U.S. House of Representatives 2266 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 Dear Congressman Terry: WASH INGTON July 22, 2014 Thank you for your letter concerning the critical issue of broadband deployment. The deployment of broadband is, as you know, a powerful platform that encourages economic growth and facilitates improvements in education, health care, public safety, and other key policy areas. This is particularly true for small and rural communities, where the availability of high quality broadband can be the difference between economic decline and a vibrant future. Private sector incumbent telephone and cable companies have invested billions of dollars in broadband deployment in the past decade. That investment has been of great benefit to our Nation in many ways. However, that investment has not necessarily reached every corner of America. Around the country, communities have focused on the importance of ensuring that their citizens receive the benefits of broadband, and some have concluded that investing in their own broadband efforts - or authorizing others to invest in their behalf - will provide more competition and the economic and social benefits that accompany competition for their residents and businesses. Section 706 of the Communications Act charges the Federal Communications Commission with ensuring that broadband is being deployed to all Americans in a reasonable and timely fashion. I believe that competition is a strong means to that critical goal. At the same time, many states have enacted laws that place a range of restrictions on communities' ability to make their own decisions about their own future. There is reason to believe that these laws have the effect of limiting competition in those areas, contrary to almost two decades of bipartisan federal communications policy that is focused on encouraging competition. I respect the important role of state governments in our federal system, but I also know that state laws which directly conflict with critical federal laws and policy may be subject to preemption in appropriate circumstances. I recognize that federal preemption is not a step to be taken lightly and must be done only after careful consideration of all relevant legal and policy issues. Any Commission decision on community broadband issues will be made only after a full opportunity for comment by all interested parties in an open proceeding and a careful analysis of the specific factual, policy, and legal issues involved. I assure you that the final decision on these issues will be based on a careful analysis of the full record in any agency proceeding. Page 2- The Honorable Lee Terry I now turn to your specific questions. 1. If the courts struck down the FCC' s ploy to override state laws restricting municipal broadband do you believe that such a decision would weaken the credibility of the FCC? Response: The Commission gives careful consideration to all relevant factual, policy, and legal issues before making decisions and will, of course, do so in any proceeding to address these issues. That would include careful consideration of record evidence concerning the issues that your letter raises. As you know, final Commission decisions are typically subject to judicial review, but I do not believe that is a reason to shy away from making important decisions. 2 Why does the FCC believe state governors and state legislators should not have a say over how to govern the political subdivisions of their state even though that is what they are elected to do by voters? Response: As stated above, I respect the role of state government in our federal system, but when state laws come into direct conflict with important federal laws and policy, they may be subject to preemption. This is not, however, an action that can be taken lightly without careful consideration of all relevant factual, policy, and legal issues. My starting point is always the language of the statute that Congress has enacted. Here, Section 706 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 directs the Commission to "encourage the deployment on a reasonable and timely basis of advanced telecommunications capability to all Americans. . . ." If the Commission determines that such services are not "being deployed to all Americans in a reasonable and timely fashion[,]" Section 706 provides that the Commission "shall take immediate action to accelerate deployment of such capability by removing barriers to infrastructure investment and by promoting competition in the telecommunications market." In Verizon v. FCC, all three judges agreed with the Commission's conclusion that Section 706 conveys substantive authority to the Commission, as did the Tenth Circuit in In re: FCC 11-161. In the Verizon case, Judge Silberman, expressing his individual views in a separate opinion, specifically characterized preemption of state laws restricting municipal broadband as a "paradigmatic" example of the authority given by Congress to the FCC under Section 706. As with all the issues before us, however, I want to assure you that the Commission will consider all relevant factual, policy, and legal issues presented in the record to determine the appropriate course of action in any proceeding to address issues related to community broadband. Page 3- The Honorable Lee Terry 3. Does the FCC have any evidence to suggest that facilitating municipal broadband would not impact public debt and would not result in less borrowing for other important state and local projects including pensions, roads, water mains, public safety and sewers? Response: At present, there is no proceeding before the Commission raising issues with state laws restricting municipal broadband. Of course, I have stated my basic philosophy concerning the critical importance of high quality broadband for all communities and the importance of broadband competition, but I assure you that any Commission decision addressing community broadband issues will be made only after a careful review of all relevant factual, policy, and legal issues presented. 4. What level of deference should the FCC give to states who have affirmatively passed laws regarding municipal broadband? Response: As discussed above, possible federal preemption of state law is a serious matter that warrants careful consideration of all relevant issues. In any proceeding that addresses the issue of community broadband restrictions, the Commission will consider all relevant factual, policy, and legal issues presented to determine the appropriate course of action. 5. Has the FCC conducted a cost-benefit analysis looking at the "crowding out" effect on private investment in broadband deployment and maintenance should private entities be forced to further compete with government owned networks? Response: As noted above, there is no current proceeding before the Commission raising issues with state laws restricting municipal broadband. In any proceeding to address such issues, the Commission will give careful consideration to all record evidence, including evidence related to potential "crowding out" of private investment by community broadband. 6. How does the FCC believe Section 706 authority trumps the states' rights in the Constitution? Response: As explained above, Section 706 establishes a strong federal policy of ensuring that broadband is available to all Americans in a reasonable and timely fashion. When state laws come into direct conflict with critically important federal law and policy, it is a long-standing principle of Constitutional law that state laws can be subject to federal preemption in appropriate cases. I do not view federal preemption as a matter to be undertaken lightly. Such action must be premised on careful consideration of all relevant issues. As noted above, in any proceeding involving these issues, the Commission will consider all relevant factual, policy, and legal issues presented to determine the appropriate course of action. Page 4- The Honorable Lee Terry 7. Did you ever ask Congress for authority to override states' rights with respect to municipal broadband? Response: As discussed above, Section 706 addresses broadband deployment. In any proceeding that addresses these issues, the Commission will consider all relevant factual, policy, and legal issues presented to determine the appropriate course of action. 8. Will the FCC or the federal government bailout states or municipalities if their muni broadband projects fail? How much does the FCC estimate such bailouts would cost taxpayers? Response: Some community broadband initiatives have been less successful than hoped, while others have been very successful. I expect that communities will decide for themselves the appropriate type and level of financial risk to take on in light of their needs in the normal course of local self-governance. I appreciate your interest in this matter. Your views are very important and will be included as part of the Commission's review. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. Sincerely, Tom Wheeler FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION OFFICE OF THE CHAIRMAN WASH INGTON July 22, 2014 The Honorable Scott Tipton U.S. House of Representatives 218 Cannon House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 Dear Congressman Tipton: Thank you for your letter concerning the critical issue of broadband deployment. The deployment of broadband is, as you know, a powerful platform that encourages economic growth and facilitates improvements in education, health care, public safety, and other key policy areas. This is particularly true for small and rural communities, where the availability of high quality broadband can be the difference between economic decline and a vibrant future. Private sector incumbent telephone and cable companies have invested billions of dollars in broadband deployment in the past decade. That investment has been of great benefit to our Nation in many ways. However, that investment has not necessarily reached every corner of America. Around the country, communities have focused on the importance of ensuring that their citizens receive the benefits of broadband, and some have concluded that investing in their own broadband efforts - or authorizing others to invest in their behalf - will provide more competition and the economic and social benefits that accompany competition for their residents and businesses. Section 706 of the Communications Act charges the Federal Communications Commission with ensuring that broadband is being deployed to all Americans in a reasonable and timely fashion. I believe that competition is a strong means to that critical goal. At the same time, many states have enacted laws that place a range of restrictions on communities' ability to make their own decisions about their own future. There is reason to believe that these laws have the effect of limiting competition in those areas, contrary to almost two decades of bipartisan federal communications policy that is focused on encouraging competition. I respect the important role of state governments in our federal system, but I also know that state laws which directly conflict with critical federal laws and policy may be subject to preemption in appropriate circumstances. I recognize that federal preemption is not a step to be taken lightly and must be done only after careful consideration of all relevant legal and policy issues. Any Commission decision on community broadband issues will be made only after a full opportunity for comment by all interested parties in an open proceeding and a careful analysis of the specific factual, policy, and legal issues involved. I assure you that the final decision on these issues will be based on a careful analysis of the full record in any agency proceeding. Page 2- The Honorable Scott Tipton I now turn to your specific questions. 1. If the courts struck down the FCC's pioy to override state laws restricting municipal broadband do you believe that such a decision would weaken the credibility of the FCC? Response: The Commission gives careful consideration to all relevant factual, policy, and legal issues before making decisions and will, of course, do so in any proceeding to address these issues. That would include careful consideration of record evidence concerning the issues that your letter raises. As you know, final Commission decisions are typically subject to judicial review, but I do not believe that is a reason to shy away from making important decisions. 2 Why does the FCC believe state governors and state legislators should not have a say over how to govern the political subdivisions of their state even though that is what they are elected to do by voters? Response: As stated above, I respect the role of state government in our federal system, but when state laws come into direct conflict with important federal laws and policy, they may be subject to preemption. This is not, however, an action that can be taken lightly without careful consideration of all relevant factual, policy, and legal issues. My starting point is always the language of the statute that Congress has enacted. Here, Section 706 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 directs the Commission to "encourage the deployment on a reasonable and timely basis of advanced telecommunications capability to all Americans. . . ." If the Commission determines that such services are not "being deployed to all Americans in a reasonable and timely fashion[,]" Section 706 provides that the Commission "shall take immediate action to accelerate deployment of such capability by removing barriers to infrastructure investment and by promoting competition in the telecommunications market." In Verizon v. FCC, all three judges agreed with the Commission's conclusion that Section 706 conveys substantive authority to the Commission, as did the Tenth Circuit in In re: FCC 11-161. In the Verizon case, Judge Silberman, expressing his individual views in a separate opinion, specifically characterized preemption of state laws restricting municipal broadband as a "paradigmatic" example of the authority given by Congress to the FCC under Section 706. As with all the issues before us, however, I want to assure you that the Commission will consider all relevant factual, policy, and legal issues presented in the record to determine the appropriate course of action in any proceeding to address issues related to community broadband. Page 3- The Honorable Scott Tipton 3. Does the FCC have any evidence to suggest that facilitating municipal broadband would not impact public debt and would not result in less borrowing for other important state and local projects including pensions, roads, water mains, public safety and sewers? Response: At present, there is no proceeding before the Commission raising issues with state laws restricting municipal broadband. Of course, I have stated my basic philosophy concerning the critical importance of high quality broadband for all communities and the importance of broadband competition, but I assure you that any Commission decision addressing community broadband issues will be made only after a careful review of all relevant factual, policy, and legal issues presented. 4. What level of deference should the FCC give to states who have affirmatively passed laws regarding municipal broadband? Response: As discussed above, possible federal preemption of state law is a serious matter that warrants careful consideration of all relevant issues. In any proceeding that addresses the issue of community broadband restrictions, the Commission will consider all relevant factual, policy, and legal issues presented to determine the appropriate course of action. 5. Has the FCC conducted a cost-benefit analysis looking at the "crowding out" effect on private investment in broadband deployment and maintenance should private entities be forced to further compete with government owned networks? Response: As noted above, there is no current proceeding before the Commission raising issues with state laws restricting municipal broadband. In any proceeding to address such issues, the Commission will give careful consideration to all record evidence, including evidence related to potential "crowding out" of private investment by community broadband. 6. How does the FCC believe Section 706 authority trumps the states' rights in the Constitution? Response: As explained above, Section 706 establishes a strong federal policy of ensuring that broadband is available to all Americans in a reasonable and timely fashion. When state laws come into direct conflict with critically important federal law and policy, it is a long-standing principle of Constitutional law that state laws can be subject to federal preemption in appropriate cases. I do not view federal preemption as a matter to be undertaken lightly. Such action must be premised on careful consideration of all relevant issues. As noted above, in any proceeding involving these issues, the Commission will consider all relevant factual, policy, and legal issues presented to determine the appropriate course of action. Page 4- The Honorable Scott Tipton 7. Did you ever ask Congress for authority to override states' rights with respect to municipal broadband? Response: As discussed above, Section 706 addresses broadband deployment. In any proceeding that addresses these issues, the Commission will consider all relevant factual, policy, and legal issues presented to determine the appropriate course of action. 8. Will the FCC or the federal government bailout states or municipalities if their muni broadband projects fail? How much does the FCC estimate such bailouts would cost taxpayers? Response: Some community broadband initiatives have been less successful than hoped, while others have been very successful. I expect that communities will decide for themselves the appropriate type and level of financial risk to take on in light of their needs in the normal course of local self-governance. I appreciate your interest in this matter. Your views are very important and will be included as part of the Commission's review. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. Sincerely, Tom Wheeler OFFICE OF THE CHAIRMAN The Honorable Randy Weber U.S. House of Representatives 510 Cannon House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 Dear Congressman Weber: WASHINGTON July 22, 2014 Thank you for your letter concerning the critical issue of broadband deployment. The deployment of broadband is, as you know, a powerful platform that encourages economic growth and facilitates improvements in education, health care, public safety, and other key policy areas. This is particularly true for small and rural communities, where the availability of high quality broadband can be the difference between economic decline and a vibrant future. Private sector incumbent telephone and cable companies have invested billions of dollars in broadband deployment in the past decade. That investment has been of great benefit to our Nation in many ways. However, that investment has not necessarily reached every corner of America. Around the country, communities have focused on the importance of ensuring that their citizens receive the benefits of broadband, and some have concluded that investing in their own broadband efforts - or authorizing others to invest in their behalf- will provide more competition and the economic and social benefits that accompany competition for their residents and businesses. Section 706 of the Communications Act charges the Federal Communications Commission with ensuring that broadband is being deployed to all Americans in a reasonable and timely fashion. I believe that competition is a strong means to that critical goal. At the same time, many states have enacted laws that place a range of restrictions on communities' ability to make their own decisions about their own future. There is reason to believe that these laws have the effect of limiting competition in those areas, contrary to almost two decades of bipartisan federal communications policy that is focused on encouraging competition. I respect the important role of state governments in our federal system, but I also know that state laws which directly conflict with critical federal laws and policy may be subject to preemption in appropriate circumstances. I recognize that federal preemption is not a step to be taken lightly and must be done only after careful consideration of all relevant legal and policy issues. Any Commission decision on community broadband issues will be made only after a full opportunity for comment by all interested parties in an open proceeding and a careful analysis of the specific factual, policy, and legal issues involved. I assure you that the final decision on these issues will be based on a careful analysis of the full record in any agency proceeding. FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION Page 2- The Honorable Randy Weber I now turn to your specific questions. 1. If the courts struck down the FCC's pioy to override state laws restricting municipal broadband do you believe that such a decision would weaken the credibility of the FCC? Response: The Commission gives careful consideration to all relevant factual, policy, and legal issues before making decisions and will, of course, do so in any proceeding to address these issues. That would include careful consideration of record evidence concerning the issues that your letter raises. As you know, final Commission decisions are typically subject to judicial review, but I do not believe that is a reason to shy away from making important decisions. 2 Why does the FCC believe state governors and state legislators should not have a say over how to govern the political subdivisions of their state even though that is what they are elected to do by voters? Response: As stated above, I respect the role of state government in our federal system, but when state laws come into direct conflict with important federal laws and policy, they may be subject to preemption. This is not, however, an action that can be taken lightly without careful consideration of all relevant factual, policy, and legal issues. My starting point is always the language of the statute that Congress has enacted. Here, Section 706 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 directs the Commission to "encourage the deployment on a reasonable and timely basis of advanced telecommunications capability to all Americans. . . ." If the Commission determines that such services are not "being deployed to all Americans in a reasonable and timely fashion[,J" Section 706 provides that the Commission "shall take immediate action to accelerate deployment of such capability by removing barriers to infrastructure investment and by promoting competition in the telecommunications market." In Verizon v. FCC, all three judges agreed with the Commission's conclusion that Section 706 conveys substantive authority to the Commission, as did the Tenth Circuit in In re: FCC 11-161. In the Verizon case, Judge Silberman, expressing his individual views in a separate opinion, specifically characterized preemption of state laws restricting municipal broadband as a "paradigmatic" example of the authority given by Congress to the FCC under Section 706. As with all the issues before us, however, I want to assure you that the Commission will consider all relevant factual, policy, and legal issues presented in the record to determine the appropriate course of action in any proceeding to address issues related to community broadband. Page 3- The Honorable Randy Weber 3. Does the FCC have any evidence to suggest that facilitating municipal broadband would not impact public debt and would not result in less borrowing for other important state and local projects including pensions, roads, water mains, public safety and sewers? Response: At present, there is no proceeding before the Commission raising issues with state laws restricting municipal broadband. Of course, I have stated my basic philosophy concerning the critical importance of high quality broadband for all communities and the importance of broadband competition, but I assure you that any Commission decision addressing community broadband issues will be made only after a careful review of all relevant factual, policy, and legal issues presented. 4. What level of deference should the FCC give to states who have affirmatively passed laws regarding municipal broadband? Response: As discussed above, possible federal preemption of state law is a serious matter that warrants careful consideration of all relevant issues. In any proceeding that addresses the issue of community broadband restrictions, the Commission will consider all relevant factual, policy, and legal issues presented to determine the appropriate course of action. 5. Has the FCC conducted a cost-benefit analysis looking at the "crowding out" effect on private investment in broadband deployment and maintenance should private entities be forced to further compete with government owned networks? Response: As noted above, there is no current proceeding before the Commission raising issues with state laws restricting municipal broadband. In any proceeding to address such issues, the Commission will give careful consideration to all record evidence, including evidence related to potential "crowding out" of private investment by community broadband. 6. How does the FCC believe Section 706 authority trumps the states' rights in the Constitution? Response: As explained above, Section 706 establishes a strong federal policy of ensuring that broadband is available to all Americans in a reasonable and timely fashion. When state laws come into direct conflict with critically important federal law and policy, it is a long-standing principle of Constitutional law that state laws can be subject to federal preemption in appropriate cases. I do not view federal preemption as a matter to be undertaken lightly. Such action must be premised on careful consideration of all relevant issues. As noted above, in any proceeding involving these issues, the Commission will consider all relevant factual, policy, and legal issues presented to determine the appropriate course of action. Page 4- The Honorable Randy Weber 7. Did you ever ask Congress for authority to override states' rights with respect to municipal broadband? Response: As discussed above, Section 706 addresses broadband deployment. In any proceeding that addresses these issues, the Commission will consider all relevant factual, policy, and legal issues presented to determine the appropriate course of action. 8. Will the FCC or the federal government bailout states or municipalities if their muni broadband projects fail? How much does the FCC estimate such bailouts would cost taxpayers? Response: Some community broadband initiatives have been less successful than hoped, while others have been very successful. I expect that communities will decide for themselves the appropriate type and level of financial risk to take on in light of their needs in the normal course of local self-governance. I appreciate your interest in this matter. Your views are very important and will be included as part of the Commission's review. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. Sincerely, Tom Wheeler FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION OFFICE OF THE CHAIRMAN WASHINGTON July 22, 2014 The Honorable Steve Womack U.S. House of Representatives 1119 Longworth House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 Dear Congressman Womack: Thank you for your letter concerning the critical issue of broadband deployment. The deployment of broadband is, as you know, a powerful platform that encourages economic growth and facilitates improvements in education, health care, public safety, and other key policy areas. This is particularly true for small and rural communities, where the availability of high quality broadband can be the difference between economic decline and a vibrant future. Private sector incumbent telephone and cable companies have invested billions of dollars in broadband deployment in the past decade. That investment has been of great benefit to our Nation in many ways. However, that investment has not necessarily reached every corner of America. Around the country, communities have focused on the importance of ensuring that their citizens receive the benefits of broadband, and some have concluded that investing in their own broadband efforts - or authorizing others to invest in their behalf- will provide more competition and the economic and social benefits that accompany competition for their residents and businesses. Section 706 of the Communications Act charges the Federal Communications Commission with ensuring that broadband is being deployed to all Americans in a reasonable and timely fashion. I believe that competition is a strong means to that critical goal. At the same time, many states have enacted laws that place a range of restrictions on communities' ability to make their own decisions about their own future. There is reason to believe that these laws have the effect of limiting competition in those areas, contrary to almost two decades of bipartisan federal communications policy that is focused on encouraging competition. I respect the important role of state governments in our federal system, but I also know that state laws which directly conflict with critical federal laws and policy may be subject to preemption in appropriate circumstances. I recognize that federal preemption is not a step to be taken lightly and must be done only after careful consideration of all relevant legal and policy issues. Any Commission decision on community broadband issues will be made only after a full opportunity for comment by all interested parties in an open proceeding and a careful analysis of the specific factual, policy, and legal issues involved. I assure you that the final decision on these issues will be based on a careful analysis of the full record in any agency proceeding. Page 2- The Honorable Steve Womack ...... I now turn to your specific questions. 1. If the courts struck down the FCC's ploy to override state laws restricting municipal broadband do you believe that such a decision would weaken the credibility of the FCC? Response: The Commission gives careful consideration to all relevant factual, policy, and legal issues before making decisions and will, of course, do so in any proceeding to address these issues. That would include careful consideration of record evidence concerning the issues that your letter raises. As you know, final Commission decisions are typically subject to judicial review, but I do not believe that is a reason to shy away from making important decisions. 2 Why does the FCC believe state governors and state legislators should not have a say over how to govern the political subdivisions of their state even though that is what they are elected to do by voters? Response: As stated above, I respect the role of state government in our federal system, but when state laws come into direct conflict with important federal laws and policy, they may be subject to preemption. This is not, however, an action that can be taken lightly without careful consideration of all relevant factual, policy, and legal issues. My starting point is always the language of the statute that Congress has enacted. Here, Section 706 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 directs the Commission to "encourage the deployment on a reasonable and timely basis of advanced telecommunications capability to all Americans If the Commission determines that such services are not "being deployed to all Americans in a reasonable and timely fashion[,]" Section 706 provides that the Commission "shall take immediate action to accelerate deployment of such capability by removing barriers to infrastructure investment and by promoting competition in the telecommunications market." In Verizon v. FCC, all three judges agreed with the Commission's conclusion that Section 706 conveys substantive authority to the Commission, as did the Tenth Circuit in In re. FCC 11-161. In the Verizon case, Judge Silberman, expressing his individual views in a separate opinion, specifically characterized preemption of state laws restricting municipal broadband as a "paradigmatic" example of the authority given by Congress to the FCC under Section 706. As with all the issues before us, however, I want to assure you that the Commission will consider all relevant factual, policy, and legal issues presented in the record to determine the appropriate course of action in any proceeding to address issues related to community broadband. Page 3- The Honorable Steve Womack 3. Does the FCC have any evidence to suggest that facilitating municipal broadband would not impact public debt and would not result in less borrowing for other important state and local projects including pensions. roads, water mains, public safety and sewers? Response: At present, there is no proceeding before the Commission raising issues with state laws restricting municipal broadband. Of course, I have stated my basic philosophy concerning the critical importance of high quality broadband for all communities and the importance of broadband competition, but I assure you that any Commission decision addressing community broadband issues will be made only after a careful review of all relevant factual, policy, and legal issues presented. 4. What level of deference should the FCC give to states who have affirmatively passed laws regarding municipal broadband? Response: As discussed above, possible federal preemption of state law is a serious matter that warrants careful consideration of all relevant issues. In any proceeding that addresses the issue of community broadband restrictions, the Commission will consider all relevant factual, policy, and legal issues presented to determine the appropriate course of action. 5. Has the FCC conducted a cost-benefit analysis looking at the "crowding out" effect on private investment in broadband deployment and maintenance should private entities be forced to further compete with government owned networks? Response: As noted above, there is no current proceeding before the Commission raising issues with state laws restricting municipal broadband. In any proceeding to address such issues, the Commission will give careful consideration to all record evidence, including evidence related to potential "crowding out" of private investment by community broadband. 6. How does the FCC believe Section 706 authority trumps the states' rights in the Constitution? Response: As explained above, Section 706 establishes a strong federal policy of ensuring that broadband is available to all Americans in a reasonable and timely fashion. When state laws come into direct conflict with critically important federal law and policy, it is a long-standing principle of Constitutional law that state laws can be subject to federal preemption in appropriate cases. I do not view federal preemption as a matter to be undertaken lightly. Such action must be premised on careful consideration of all relevant issues. As noted above, in any proceeding involving these issues, the Commission will consider all relevant factual, policy, and legal issues presented to determine the appropriate course of action. Page 4- The Honorable Steve Womack 7. Did you ever ask Congress for authority to override states' rights with respect to municipal broadband? Response: As discussed above, Section 706 addresses broadband deployment. In any proceeding that addresses these issues, the Commission will consider all relevant factual, policy, and legal issues presented to determine the appropriate course of action. 8. Will the FCC or the federal government bailout states or municipalities if their muni broadband projects fail? How much does the FCC estimate such bailouts would cost taxpayers? Response: Some community broadband initiatives have been less successful than hoped, while others have been very successful. I expect that communities will decide for themselves the appropriate type and level of financial risk to take on in light of their needs in the normal course of local self-governance. I appreciate your interest in this matter. Your views are very important and will be included as part of the Commission's review. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. Sincerely, Tom Wheeler