NEWS
Federal Communications Commission
445 12
th
Street, S.W.
Washington, DC  20554
This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action.  Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action.
See MCI v. FCC, 515 F.2d 385 (D.C. Cir. 1974).
News Media Information 202-418-0500
Internet: http://www.fcc.gov
TTY: 1-888-835-5322
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: NEWS MEDIA CONTACT:
November 17, 2014 Matthew Berry, 202-418-2005
Email:  Matthew.Berry@fcc.gov
STATEMENT OF COMMISSIONER AJIT PAI
ON THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF A 17.2% INCREASE IN FCC TELEPHONE TAX
Last July, the Commission had the opportunity to enact bipartisan, student -centered E-
Rate reforms.  Instead, it adopted a plan with numbers that didn’t come close to adding up and 
promised outside groups a massive post-election tax increase.  Now, less than two weeks after 
the election, those chickens are coming home to roost.  I strongly oppose this 17.2% tax increase.  
Instead of imposing a greater burden on families struggling to make ends meet in this lackluster 
economy, the Commission should pursue fiscally responsible reforms. These reforms would cut 
the bureaucratic red tape and focus resources on the children and library patrons of poor and 
rural America, where the need is greatest.