FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASH INGTON
February 11, 2015
THE CHAIRMAN
The Honorable Reid Ribble
U.S. House of Representatives
1513 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressman Ribble:
Thank you for your letter expressing support for access to video programming, including
programming specific to rural communities. I appreciate hearing your views.
This issue has been raised by commenters in the context of the pending transactions
between Comcast and Time Warner Cable, and AT&T and DirecTV. With regard to your
specific concern about rural-focused programming, I note that RFD-TV, a Nebraska-based
digital cable and satellite television channel, along with many of its viewers, have filed
comments in both of the pending proceedings. Please be assured that the views of RFD-TV and
its viewers will be given careful consideration as the staff reviews the record in the proceedings.
You also indicate in your letter that the video marketplace is evolving and shifling with
more content provided through broadband connections. Like you, I recognize that having access
to broadband is a challenge for many rural Americans. In our recent 2015 Broadband Progress
Report, adopted on January 29, 2015, the Commission found that broadband deployment is not
keeping pace. The Commission indicated that over half of rural Americans lack access to the
updated broadband benchmark speeds of 25 megabits per second (Mbps) for downloads and 3
Mbps for uploads, whereas only eight percent of urban Americans lack access to the same
benchmark speeds. Based on the number of unserved Americans and for other reasons, the
Commission concluded that broadband is not being deployed in a reasonable and timely fashion.
The Commission recognized that while we have made progress, more work needs to be done.
We will continue to take steps to bring robust broadband to the nation and, in particular,
rural areas. Since 2011, the Commission has been working to bring broadband to rural
Americans through the Coimect America Fund (CAF). The program is part of the Universal
Service Fund that supports broadband networks in unserved rural areas. Hundreds of millions of
dollars already have been invested, with more than $20 billion more to come over the next five
years for fixed service. Our Mobility Fund has already targeted $220 million in support to
upgrade areas currently without 3G service, within 27 states, with an additional $50 million
targeted to remote and underserved areas on Tribal lands. The Commission has also been
working to improve wireless broadband services in rural areas. Not only are we working to
make more spectrum available to all Americans, including those in rural areas, but our Mobile
Spectrum Holding rules help ensure access in rural areas to spectrum necessary if competitors
are to fill in the blank white spaces on the coverage maps we see on TV commercials. Finally,
the Commission recently modernized the E-rate program to help close the digital divide in rural
Page 2-The Honorable Reid Ribble
schools and libraries by ensuring equitable access to funding for Wi-Fl, providing additional
flexibility to schools and libraries seeking affordable high-speed broadband connections, and
adjusting the E-rate cap to ensure sufficient funding is available to meet the program goals.
I am hopeful that these recent actions will help deliver greater competition and more
choice for consumers. In addition, in conjunction with the release of the 2015 Broadband
Progress Report, we issued a Notice of Inquiry that sought comment on what additional steps the
Commission can take to accelerate broadband deployment, especially in rural areas.
Please be assured the Commission will continue to keep rural Americans' needs in mind
as it moves ahead with its work. I appreciate hearing directly from you on the issues that face
your constituents and hope to continue a dialogue with you.
Sincerely,
7i-
Tom Wheeler
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMIssION
WASHINGTON
February 11, 2015
THE CHAIRMAN
The Honorable Robert B. Aderholt
U.S. House of Representatives
2369 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressman Aderholt:
Thank you for your letter expressing support for access to video programming, including
programming specific to rural communities. I appreciate hearing your views.
This issue has been raised by commenters in the context of the pending transactions
between Comcast and Time Warner Cable, and AT&T and DirecTV. With regard to your
specific concern about rural-focused programming, I note that RFD-TV, a Nebraska-based
digital cable and satellite television channel, along with many of its viewers, have filed
comments in both of the pending proceedings. Please be assured that the views of RFD-TV and
its viewers will be given careful consideration as the staff reviews the record in the proceedings.
You also indicate in your letter that the video marketplace is evolving and shifting with
more content provided through broadband connections. Like you, I recognize that having access
to broadband is a challenge for many rural Americans. In our recent 2015 Broadband Progress
Report, adopted on January 29, 2015, the Commission found that broadband deployment is not
keeping pace. The Commission indicated that over half of rural Americans lack access to the
updated broadband benchmark speeds of 25 megabits per second (Mbps) for downloads and 3
Mbps for uploads, whereas only eight percent of urban Americans lack access to the same
benchmark speeds. Based on the number of unserved Americans and for other reasons, the
Commission concluded that broadband is not being deployed in a reasonable and timely fashion.
The Commission recognized that while we have made progress, more work needs to be done.
We will continue to take steps to bring robust broadband to the nation and, in particular,
rural areas. Since 2011, the Commission has been working to bring broadband to rural
Americans through the Connect America Fund (CAF). The program is part of the Universal
Service Fund that supports broadband networks in unserved rural areas. Hundreds of millions of
dollars already have been invested, with more than $20 billion more to come over the next five
years for fixed service. Our Mobility Fund has already targeted $220 million in support to
upgrade areas currently without 3G service. within 27 states, with an additional $50 million
targeted to remote and underserved areas on Tribal lands. The Commission has also been
working to improve wireless broadband services in rural areas. Not only are we working to
make more spectrum available to all Americans, including those in rural areas, but our Mobile
Spectrum Holding rules help ensure access in rural areas to spectrum necessary if competitors
are to fill in the blank white spaces on the coverage maps we see on TV commercials. Finally,
the Commission recently modernized the E-rate program to help close the digital divide in rural
Page 2-The Honorable Robert B. Aderholt
schools and libraries by ensuring equitable access to funding for Wi-Fi, providing additional
flexibility to schools and libraries seeking affordable high-speed broadband coimections, and
adjusting the E-rate cap to ensure sufficient funding is available to meet the program goals.
I am hopeful that these recent actions will help deliver greater competition and more
choice for consumers. In addition, in conjunction with the release of the 2015 Broadband
Progress Report, we issued a Notice of Inquiry that sought comment on what additional steps the
Commission can take to accelerate broadband deployment, especially in rural areas.
Please be assured the Commission will continue to keep rural Americans' needs in mind
as it moves ahead with its work. I appreciate hearing directly from you on the issues that face
your constituents and hope to continue a dialogue with you.
Sincerely, /7
Torn Wheeler
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASHINGTON
fMISS
OFFICE OF
THE CHAIRMAN February 11, 2015
The Honorable Mark Amodei
U.S. House of Representatives
222 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressman Amodei:
Thank you for your letter expressing support for access to video programming, including
programming specific to rural communities. I appreciate hearing your views.
This issue has been raised by commenters in the context of the pending transactions
between Comcast and Time Warner Cable, and AT&T and DireclV. With regard to your
specific concern about rural-focused programming, I note that RFD-TV, a Nebraska-based
digital cable and satellite television channel, along with many of its viewers, have filed
comments in both of the pending proceedings. Please be assured that the views of RFD-TV and
its viewers will be given careful consideration as the staff reviews the record in the proceedings.
You also indicate in your letter that the video marketplace is evolving and shifting with
more content provided through broadband connections. Like you, I recognize that having access
to broadband is a challenge for many rural Americans. In our recent 2015 Broadband Progress
Report, adopted on January 29, 2015, the Commission found that broadband deployment is not
keeping pace. The Commission indicated that over half of rural Americans lack access to the
updated broadband benchmark speeds of 25 megahits per second (Mbps) for downloads and 3
Mbps for uploads, whereas only eight percent of urban Americans lack access to the same
benchmark speeds. Based on the number of unserved Americans and for other reasons, the
Commission concluded that broadband is not being deployed in a reasonable and timely fashion.
The Commission recognized that while we have made progress, more work needs to be done.
We will continue to take steps to bring robust broadband to the nation and, in particular,
rural areas. Since 2011, the Commission has been working to bring broadband to rural
Americans through the Connect America Fund (CAF). The program is part of the Universal
Service Fund that supports broadband networks in unserved rural areas. Hundreds of millions of
dollars already have been invested, with more than $20 billion more to come over the next five
years for fixed service. Our Mobility Fund has already targeted $220 million in support to
upgrade areas currently without 3G service, within 27 states, with an additional $50 million
targeted to remote and underserved areas on Tribal lands. The Commission has also been
working to improve wireless broadband services in rural areas. Not only are we working to
make more spectrum available to all Americans, including those in rural areas, but our Mobile
Spectrum Holding rules help ensure access in rural areas to spectrum necessary if competitors
are to fill in the blank white spaces on the coverage maps we see on TV commercials. Finally,
the Commission recently modernized the F-rate program to help close the digital divide in rural
Page 2-The Honorable Mark Amodei
schools and libraries by ensuring equitable access to funding for Wi-Fi, providing additional
flexibility to schools and libraries seeking affordable high-speed broadband connections, and
adjusting the E-rate cap to ensure sufficient funding is available to meet the program goals.
I am hopeful that these recent actions will help deliver greater competition and more
choice for consumers. In addition, in conjunction with the release of the 2015 Broadband
Progress Report, we issued a Notice of Inquiry that sought comment on what additional steps the
Commission can take to accelerate broadband deployment, especially in rural areas.
Please be assured the Commission will continue to keep rural Americans' needs in mind
as it moves ahead with its work. I appreciate hearing directly from you on the issues that face
your constituents and hope to continue a dialogue with you.
Sincerely, /4
Torn Wheeler
F
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASHINGTON
OFFICE OF February 11,2015THE CHAIRMAN
The Honorable Spencer Bachus
U.S. House of Representatives
2246 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressman Bachus:
Thank you for your letter expressing support for access to video programming, including
programming specific to rural communities. I appreciate hearing your views.
This issue has been raised by commenters in the context of the pending transactions
between Comcast and Time Warner Cable, and AT&T and DireclV. With regard to your
specific concern about rural-focused programming, I note that RFD-TV, a Nebraska-based
digital cable and satellite television channel, along with many of its viewers, have filed
comments in both of the pending proceedings. Please be assured that the views of RFD-TV and
its viewers will be given careful consideration as the staff reviews the record in the proceedings.
You also indicate in your letter that the video marketplace is evolving and shifting with
more content provided through broadband connections. Like you, I recognize that having access
to broadband is a challenge for many rural Americans. In our recent 2015 Broadband Progress
Report, adopted on January 29, 2015, the Commission found that broadband deployment is not
keeping pace. The Commission indicated that over half of rural Americans lack access to the
updated broadband benchmark speeds of 25 megabits per second (Mbps) for downloads and 3
Mbps for uploads, whereas only eight percent of urban Americans lack access to the same
benchmark speeds. Based on the number of unserved Americans and for other reasons, the
Commission concluded that broadband is not being deployed in a reasonable and timely fashion.
The Commission recognized that while we have made progress, more work needs to be done.
We will continue to take steps to bring robust broadband to the nation and, in particular,
rural areas. Since 2011, the Commission has been working to bring broadband to rural
Americans through the Connect America Fund (CAF). The program is part of the Universal
Service Fund that supports broadband networks in unserved rural areas. Hundreds of millions of
dollars already have been invested, with more than $20 billion more to come over the next five
years for fixed service. Our Mobility Fund has already targeted $220 million in support to
upgrade areas currently without 3G service, within 27 states, with an additional $50 million
targeted to remote and underserved areas on Tribal lands. The Commission has also been
working to improve wire]ess broadband services in rural areas. Not only are we working to
make more spectrum available to all Americans, including those in rural areas, but our Mobile
Spectrum Holding rules help ensure access in rural areas to spectrum necessary if competitors
are to fill in the blank white spaces on the coverage maps we see on TV commercials. Finally.
the Commission recently modernized the F-rate program to help close the digital divide in rural
Page 2-The Honorable Spencer Bachus
schools and libraries by ensuring equitable access to funding for Wi-Fi, providing additional
flexibility to schools and libraries seeking affordable high-speed broadband connections, and
adjusting the E-rate cap to ensure sufficient funding is available to meet the program goals.
I am hopeful that these recent actions will help deliver greater competition and more
choice for consumers. In addition, in conjunction with the release of the 2015 Broadband
Progress Report, we issued a Notice of Inquiry that sought comment on what additional steps the
Commission can take to accelerate broadband deployment, especially in rural areas.
Please be assured the Commission will continue to keep rural Americans' needs in mind
as it moves ahead with its work. I appreciate hearing directly from you on the issues that face
your constituents and hope to continue a dialogue with you.
erely,
Tom Wheeler
,FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASHINGTON
OFFICE OF February 11, 2015
The Honorable Sanford D. Bishop
U.S. House of Representatives
2429 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressman Bishop:
Thank you for your letter expressing support for access to video programming, including
programming specific to rural communities. I appreciate hearing your views.
This issue has been raised by commenters in the context of the pending transactions
between Corncast and Time Warner Cable, and AT&T and DirecTV. With regard to your
specific concern about rural-focused programming, I note that RFD-TV, a Nebraska-based
digital cable and satellite television channel, along with many of its viewers, have filed
comments in both of the pending proceedings. Please be assured that the views of RFD-TV and
its viewers will be given careful consideration as the staff reviews the record in the proceedings.
You also indicate in your letter that the video marketplace is evolving and shifting with
more content provided through broadband connections. Like you, I recognize that having access
to broadband is a challenge for many rural Americans. In our recent 2015 Broadband Progress
Report, adopted on January 29, 2015, the Commission found that broadband deployment is not
keeping pace. The Commission indicated that over half of rural Americans lack access to the
updated broadband benchmark speeds of 25 megabits per second (Mbps) for downloads and 3
Mbps for uploads, whereas only eight percent of urban Americans lack access to the same
benchmark speeds. Based on the number of unserved Americans and for other reasons, the
Commission concluded that broadband is not being deployed in a reasonable and timely fashion.
The Commission recognized that while we have made progress, more work needs to be done.
We will continue to take steps to bring robust broadband to the nation and, in particular,
rural areas. Since 2011, the Commission has been working to bring broadband to rural
Americans through the Connect America Fund (CAF). The program is part of the Universal
Service Fund that supports broadband networks in unserved rural areas. Hundreds of millions of
dollars already have been invested, with more than $20 billion more to come over the next five
years for fixed service. Our Mobility Fund has already targeted $220 million in support to
upgrade areas culTently without 3G service, within 27 states. with an additional $50 million
targeted to remote and underserved areas on Tribal lands. The Commission has also been
working to improve wireless broadband services in rural areas. Not only are we working to
make more spectrum available to all Americans, including those in rural areas, but our Mobile
Spectrum Holding rules help ensure access in rural areas to spectrum necessary if competitors
are to fill in the blank white spaces on the coverage maps we see on TV commercials. Finally,
the Commission recently modernized the E-rate program to help close the digital divide in rural
Page 2-The Honorable Sanford D. Bishop
schools and libraries by ensuring equitable access to funding for Wi-Fi, providing additional
flexibility to schools and libraries seeking affordable high-speed broadband connections, and
adjusting the E-rate cap to ensure sufficient funding is available to meet the program goals.
I am hopeful that these recent actions will help deliver greater competition and more
choice for consumers. In addition, in conjunction with the release of the 2015 Broadband
Progress Report, we issued a Notice of Inquiry that sought comment on what additional steps the
Commission can take to accelerate broadband deployment, especially in rural areas.
Please be assured the Commission will continue to keep rural Americans' needs in mind
as it moves ahead with its work. I appreciate hearing directly from you on the issues that face
your constituents and hope to continue a dialogue with you.
Sincerely, 1 7
Tom Wheeler
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
\ WASHINGTON
OFFICE OF
THE CHAIRMAN February 11, 2015
The Honorable Cheri Bustos
U.S. House of Representatives
1005 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congresswoman Bustos:
Thank you for your letter expressing support for access to video programming, including
programming specific to rural communities. I appreciate hearing your views.
This issue has been raised by commenters in the context of the pending transactions
between Comcast and Time Warner Cable, and AT&T and DirecTV. With regard to your
specific concern about rural-focused programming, I note that RFD-TV, a Nebraska-based
digital cable and satellite television channel, along with many of its viewers, have filed
comments in both of the pending proceedings. Please be assured that the views of RFD-TV and
its viewers will be given careful consideration as the staff reviews the record in the proceedings.
You also indicate in your letter that the video marketplace is evolving and shifting with
more content provided through broadband connections. Like you, I recognize that having access
to broadband is a challenge for many rural Americans. In our recent 2015 Broadband Progress
Report, adopted on January 29, 2015, the Commission found that broadband deployment is not
keeping pace. The Commission indicated that over half of rural Americans lack access to the
updated broadband benchmark speeds of 25 megabits per second (Mbps) for downloads and 3
Mbps for uploads, whereas only eight percent of urban Americans lack access to the same
benchmark speeds. Based on the number of unserved Americans and for other reasons, the
Commission concluded that broadband is not being deployed in a reasonable and timely fashion.
The Commission recognized that while we have made progress, more work needs to be done.
We will continue to take steps to bring robust broadband to the nation and, in particular,
rural areas. Since 2011, the Commission has been working to bring broadband to rural
Americans through the Connect America Fund (CAF). The program is part of the Universal
Service Fund that supports broadband networks in unserved rural areas. Hundreds of millions of
dollars already have been invested, with more than $20 billion more to come over the next five
years for fixed service. Our Mobility Fund has already targeted $220 million in support to
upgrade areas currently without 3G service, within 27 states, with an additional $50 million
targeted to remote and underserved areas on Tribal lands. The Commission has also been
working to improve wireless broadband services in rural areas. Not only are we working to
make more spectrum available to all Americans, including those in rural areas, but our Mobile
Spectrum Holding rules help ensure access in rural areas to spectrum necessary if competitors
are to fill in the blank white spaces on the coverage maps we see on TV commercials. Finally,
the Commission recently modernized the E-rate program to help close the digital divide in rural
Page 2-The Honorable Cheri Bustos
schools and libraries by ensuring equitable access to funding for Wi-Fi, providing additional
flexibility to schools and libraries seeking affordable high-speed broadband connections, and
adjusting the E-rate cap to ensure sufficient funding is available to meet the program goals.
I am hopeful that these recent actions will help deliver greater competition and more
choice for consumers. In addition, in conjunction with the release of the 2015 Broadband
Progress Report, we issued a Notice of Inquiry that sought comment on what additional steps the
Commission can take to accelerate broadband deployment, especially in rural areas.
Please be assured the Commission will continue to keep rural Americans' needs in mind
as it moves ahead with its work. I appreciate hearing directly from you on the issues that face
your constituents and hope to continue a dialogue with you.
Sincerely,
Tom Wheeler
FEDERAL COMMUN!CATIONS COMMISSION
WASH INGTON
OFFICE OF February 11, 2015
THE CHAIRMAN
The Honorable Bradley Byrne
U.S. House of Representatives
2236 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressman Byrne:
Thank you for your letter expressing support for access to video programming, including
programming specific to rural communities. I appreciate hearing your views.
This issue has been raised by commenters in the context of the pending transactions
between Comcast and Time Warner Cable, and AT&T and DirecTV. With regard to your
specific concern about rural-focused programming, I note that RFD-TV, a Nebraska-based
digital cable and satellite television channel, along with many of its viewers, have filed
comments in both of the pending proceedings. Please be assured that the views of RFD-TV and
its viewers will be given careful consideration as the staff reviews the record in the proceedings.
You also indicate in your letter that the video marketplace is evolving and shifting with
more content provided through broadband connections. Like you, I recognize that having access
to broadband is a challenge for many rural Americans. In our recent 2015 Broadband Progress
Report, adopted on January 29, 2015, the Commission found that broadband deployment is not
keeping pace. The Commission indicated that over half of rural Americans lack access to the
updated broadband benchmark speeds of 25 megabits per second (Mbps) for downloads and 3
Mbps for uploads, whereas only eight percent of urban Americans lack access to the same
benchmark speeds. Based on the number of unserved Americans and for other reasons, the
Commission concluded that broadband is not being deployed in a reasonable and timely fashion.
The Commission recognized that while we have made progress, more work needs to be done.
We will continue to take steps to bring robust broadband to the nation and, in particular.
rural areas. Since 2011. the Commission has been working to bring broadband to rural
Americans through the Connect America Fund (CAF). The program is part of the Universal
Service Fund that supports broadband networks in unserved rural areas. Hundreds of millions of
dollars already have been invested, with more than $20 billion more to come over the next five
years for fixed service. Our Mobility Fund has already targeted $220 million in support to
upgrade areas currently without 3G service, within 27 states, with an additional $50 million
targeted to remote and underserved areas on Tribal lands. The Commission has also been
working to improve wireless broadband services in rural areas. Not only are we working to
make more spectrum available to all Americans, including those in rural areas, but our Mobile
Spectrum Holding rules help ensure access in rural areas to spectrum necessary if competitors
are to fill in the blank white spaces on the coverage maps we see on TV commercials. Finally.
the Commission recently modernized the E-rate program to help close the digital divide in rural
Page 2-The Honorable Bradley Byrne
schools and libraries by ensuring equitable access to funding for Wi-Fi, providing additional
flexibility to schools and libraries seeking affordable high-speed broadband cormections, and
adjusting the E-rate cap to ensure sufficient funding is available to meet the program goals.
I am hopeful that these recent actions will help deliver greater competition and more
choice for consumers. In addition, in conjunction with the release of the 2015 Broadband
Progress Report, we issued a Notice of Inquiry that sought comment on what additional steps the
Commission can take to accelerate broadband deployment, especially in rural areas.
Please be assured the Commission will continue to keep rural Americans' needs in mind
as it moves ahead with its work. I appreciate hearing directly from you on the issues that face
your constituents and hope to continue a dialogue with you.
Sincerely,
Tom Wheeler
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASHINGTON
fMIS50'
OFFICE OF February 11, 2015
THE CHAIRMAN
The Honorable Steve Dames
U.S. House of Representatives
206 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressman Dames:
Thank you for your letter expressing support for access to video programming, including
programming specific to rural communities. 1 appreciate hearing your views.
This issue has been raised by commenters in the context of the pending transactions
between Comcast and Time Warner Cable, and AT&T and DireclV. With regard to your
specific concern about rural-focused programming, I note that RFD-TV, a Nebraska-based
digital cable and satellite television channel, along with many of its viewers, have filed
comments in both of the pending proceedings. Please be assured that the views of RFD-TV and
its viewers will be given careful consideration as the staff reviews the record in the proceedings.
You also indicate in your letter that the video marketplace is evolving and shifting with
more content provided through broadband connections. Like you, I recognize that having access
to broadband is a challenge for many rural Americans. In our recent 2015 Broadband Progress
Report, adopted on January 29, 2015, the Commission found that broadband deployment is not
keeping pace. The Commission indicated that over half of rural Americans lack access to the
updated broadband benchmark speeds of 25 megabits per second (Mbps) for downloads and 3
Mbps for uploads, whereas only eight percent of urban Americans lack access to the same
benchmark speeds. Based on the number of unserved Americans and for other reasons, the
Commission concluded that broadband is not being deployed in a reasonable and timely fashion.
The Commission recognized that while we have made progress, more work needs to be done.
We will continue to take steps to bring robust broadband to the nation and, in particular,
rural areas. Since 2011, the Commission has been working to bring broadband to rural
Americans through the Connect America Fund (CAF). The program is part of the Universal
Service Fund that supports broadband networks in unserved rural areas. Hundreds of millions of
dollars already have been invested, with more than $20 billion more to come over the next five
years for fixed service. Our Mobility Fund has already targeted $220 million in support to
upgrade areas currently without 3G service, within 27 states, with an additional $50 million
targeted to remote and underserved areas on Tribal lands. The Commission has also been
working to improve wireless broadband services in rural areas. Not only are we working to
make more spectrum available to all Americans, including those in rural areas, but our Mobile
Spectrum Holding rules help ensure access in rural areas to spectrum necessary if competitors
are to fill in the blank white spaces on the coverage maps we see on TV commercials. Finally,
the Commission recently modernized the E-rate program to help close the digital divide in rural
Page 2-The Honorable Steve Dames
schools and libraries by ensuring equitable access to funding for Wi-Fl, providing additional
flexibility to schools and libraries seeking affordable high-speed broadband connections, and
adjusting the E-rate cap to ensure sufficient funding is available to meet the program goals.
I am hopeful that these recent actions will help deliver greater competition and more
choice for consumers. In addition, in conjunction with the release of the 2015 Broadband
Progress Report, we issued a Notice of Inquiry that sought comment on what additional steps the
Commission can take to accelerate broadband deployment, especially in rural areas.
Please be assured the Commission will continue to keep rural Americans' needs in mind
as it moves ahead with its work. I appreciate hearing directly from you on the issues that face
your constituents and hope to continue a dialogue with you.
Sincerely,
Tom W eeler
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASHINGTON
fMISs'°
February 11, 2015
THE CHAIRMAN
The Honorable Jeff Fortenberry
U.S. House of Representatives
1514 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressman Fortenberry:
Thank you for your letter expressing support for access to video programming, including
programming specific to rural communities. I appreciate hearing your views.
This issue has been raised by commenters in the context of the pending transactions
between Comcast and Time Warner Cable, and AT&T and DirecTV. With regard to your
specific concern about rural-focused programming, I note that RFD-TV, a Nebraska-based
digital cable and satellite television channel, along with many of its viewers, have filed
comments in both of the pending proceedings. Please be assured that the views of RFD-TV and
its viewers will be given careful consideration as the staff reviews the record in the proceedings.
You also indicate in your letter that the video marketplace is evolving and shifting with
more content provided through broadband connections. Like you. I recognize that having access
to broadband is a challenge for many rural Americans. In our recent 2015 Broadband Progress
Report, adopted on January 29, 2015, the Commission found that broadband deployment is not
keeping pace. The Commission indicated that over half of rural Americans lack access to the
updated broadband benchmark speeds of 25 megabits per second (Mbps) for downloads and 3
Mbps for uploads, whereas only eight percent of urban Americans lack access to the same
benchmark speeds. Based on the number of unserved Americans and for other reasons, the
Commission concluded that broadband is not being deployed in a reasonable and timely fashion.
The Commission recognized that while we have made progress, more work needs to be done.
We will continue to take steps to bring robust broadband to the nation and, in particular,
rural areas. Since 2011, the Commission has been working to bring broadband to rural
Americans through the Connect America Fund (CAF). The program is part of the Universal
Service Fund that supports broadband networks in unserved rural areas. Hundreds of millions of
dollars already have been invested, with more than $20 billion more to come over the next five
years for fixed service. Our Mobility Fund has already targeted $220 million in support to
upgrade areas currently without 3G service, within 27 states, with an additional $50 million
targeted to remote and underserved areas on Tribal lands. The Commission has also been
working to improve wireless broadband services in rural areas. Not only are we working to
make more spectrum available to all Americans, including those in rural areas, but our Mobile
Spectrum Holding rules help ensure access in rural areas to spectrum necessary if competitors
are to fill in the blank white spaces on the coverage maps we see on TV commercials. Finally,
the Commission recently modernized the E-rate program to help close the digital divide in rural
Page 2-The Honorable Jeff Fortenberry
schools and libraries by ensuring equitable access to funding for Wi-Fi, providing additional
flexibility to schools and libraries seeking affordable high-speed broadband connections, and
adjusting the E-rate cap to ensure sufficient funding is available to meet the program goals.
I am hopeful that these recent actions will help deliver greater competition and more
choice for consumers. In addition, in conjunction with the release of the 2015 Broadband
Progress Report, we issued a Notice of Inquiry that sought comment on what additional steps the
Commission can take to accelerate broadband deployment, especially in rural areas.
Please be assured the Commission will continue to keep rural Americans' needs in mind
as it moves ahead with its work. I appreciate hearing directly from you on the issues that face
your constituents and hope to continue a dialogue with you.
Sincerely,
Tom Wheeler