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Hon. Tom Wheeler, Chairman 
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October 15, 2014 
Federal Communications Commission 
445 12th St., SW 
Washington, DC 20554 
Dear Chairman Wheeler, 
/111 
TODD ROKITA 
4TH DISTRICT, INDIANA 
COMMITTEE ON THE BUDGET 
COMMITTEE ON HOUSE 
ADMINISTRATION 
COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION 
AND THE WORKFORCE 
ROKITA.HOUSE.GOV 
The FCC's efforts to design and implement reforms to the Universal Service Fund (USF), if executed 
correctly, will be the key to ensuring every American receives high speed broadband and remains served over 
time. 
A mechanism for distributing USF support for robust broadband networks is still needed for areas 
traditionally served by small, independent rural telcos. These small businesses have already deployed broadband 
to over 90% of their rate-of-return rural service areas with support from a program tied to voice telephony that 
requires consumers to purchase voice service in order to receive affordable broadband. It is past time for these 
small carriers to be supported by a program designed for 21st century telecommunications, and rural investment 
will be stifled as long as the wait continues. 
In rural areas traditionally served by larger price cap carriers, I commend the FCC's efforts to ensure that 
Connect America Fund (CAF) support is used efficiently and effectively, and recognize the complexities of this 
effort. Deploying broadband networks using outdated speeds will only serve to increase the digital divide, but 
higher speeds require greater levels of investment and more time to complete the additional construction required. 
If the minimum broadband speed associated with CAF Phase II funding is increased, I urge the commission to 
provide the necessary resources through CAF for providers to deliver faster speeds. 
In my district, Endeavor Communications has submitted an Expression of Interest to the FCC regarding its 
Broadband Experiments program as it seeks to edge out beyond the rate-of-return areas where it has provided 
rural telecom solutions for many years. It would be wasteful for CAF II funds to be made available in areas in 
which broadband experiment projects are funded, if such funding decisions are made prior to the state-level 
election. On the other hand, consumers should not bear the risk of losing CAF II funding, and thus the 
opportunity for new or improved broadband service, based on mere proposals in the broadband experiment 
program. 
Without these changes to promote investment in all rural areas, rural America won't fully experience the 
educational opportunities, employment prospects, and advanced healthcare that broadband delivers to those 
fortunate enough to live in low cost, high population centers. I look forward to working with the Commission to 
bring broadband service to my constituents in rural America. 
r~atW---
Todd Rokita 
Member of Congress 
TR/tb 
236 CANNON HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON, D.C. 20515 • (202) 225-5037 • (202) 226-0544 (FAX)