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Hon. Tom Wheeler, Chainnan 
Federal Communications Commission 
445 12111 St., SW 
Washington, DC 20554 
Dear Chainnan Wheeler, 
August 29, 2014 
TODD ROKITA 
4TH DISTRICT, INDIANA 
COMMITTEE ON THE BUDGET 
COMMITTEE ON HOUSE 
ADMINISTRATION 
COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION 
AND THE WORKFORCE 
AOKITA.HOUSE.GOV 
As each day passes without broadband in rural America, the digital divide widens between our urban and 
rural populations. In the 1930s, electric cooperatives brought electricity to rural America when the for-profit utilities 
would not. Today, that same scenario is being replayed as we deploy broadband service in rural America. Robust 
broadband service is no longer a luxury, but rather a necessity for full participation in our economy and society. 
The Connect America Fund (CAP) Phase II represents a tremendous opportunity to fulfill the promise of 
ubiquitous access to high speed internet for every American. I commend the FCC's efforts to ensure that CAP funds 
are maximized to their best use, and recognize the complexities of this effort. I encourage the Commission to create 
an inclusive process where all eligible providers, including electric cooperatives, have an opportunity to compete for 
support by offering effective solutions to close the digital divide between rural and urban areas. 
In addition, I urge the commission to work on raising the minimum broadband speed associated with CAP 
Phase II funding. Deploying broadband networks using outdated speeds will only serve to increase the digital 
divide. 
Without a level playing field, open to competition, rural America may never have the chance to experience 
the educational opportunities, employment prospects, and advanced healthcare that broadband delivers to those 
lucky enough to live in low cost, high population centers. 
In my district, Fulton County REMC, Hendricks Power Cooperative, Parke County REMC, South Central 
Indiana REMC and Tipmont REMC have submitted Expressions of Interest to the FCC regarding CAP Phase II. By 
making CAP funds available to electric cooperatives, they could be a valuable asset in achieving the goal of 
providing accessible, affordable and reliable broadband to their members. 
to working with the Commission to bring broadband service to my constituents in rural 
Member of Congress 
236 CANNON HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON, D.C. 20515 • (202) 225-5037 • (202) 226·0544 (FAX)