FEDERAL COMMUNIC ATIONS COMMI SSIO N 
WA S HINGTON 
OFFICE OF 
THE CHAIRMAN 
The I lonorable Tammy Baldwin 
United States Senate 
717 llart Senate Office Building 
Washington, D.C. 20510 
Dear Senator Baldwin: 
March 26, 2015 
Thank you for contacting me to express your support for strong Open Internet rules, as 
well as for reclassification of broadband Internet access under Title 11 of the Communications 
Act. I appreciate hearing your views, and your letter will be included in the record. 
Over the past year, I have come to believe that there are three simple keys to our 
broadband future. Our broadband networks must be fast; our broadband networks must be fair; 
and our broadband networks must be open. On February 26,2015, the Federal Communications 
Commission (FCC) voted to approve new rules designed to preserve the Internet as an open 
platform for innovation, investment, and free expression. Utilizing the combined authority of 
Title ll of the Communications Act and Section 706 of the Telecommunications Act, these rules 
are rooted in long-standing regulatory principles, marketplace experience, and public input 
received over the last year. This Order represents the most open rulemaking in history and is 
based on months of listening to the views of policymakers outside the Commission, industry and 
public interest representatives, and, as you note, millions of Americans from all walks of life 
speaking in a clear voice against practices that harm a free and open Internet. 
Based on the input of all these stakeholders, the FCC adopted the strongest possible open 
Internet protections. Specifically, we established bright-line rules banning paid prioritization, 
blocking, and throttling of legal content, along with a general conduct rule that can be used to 
stop new and novel threats to the Internet as they develop. These rules apply to both fixed and 
mobile broadband Internet access services. This approach provides clear rules of the road for all 
stakeholders, while ensuring there is a referee in place to keep things fair in the future. 
Importantly, these rules are grounded in the strongest authority the FCC can utilize: a 
modernized application ofTitle II of the Communications Act, along with Section 706 of the 
Telecommunications Act. I refer to this application of Title II as "modernized" because we have 
used the forbearance authority granted to us by Congress to ensure that we are not applying 
unreasonable conditions to these modern networks. The Order forbears from 27 provisions of 
Title ll and more than 700 FCC rules and regulations. This forbearance is targeted to avoid 
major issues like rate regulation, tariffing, and network unbundling, which would not be 
appropriate for the broadband Internet access industry, and is designed to preserve incentives for 
continued investment in broadband networks. 
The FCC's new rules, grounded in strong Title l1 authority coupled with appropriate 
forbearance, carry the support of millions of Americans, and are poised to keep the Internet open 
and free for consumers and innovators for years to come. 
Page 2- The Honorable Tammy Baldwin 
I appreciate your interest in this matter. Please let me know if I can be of any further 
assistance. 
Sincerely, 
I 
FEDERAL C O MMUNIC ATION S COMMI SS IO N 
WASHINGTO N 
OFFICE OF 
THE CHAIRMAN 
The Honorable Richard Blumenthal 
United States Senate 
702 Hart Senate Office Building 
Washington, D.C. 20510 
Dear Senator Blumenthal: 
March 26, 2015 
Thank you for contacting me to express your support for strong Open Internet rules, as 
well as for reclassification of broadband Internet access under Title lJ of the Communications 
Act. I appreciate hearing your views, and your letter will be included in the record. 
Over the past year, I have come to believe that there are three simple keys to our 
broadband future. Our broadband networks must be fast; our broadband networks must be fair; 
and our broadband networks must be open. On February 26, 2015, the Federal Communications 
Commission (FCC) voted to approve new rules designed to preserve the Internet as an open 
platform for innovation, investment, and free expression. Utilizing the combined authority of 
Title 11 of the Communications Act and Section 706 of the Telecommunications Act, these rules 
arc rooted in long-standing regulatory principles, marketplace experience, and public input 
received over the last year. This Order represents the most open rulemaking in history and is 
based on months of listening to the views of policymakers outside the Commission, industry and 
public interest representatives, and, as you note, millions of Americans from all walks of life 
speaking in a clear voice against practices that harm a free and open Internet. 
Based on the input of all these stakeholders, the FCC adopted the strongest possible open 
Internet protections. Specifically, we established bright-line rules banning paid prioritization, 
blocking, and throttling of legal content, along with a general conduct rule that can be used to 
stop new and novel threats to the Internet as they develop. These rules apply to both fixed and 
mobile broadband Internet access services. This approach provides clear rules of the road for all 
stakeholders, while ensuring there is a referee in place to keep things fair in the future. 
Importantly, these rules are grounded in the strongest authority the FCC can utilize: a 
modernized application of Title II of the Communications Act, along with Section 706 ofthe 
Telecommunications Act. I refer to this application of Title 11 as "modernized" because we have 
used the forbearance authority granted to us by Congress to ensure that we arc not applying 
unreasonable conditions to these modern networks. The Order forbears from 27 provisions of 
Title II and more than 700 FCC rules and regulations. This forbearance is targeted to avoid 
major issues like rate regulation, tariffing, and network unbundling, which would not be 
appropriate for the broadband Internet access industry, and is designed to preserve incentives for 
continued investment in broadband networks. 
The FCC's new rules, grounded in strong Title II authority coupled with appropriate 
forbearance, carry the support of millions of Americans, and are poised to keep the Internet open 
and free for consumers and innovators for years to come. 
Page 2- The Honorable Richard Blumenthal 
I appreciate your interest in this matter. Please let me know if I can be of any further 
assistance. 
Sincerely, 
FEDE RAL C O MMUNIC ATI O N S C O MMI SSIO N 
WAS HINGTO N 
OFFICE OF 
THE CHAIRMAN 
The Honorable Suzanne Bonarnici 
U.S. House of Representatives 
439 Cannon I louse Office Building 
Washington, D.C. 20515 
Dear Congresswoman Bonarnici: 
March 26, 2015 
Thank you for contacting me to express your support for strong Open Internet rules, as 
well as for reclassification of broadband Internet access under Title II of the Communications 
Act. I appreciate hearing your views, and your letter will be included in the record. 
Over the past year, l have come to believe that there are three simple keys to our 
broadband future. Our broadband networks must be fast; our broadband networks must be fair; 
and our broadband networks must be open. On February 26, 2015, the Federal Communications 
Commission (FCC) voted to approve new rules designed to preserve the Internet as an open 
platform for innovation, investment, and free expression. Utilizing the combined authority of 
Title II of the Communications Act and Section 706 of the Telecommunications Act, these rules 
are rooted in long-standing regulatory principles, marketplace experience, and public input 
received over the last year. This Order represents the most open rulemaking in history and is 
based on months of listening to the views of policymakers outside the Commission, industry and 
public interest representatives, and, as you note, millions of Americans from all walks of life 
speaking in a clear voice against practices that harm a free and open Internet. 
Based on the input of all these stakeholders, the FCC adopted the strongest possible open 
Internet protections. Specifically, we established bright-line rules banning paid prioritization, 
blocking, and throttling of legal content, along with a general conduct rule that can be used to 
stop new and novel threats to the Internet as they develop. These rules apply to both fixed and 
mobile broadband Internet access services. This approach provides clear rules of the road for all 
stakeholders, while ensuring there is a referee in place to keep things fair in the future. 
Importantly, these rules are grounded in the strongest authority the FCC can utilize: a 
modernized application ofTitle II of the Communications Act, along with Section 706 of the 
Telecommunications Act. I refer to this application of Title II as "modernized" because we have 
used the forbearance authority granted to us by Congress to ensure that we are not applying 
unreasonable conditions to these modern networks. The Order forbears from 27 provisions of 
Title II and more than 700 FCC rules and regulations. This forbearance is targeted to avoid 
major issues like rate regulation, tariffing, and network unbundling, which would not be 
appropriate for the broadband Internet access industry, and is designed to preserve incentives for 
continued investment in broadband networks. 
The FCC's new rules, grounded in strong Title II authority coupled with appropriate 
forbearance, carry the support of millions of Americans, and are poised to keep the Internet open 
and free for consumers and innovators for years to come. 
Page 2- The Honorable Suzanne Bonamici 
I appreciate your interest in this matter. Please let me know if I can be of any further 
assistance. 
Tom Wheeler 
F EDERAL C O MMUN ICATI O N S C O MMIS S IO N 
WAS HIN G T O N 
O FFICE OF 
T H E C H AIR M AN 
The Honorable Cory Booker 
United States Senate 
141 Hart Senate Office Building 
Washington, D.C. 20510 
Dear Senator Booker: 
March 26, 20 15 
Thank you for contacting me to express your support for strong Open Internet rules, as 
well as for reclassification of broadband Internet access under Title 11 of the Communications 
Act. I appreciate hearing your views, and your letter will be included in the record. 
Over the past year, I have come to believe that there are three simple keys to our 
broadband future . Our broadband networks must be fast; our broadband networks must be fair; 
and our broadband networks must be open. On February 26, 2015, the Federal Communications 
Commission (FCC) voted to approve new rules designed to preserve the Internet as an open 
platform for innovation, investment, and free expression. Utilizing the combined authority of 
Title II of the Communications Act and Section 706 of the Telecommunications Act, these rules 
are rooted in long-standing regulatory principles, marketplace experience, and public input 
received over the last year. This Order represents the most open rulemaking in history and is 
based on months of listening to the views of policymakers outside the Commission, industry and 
public interest representatives, and, as you note, millions of Americans from all walks of life 
speaking in a clear voice against practices that harm a free and open Internet. 
Based on the input of all these stakeholders, the FCC adopted the strongest possible open 
Internet protections. Specifically, we established bright-line rules banning paid prioritization, 
blocking, and throttling oflegal content, along with a general conduct rule that can be used to 
stop new and novel threats to the Internet as they develop. These rules apply to both fixed and 
mobile broadband Internet access services. This approach provides clear rules of the road for all 
stakeholders, while ensuring there is a referee in place to keep things fair in the future. 
Importantly, these rules are grounded in the strongest authority the FCC can utilize: a 
modernized application ofTitle II of the Communications Act, along with Section 706 of the 
Telecommunications Act. 1 refer to this application ofTitle II as "modernized" because we have 
used the forbearance authority granted to us by Congress to ensure that we are not applying 
unreasonable conditions to these modem networks. The Order forbears from 27 provisions of 
Title II and more than 700 FCC rules and regulations. This forbearance is targeted to avoid 
major issues like rate regulation, tariffing, and network unbundling, which would not be 
appropriate for the broadband Internet access industry, and is designed to preserve incentives for 
continued investment in broadband networks. 
The FCC' s new rules, grounded in strong Title II authority coupled with appropriate 
forbearance, carry the support of millions of Americans, and are poised to keep the Internet open 
and free for consumers and innovators for years to come. 
Page 2- The I Ionorable Cory Booker 
I appreciate your interest in this matter. Please let me know if I can be of any further 
assistance. 
Sincerely, 
Tom Wheeler 
FEDERA L C O MMUNI C ATI O N S C O MMISSIO N 
WAS HIN G T O N 
OFFICE OF 
THE CHAIRMAN 
The I Ionorable Barbara Boxer 
United States Senate 
112 Hart Senate Office Building 
Washington, D.C. 20510 
Dear Senator Boxer: 
March 26, 20 15 
Thank you for contacting me to express your support for strong Open Internet rules, as 
well as for reclassification of broadband Internet access under Title II of the Communications 
Act. I appreciate hearing your views, and your letter will be included in the record. 
Over the past year, I have come to believe that there are three simple keys to our 
broadband future. Our broadband networks must be fast; our broadband networks must be fair; 
and our broadband networks must be open. On February 26, 2015, the Federal Communications 
Commission (FCC) voted to approve new rules designed to preserve the Internet as an open 
platform for innovation, investment, and free expression. Utilizing the combined authority of 
Title II ofthe Communications Act and Section 706 of the Telecommunications Act, these rules 
are rooted in long-standing regulatory principles, marketplace experience, and public input 
received over the last year. This Order represents the most open rulemaking in history and is 
based on months of listening to the views of pol icy makers outside the Commission, industry and 
public interest representatives, and, as you note, millions of Americans from all walks of life 
speaking in a clear voice against practices that harm a free and open Internet. 
Based on the input of all these stakeholders, the FCC adopted the strongest possible open 
Internet protections. Specifically, we established bright-line rules banning paid prioritization, 
blocking, and throttling of legal content, along with a general conduct rule that can be used to 
stop new and novel threats to the Internet as they develop. These rules apply to both fixed and 
mobile broadband Internet access services. This approach provides clear rules of the road for all 
stakeholders, while ensuring there is a referee in place to keep things fair in the future. 
Importantly, these rules are grounded in the strongest authority the FCC can utilize: a 
modernized application of Title rt of the Communications Act, along with Section 706 of the 
Telecommunications Act. I refer to this application ofTitJe II as "modernized" because we have 
used the forbearance authority granted to us by Congress to ensure that we are not applying 
unreasonable conditions to these modern networks. The Order forbears from 27 provisions of 
Title II and more than 700 FCC rules and regulations. This forbearance is targeted to avoid 
major issues like rate regulation, tariffing, and network unbundling, which would not be 
appropriate for the broadband Internet access industry, and is designed to preserve incentives for 
continued investment in broadband networks. 
The FCC's new rules, grounded in strong Title II authority coupled with appropriate 
forbearance, carry the support of millions of Americans, and are poised to keep the Internet open 
and free for consumers and innovators for years to come. 
Page 2- The I lonorable Barbara Boxer 
I appreciate your interest in this matter. Please let me know if I can be of any further 
assistance. 
Sincerely, J" ~ ,;" 
bllfo~J ~ 
Tom Wheeler 
FEDERAL COMMUNIC ATION S COMMISS IO N 
WAS HIN GTON 
OFFICE OF 
T HE CHAIRMAN 
The llonorable Michael E. Capuano 
U.S. House of Representatives 
1414 Longworth House Office Building 
Washington, D.C. 20515 
Dear Congressman Capuano: 
March 26, 2015 
Thank you for contacting me to express your support for strong Open Internet rules, as 
well as for reclassification of broadband Internet access under Title II of the Communications 
Act. I appreciate hearing your views, and your letter will be included in the record. 
Over the past year, I have come to believe that there are three simple keys to our 
broadband future. Our broadband networks must be fast; our broadband networks must be fair; 
and our broadband networks must be open. On February 26, 2015, the Federal Communications 
Commission (FCC) voted to approve new rules designed to preserve the Internet as an open 
platform for innovation, investment, and free expression. Utilizing the combined authority of 
Title II of the Communications Act and Section 706 of the Telecommunications Act, these rules 
are rooted in long-standing regulatory principles, marketplace experience, and public input 
received over the last year. This Order represents the most open rulemaking in history and is 
based on months of listening to the views of policymakers outside the Commission, industry and 
public interest representatives, and, as you note, millions of Americans from all walks of life 
speaking in a clear voice against practices that harm a free and open Internet. 
Based on the input of all these stakeholders, the FCC adopted the strongest possible open 
Internet protections. Specifically, we established bright-line rules banning paid prioritization, 
blocking, and throttling of legal content, along with a general conduct rule that can be used to 
stop new and novel threats to the Internet as they develop. These rules apply to both fixed and 
mobile broadband Internet access services. This approach provides clear rules of the road for all 
stakeholders, while ensuring there is a referee in place to keep things fair in the future. 
Importantly, these rules are grounded in the strongest authority the FCC can utilize: a 
modernized application ofTitle 11 of the Communications Act, along with Section 706 of the 
Telecommunications Act. I refer to this application of Title II as ''modernized" because we have 
used the forbearance authority granted to us by Congress to ensure that we are not applying 
unreasonable conditions to these modern networks. The Order forbears from 27 provisions of 
Title II and more than 700 FCC rules and regulations. This forbearance is targeted to avoid 
major issues like rate regulation, tariffing, and network unbundling, which would not be 
appropriate for the broadband Internet access industry, and is designed to preserve incentives for 
continued investment in broadband networks. 
The FCC's new rules, grounded in strong Title II authority coupled with appropriate 
forbearance, carry the support of millions of Americans, and are poised to keep the Internet open 
and free for consumers and innovators for years to come. 
Page 2- The Jlonorablc Michael E. Capuano 
1 appreciate your interest in this matter. Please let me know if I can be of any further 
assistance. 
Tom Wheeler 
FEDERAL COMMUNIC ATIONS COMMISSIO N 
WAS HING T O N 
O F"F" ICE OF" 
THE CHAI RMAN 
The I Ionorable Benjamin L. Cardin 
United States Senate 
509 Hart Senate Office Building 
Washington, D.C. 20510 
Dear Senator Cardin: 
March 26, 20 15 
Thank you for contacting me to express your support for strong Open Internet rules, as 
well as for reclassification of broadband Internet access under Title II of the Communications 
Act. I appreciate hearing your views, and your letter will be included in the record. 
Over the past year, I have come to believe that there are three simple keys to our 
broadband future . Our broadband networks must be fast; our broadband networks must be fair; 
and our broadband networks must be open. On February 26, 2015, the Federal Communications 
Commission (FCC) voted to approve new rules designed to preserve the Internet as an open 
platform for innovation, investment, and free expression. Utilizing the combined authority of 
Title II of the Communications Act and Section 706 of the Telecommunications Act, these rules 
are rooted in long-standing regulatory principles, marketplace experience, and public input 
received over the last year. This Order represents the most open rulemaking in history and is 
based on months of listening to the views of policymakers outside the Commission, industry and 
public interest representatives, and, as you note, millions of Americans from all walks of life 
speaking in a clear voice against practices that harm a free and open Internet. 
Based on the input of all these stakeholders, the FCC adopted the strongest possible open 
Internet protections. Specifically, we established bright-line rules banning paid prioritization, 
blocking, and throttling of legal content, along with a general conduct rule that can be used to 
stop new and novel threats to the Internet as they develop. These rules apply to both fixed and 
mobile broadband Internet access services. This approach provides clear rules of the road for all 
stakeholders, while ensuring there is a referee in place to keep things fair in the future. 
Importantly, these rules are grounded in the strongest authority the FCC can utilize: a 
modernized application ofTitle II of the Communications Act, along with Section 706 of the 
Telecommunications Act. I refer to this application of Title II as "modernized" because we have 
used the forbearance authority granted to us by Congress to ensure that we are not applying 
unreasonable conditions to these modern networks. The Order forbears from 27 provisions of 
Title II and more than 700 FCC rules and regulations. This forbearance is targeted to avoid 
major issues like rate regulation, tariffing, and network unbundling, which would not be 
appropriate for the broadband Internet access industry, and is designed to preserve incentives for 
continued investment in broadband networks. 
The FCC' s new rules, grounded in strong Title II authority coupled with appropriate 
forbearance, carry the support of millions of Americans, and are poised to keep the Internet open 
and free for consumers and innovators for years to come. 
Page 2- The Honorable Benjamin L. Cardin 
I appreciate your interest in this matter. Please let me know if I can be of any further 
assistance. 
Sincerely, ~?-
Tom Wheeler 
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 
WASHINGTON 
OFFICE OF 
TH E C H AIR M AN 
The llonorable Peter A. DeFazio 
U.S. I louse of Representatives 
2 134 Rayburn l louse Office Building 
Washington, D.C. 20515 
Dear Congressman DeFazio: 
March 26, 20 15 
Thank you for contacting me to express your support for strong Open Internet rules, as 
well as for reclassification of broadband Internet access under Title II of the Communications 
Act. I appreciate hearing your views, and your letter will be included in the record. 
Over the past year, I have come to believe that there are three simple keys to our 
broadband future. Our broadband networks must be fast; our broadband networks must be fair; 
and our broadband networks must be open. On February 26,2015, the Federal Communications 
Commission (FCC) voted to approve new rules designed to preserve the Internet as an open 
platform for innovation, investment, and free expression. Utilizing the combined authority of 
Title II of the Communications Act and Section 706 of the Telecommunications Act, these rules 
arc rooted in long-standing regulatory principles, marketplace experience, and public input 
received over the last year. This Order represents the most open rulemaking in history and is 
based on months of listening to the views of policymakers outside the Commission, industry and 
public interest representatives, and, as you note, millions of Americans from all walks of life 
speaking in a clear voice against practices that harm a free and open Internet. 
Based on the input of all these stakeholders, the FCC adopted the strongest possible open 
lnternct protections. Specifically, we established bright-line rules banning paid prioritization, 
blocking, and throttling oflegal content, along with a general conduct rule that can be used to 
stop new and novel threats to the Internet as they develop. These rules apply to both fixed and 
mobile broadband Internet access services. This approach provides clear rules of the road for all 
stakeholders, while ensuring there is a referee in place to keep things fair in the future. 
Importantly, these rules are grounded in the strongest authority the FCC can utilize: a 
modernized application ofTitle II of the Communications Act, along with Section 706 ofthe 
Telecommunications Act. I refer to this application of Title II as "modernized" because we have 
used the forbearance authority granted to us by Congress to ensure that we are not applying 
unreasonable conditions to these modern networks. The Order forbears from 27 provisions of 
Title ll and more than 700 FCC rules and regulations. This forbearance is targeted to avoid 
major issues like rate regulation, tariffing, and network unbundling, which would not be 
appropriate for the broadband Internet access industry, and is designed to preserve incentives for 
continued investment in broadband networks. 
The FCC's new rules, grounded in strong Title II authority coupled with appropriate 
forbearance, carry the support of millions of Americans, and are poised to keep the Internet open 
and free for consumers and innovators for years to come. 
Page 2- The Honorable Peter A. DeFazio 
I appreciate your interest in this matter. Please let me know if I can be of any further 
assistance. 
Sincerely, 
Tom Wheeler 
FEDERAL C O MMUNIC ATI O N S COMMISSION 
WAS HINGTON 
OFFICE OF 
T HE CHAIRMAN 
The Honorable Mike Doyle 
U.S. House of Representatives 
239 Cannon House Office Building 
Washington, D.C. 20515 
Dear Congressman Doyle: 
March 26, 2015 
Thank you for contacting me to express your support for strong Open Internet rules, as 
well as for reclassification of broadband Internet access under Title II ofthe Communications 
Act. I appreciate hearing your views, and your letter will be included in the record. 
Over the past year, I have come to believe that there are three simple keys to our 
broadband future. Our broadband networks must be fast; our broadband networks must be fair; 
and our broadband networks must be open. On February 26, 2015, the Federal Communications 
Commission (FCC) voted to approve new rules designed to preserve the Internet as an open 
platform for innovation, investment, and free expression. Utilizing the combined authority of 
Title II of the Communications Act and Section 706 of the Telecommunications Act, these rules 
are rooted in long-standing regulatory principles, marketplace experience, and public input 
received over the last year. This Order represents the most open rulemaking in history and is 
based on months of listening to the views of policymakers outside the Commission, industry and 
public interest representatives, and, as you note, millions of Americans from all walks of life 
speaking in a clear voice against practices that harm a free and open Internet. 
Based on the input of all these stakeholders, the FCC adopted the strongest possible open 
Internet protections. Specifically, we established bright-line rules banning paid prioritization, 
blocking, and throttling of legal content, along with a general conduct rule that can be used to 
stop new and novel threats to the Internet as they develop. These rules apply to both fixed and 
mobile broadband Internet access services. This approach provides clear rules of the road for all 
stakeholders, while ensuring there is a referee in place to keep things fair in the future. 
Importantly, these rules are grounded in the strongest authority the FCC can utili ze: a 
modernized application ofTitle II ofthe Communications Act, along with Section 706 of the 
Telecommunications Act. I refer to this application of Title 11 as "modernized" because we have 
used the forbearance authority granted to us by Congress to ensure that we are not applying 
unreasonable conditions to these modern networks. The Order forbears from 27 provisions of 
Title II and more than 700 FCC rules and regulations. This forbearance is targeted to avoid 
major issues like rate regulation, tariffing, and network unbundling, which would not be 
appropriate for the broadband Internet access industry, and is designed to preserve incentives for 
continued investment in broadband networks. 
The FCC's new rules, grounded in strong Title £1 authority coupled with appropriate 
forbearance, carry the support of millions of Americans, and are poised to keep the Internet open 
and free for consumers and innovators for years to come. 
Page 2- Thc Honorable Mike Doyle 
1 appreciate your interest in this matter. Please let me know if [can be of any further 
assistance. 
Sincerely~ 
®~eler ~  
FEDERAL COMMUNIC ATION S COMMISS IO N 
WAS HING T O N 
OFFICE OF 
THE CHA IRMAN 
The llonorable Anna G. Eshoo 
U.S. I louse of Representatives 
241 Cannon House Office Building 
Washington, D.C. 20515 
Dear Congresswoman Eshoo: 
March 26, 20 15 
Thank you for contacting me to express your support for strong Open Internet rules, as 
well as for reclassification of broadband Internet access under Title II of the Communications 
Act. I appreciate hearing your views, and your letter will be included in the record. 
Over the past year, l have come to believe that there are three simple keys to our 
broadband future. Our broadband networks must be fast; our broadband networks must be fair; 
and our broadband networks must be open. On February 26,2015, the Federal Communications 
Commission (FCC) voted to approve new rules designed to preserve the Internet as an open 
platform for innovation, investment, and free expression. Utilizing the combined authority of 
Title II of the Communications Act and Section 706 of the Telecommunications Act, these rules 
are rooted in long-standing regulatory principles, marketplace experience, and public input 
received over the last year. This Order represents the most open rulemaking in history and is 
based on months of listening to the views of policymakers outside the Commission, industry and 
public interest representatives, and, as you note, millions of Americans from all walks of life 
speaking in a clear voice against practices that harm a free and open Internet. 
Based on the input of all these stakeholders, the FCC adopted the strongest possible open 
Internet protections. Specifically, we established bright-line rules banning paid prioritization, 
blocking, and throttling of legal content, along with a general conduct rule that can be used to 
stop new and novel threats to the Internet as they develop. These rules apply to both fixed and 
mobile broadband Internet access services. This approach provides clear rules of the road for all 
stakeholders, while ensuring there is a referee in place to keep things fair in the future. 
Importantly, these rules are grounded in the strongest authority the FCC can utilize: a 
modernized application of Title II of the Communications Act, along with Section 706 ofthe 
Telecommunications Act. I refer to this application of Title II as "modernized" because we have 
used the forbearance authority granted to us by Congress to ensure that we are not applying 
unreasonable conditions to these modern networks. The Order forbears from 27 provisions of 
Title II and more than 700 FCC rules and regulations. This forbearance is targeted to avoid 
major issues like rate regulation, tariffing, and network unbundling, which would not be 
appropriate for the broadband Internet access industry, and is designed to preserve incentives for 
continued investment in broadband networks. 
The FCC's new rules, grounded in strong Title 11 authority coupled with appropriate 
forbearance, carry the support of millions of Americans, and arc poised to keep the Internet open 
and free for consumers and innovators for years to come. 
Page 2- Thc Honorable Anna G. Eshoo 
I appreciate your interest in this matter. Please let me know if I can be of any further 
assistance. 
Sincerely, 
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 
W ASHINGTON 
OFFICE OF 
T H E C H AIR M AN 
The I Ionorable AI Franken 
United States Senate 
309 I tart Senate Office Building 
Washington, D.C. 20510 
Dear Senator Franken: 
March 26, 20 15 
Thank you for contacting me to express your support for strong Open Internet rules, as 
well as for reclassification of broadband Internet access under Title II of the Communications 
Act. I appreciate hearing your views, and your letter will be included in the record. 
Over the past year, I have come to believe that there are three simple keys to our 
broadband future. Our broadband networks must be fast; our broadband networks must be fair; 
and our broadband networks must be open. On February 26, 2015, the Federal Communications 
Commission (FCC) voted to approve new rules designed to preserve the Internet as an open 
platform for innovation, investment, and free expression. Utilizing the combined authority of 
Title TT of the Communications Act and Section 706 of the Telecommunications Act, these rules 
are rooted in long-standing regulatory principles, marketplace experience, and public input 
received over the last year. This Order represents the most open rulemaking in history and is 
based on months of listening to the views of policymakers outside the Commission, industry and 
public interest representatives, and, as you note, millions of Americans from all walks of life 
speaking in a clear voice against practices that harm a free and open Internet. 
Based on the input of all these stakeholders, the FCC adopted the strongest possible open 
Internet protections. Specifically, we established bright-line rules banning paid prioritization, 
blocking, and throttling of legal content, along with a general conduct rule that can be used to 
stop new and novel threats to the Internet as they develop. These rules apply to both fixed and 
mobile broadband Internet access services. This approach provides clear rules of the road for all 
stakeholders, while ensuring there is a referee in place to keep things fair in the future. 
Importantly, these rules are grounded in the strongest authority the FCC can utilize: a 
modernized application of Title H of the Communications Act, along with Section 706 of the 
Telecommunications Act. I refer to this application of Title II as "modernized" because we have 
used the forbearance authority granted to us by Congress to ensure that we are not applying 
unreasonable conditions to these modern networks. The Order forbears from 27 provisions of 
Title II and more than 700 FCC rules and regulations. This forbearance is targeted to avoid 
major issues like rate regulation, tariffing, and network unbundling, which would not be 
appropriate for the broadband Internet access industry, and is designed to preserve incentives for 
continued investment in broadband networks. 
The FCC's new rules, grounded in strong Title II authority coupled with appropriate 
forbearance, carry the support of millions of Americans, and are poised to keep the Internet open 
and free for consumers and innovators for years to come. 
Page 2- The Honorable Al Franken 
I appreciate your interest in this matter. Please let me know if I can be of any further 
assistance. 
Tom Wheeler 
FEDERAL COMMUNIC ATION S COMMI SSIO N 
WASHIN G T O N 
OFPICE OF 
THE C H AIRMAN 
The Honorable Jared Huffman 
U.S. House of Representatives 
1630 Longworth I louse Office Building 
Washington, D.C. 20515 
Dear Congressman !Iuffman: 
March 26, 20 15 
Thank you for contacting me to express your support for strong Open Internet rules, as 
well as for reclassification of broadband Internet access under Title II of the Communications 
Act. I appreciate hearing your views, and your letter will be included in the record. 
Over the past year, I have come to believe that there are three simple keys to our 
broadband future. Our broadband networks must be fast; our broadband networks must be fair; 
and our broadband networks must be open. On February 26, 2015, the Federal Communications 
Commission (FCC) voted to approve new rules designed to preserve the Internet as an open 
platform for innovation, investment, and free expression. Utilizing the combined authority of 
Title II of the Communications Act and Section 706 of the Telecommunications Act, these rules 
are rooted in long-standing regulatory principles, marketplace experience, and public input 
received over the last year. This Order represents the most open rulemaking in history and is 
based on months of listening to the views of policymakers outside the Commission, industry and 
public interest representatives, and, as you note, millions of Americans from all walks of life 
speaking in a clear voice against practices that harm a free and open Internet. 
Based on the input of all these stakeholders, the FCC adopted the strongest possible open 
Internet protections. Specifically, we established bright-line rules banning paid prioritization, 
blocking, and throttling of legal content, along with a general conduct rule that can be used to 
stop new and novel threats to the Internet as they develop. These rules apply to both fixed and 
mobile broadband Internet access services. This approach provides clear rules of the road for all 
stakeholders, while ensuring there is a referee in place to keep things fair in the future. 
Importantly, these rules are grounded in the strongest authority the FCC can utilize: a 
modernized application of Title II of the Communications Act, along with Section 706 of the 
Telecommunications Act. I refer to this application of Title II as "modernized" because we have 
used the forbearance authority granted to us by Congress to ensure that we are not applying 
unreasonable conditions to these modem networks. The Order forbears from 27 provisions of 
Title II and more than 700 FCC rules and regulations. This forbearance is targeted to avoid 
major issues like rate regulation, tariffing, and network unbundling, which would not be 
appropriate for the broadband Internet access industry, and is designed to preserve incentives for 
continued investment in broadband networks. 
The fCC ' s new rules, grounded in strong Title II authority coupled with appropriate 
forbearance, carry the support of millions of Americans, and are poised to keep the Internet open 
and free for consumers and innovators for years to come. 
Page 2- The l lonorable Jared Huffman 
1 appreciate your interest in this matter. Please let me know ifl can be of any further 
assistance. 
Tom Wheeler 
FEDERAL COMMUNICATION S COMMI SSIO N 
WA S HING T O N 
OFFICE OF 
T H E: CHAIRMAN 
The Honorable Carl Levin 
United States Senate 
269 Russell Senate Office Building 
Washington, D.C. 20510 
Dear Senator Levin: 
March 26, 2015 
Thank you for contacting me to express your support for strong Open Internet rules, as 
well as for reclassification of broadband Internet access under Title II of the Communications 
Act. I appreciate hearing your views, and your letter will be included in the record. 
Over the past year, I have come to believe that there are three simple keys to our 
broadband future. Our broadband networks must be fast; our broadband networks must be fair; 
and our broadband networks must be open. On February 26, 2015, the Federal Communications 
Commission (FCC) voted to approve new rules designed to preserve the Internet as an open 
platform for innovation, investment, and free expression. Utilizing the combined authority of 
Title II of the Communications Act and Section 706 of the Telecommunications Act, these rules 
are rooted in long-standing regulatory principles, marketplace experience, and public input 
received over the last year. This Order represents the most open rulemaking in history and is 
based on months of listening to the views of policymakers outside the Commission, industry and 
public interest representatives, and, as you note, millions of Americans from all walks oflife 
speaking in a clear voice against practices that harm a free and open Internet. 
Based on the input of all these stakeholders, the FCC adopted the strongest possible open 
Internet protections. Specifically, we established bright-line rules banning paid prioritization, 
blocking, and throttling of legal content, along with a general conduct rule that can be used to 
stop new and novel threats to the Internet as they develop. These rules apply to both fixed and 
mobile broadband Internet access services. This approach provides clear rules of the road for all 
stakeholders, while ensuring there is a referee in place to keep things fair in the future. 
Importantly, these rules are grounded in the strongest authority the FCC can utilize: a 
modernized application ofTitle II of the Communications Act, along with Section 706 of the 
Telecommunications Act. I refer to this application ofTitle II as "modernized" because we have 
used the forbearance authority granted to us by Congress to ensure that we are not applying 
unreasonable conditions to these modern networks. The Order forbears from 27 provisions of 
Title 11 and more than 700 FCC rules and regulations. This forbearance is targeted to avoid 
major issues like rate regulation, tariffing, and network unbundling, which would not be 
appropriate for the broadband Internet access industry, and is designed to preserve incentives for 
continued investment in broadband networks. 
The FCC's new rules, grounded in strong Title II authority coupled with appropriate 
forbearance, carry the support of millions of Americans, and are poised to keep the Internet open 
and free for consumers and innovators for years to come. 
Page 2- The Honorable Carl Levin 
I appreciate your interest in this matter. Please let me know ifl can be of any further 
assistance. 
Tom Wheeler 
FEDERAL COMMUNIC ATI O N S C O MMISSIO N 
WA S HING TON 
OFFICE OF 
TH l. CHAIRMAN 
The llonorable Edward J. Markey 
United States Senate 
218 Russell Senate Office Building 
Washington, D.C. 20510 
Dear Senator Markey: 
March 26, 2015 
Thank you for contacting me to express your support for strong Open Internet rules, as 
well as for reclassification of broadband Internet access under Title II of the Communications 
Act. I appreciate hearing your views, and your letter will be included in the record. 
Over the past year, I have come to believe that there are three simple keys to our 
broadband future . Our broadband networks must be fast; our broadband networks must be fair; 
and our broadband networks must be open. On February 26,2015, the Federal Communications 
Commission (FCC) voted to approve new rules designed to preserve the Internet as an open 
platform for innovation, investment, and free expression. Utilizing the combined authority of 
Title II of the Communications Act and Section 706 of the Telecommunications Act, these rules 
are rooted in long-standing regulatory principles, marketplace experience, and public input 
received over the last year. This Order represents the most open rulemaking in history and is 
based on months of listening to the views of policymakers outside the Commission, industry and 
public interest representatives, and, as you note, millions of Americans from all walks of life 
speaking in a clear voice against practices that harm a free and open Internet. 
Based on the input of all these stakeholders, the FCC adopted the strongest possible open 
Internet protections. Specifically, we established bright-line rules banning paid prioritization, 
blocking, and throttling of legal content, along with a general conduct rule that can be used to 
stop new and novel threats to the Internet as they develop. These rules apply to both fixed and 
mobile broadband Internet access services. This approach provides clear rules of the road for all 
stakeholders, while ensuring there is a referee in place to keep things fair in the future. 
Importantly, these rules are grounded in the strongest authority the FCC can utilize: a 
modernized application ofTitle II of the Communications Act, along with Section 706 of the 
Telecommunications Act. I refer to this application ofTitle II as "modernized" because we have 
used the forbearance authority granted to us by Congress to ensure that we are not applying 
unreasonable conditions to these modern networks. The Order forbears from 27 provisions of 
Title II and more than 700 FCC rules and regulations. This forbearance is targeted to avoid 
major issues like rate regulation, tariffing, and network unbundling, which would not be 
appropriate for the broadband Internet access industry, and is designed to preserve incentives for 
continued investment in broadband networks. 
The FCC' s new rules, grounded in strong Title II authority coupled with appropriate 
forbearance, carry the support of millions of Americans, and are poised to keep the Internet open 
and free for consumers and innovators for years to come. 
Page 2- Thc llonorable Edward J. Markey 
I appreciate your interest in this matter. Please let me know i fi can be of any further 
assistance. 
Sincerely, 
Tom Wheeler 
FEDERAL C O MMUNIC ATION S C O MMISSION 
WAS HINGTO N 
OFFICE OF 
THE C H AIRMAN 
The Honorable Jim McGovern 
U.S. I louse of Representatives 
438 Cannon House Office Building 
Washington, D.C. 20515 
Dear Congressman McGovern: 
March 26, 2015 
Thank you for contacting me to express your support for strong Open Internet rules, as 
well as for reclassification of broadband Internet access under Title II of the Communications 
Act. I appreciate hearing your views, and your letter will be included in the record. 
Over the past year, I have come to believe that there are three simple keys to our 
broadband future. Our broadband networks must be fast; our broadband networks must be fair; 
and our broadband networks must be open. On February 26,2015, the Federal Communications 
Commission (FCC) voted to approve new rules designed to preserve the Internet as an open 
platform for innovation, investment, and free expression. Utilizing the combined authority of 
Title II of the Communications Act and Section 706 of the Telecommunications Act, these rules 
are rooted in long-standing regulatory principles, marketplace experience, and public input 
received over the last year. This Order represents the most open rulemaking in history and is 
based on months of listening to the views of policymakers outside the Commission, industry and 
public interest representatives, and, as you note, millions of Americans from all walks of life 
speaking in a clear voice against practices that harm a free and open Internet. 
Based on the input of all these stakeholders, the FCC adopted the strongest possible open 
Internet protections. Specifically, we established bright-line rules banning paid prioritization, 
blocking, and throttling of legal content, along with a general conduct rule that can be used to 
stop new and novel threats to the Internet as they develop. These rules apply to both fixed and 
mobile broadband Internet access services. This approach provides clear rules of the road for all 
stakeholders, while ensuring there is a referee in place to keep things fair in the future. 
Importantly, these rules are grounded in the strongest authority the FCC can utilize: a 
modernized application ofTitle ll of the Communications Act, along with Section 706 of the 
Telecommunications Act. I refer to this application of Title II as "modernized" because we have 
used the forbearance authority granted to us by Congress to ensure that we are not applying 
unreasonable conditions to these modem networks. The Order forbears fTom 27 provisions of 
Title II and more than 700 FCC rules and regulations. This forbearance is targeted to avoid 
major issues like rate regulation, tariffing, and network unbundling, which would not be 
appropriate for the broadband Internet access industry, and is designed to preserve incentives for 
continued investment in broadband networks. 
The FCC's new rules, grounded in strong Title 11 authority coupled with appropriate 
forbearance, carry the support of millions of Americans, and are poised to keep the Internet open 
and free for consumers and innovators for years to come. 
Page 2- The Ilonorable Jim McGovern 
I appreciate your interest in this matter. Please let me know if I can be of any further 
assistance. 
Sincerely, 
FEDERA L C O MMUNIC ATI O N S C O MMI SS IO N 
WA S HINGTO N 
O FFICE OF 
THE C H A IRMA N 
The Honorable Jeff Merkley 
United States Senate 
I 07 Russell Senate Office Building 
Washington, D.C. 20510 
Dear Senator Merkley: 
March 26,2015 
Thank you for contacting me to express your support for strong Open Internet rules, as 
well as for reclassification of broadband Internet access under Title II of the Communications 
Act. I appreciate hearing your views, and your letter will be included in the record. 
Over the past year, I have come to believe that there are three simple keys to our 
broadband future. Our broadband networks must be fast; our broadband networks must be fair; 
and our broadband networks must be open. On February 26,2015, the Federal Communications 
Commission (FCC) voted to approve new rules designed to preserve the Internet as an open 
platform for innovation, investment, and free expression. Utilizing the combined authority of 
Title ll of the Communications Act and Section 706 of the Telecommunications Act, these rules 
are rooted in long-standing regulatory principles, marketplace experience, and public input 
received over the last year. This Order represents the most open rulemaking in history and is 
based on months of listening to the views ofpolicymakers outside the Commission, industry and 
public interest representatives, and, as you note, millions of Americans from all walks of life 
speaking in a clear voice against practices that harm a free and open Internet. 
Based on the input of all these stakeholders, the FCC adopted the strongest possible open 
Internet protections. Specifically, we established bright-line rules banning paid prioritization, 
blocking, and throttling of legal content, along with a general conduct rule that can be used to 
stop new and novel threats to the Internet as they develop. These rules apply to both fixed and 
mobile broadband Internet access services. This approach provides clear rules of the road for all 
stakeholders, while ensuring there is a referee in place to keep things fair in the future. 
Importantly, these rules are grounded in the strongest authority the FCC can utilize: a 
modernized application ofTitle II of the Communications Act, along with Section 706 ofthe 
Telecommunications Act. I refer to this application of Title II as "modernized" because we have 
used the forbearance authority granted to us by Congress to ensure that we are not applying 
unreasonable conditions to these modern networks. The Order forbears from 27 provisions of 
Title II and more than 700 FCC rules and regulations. This forbearance is targeted to avoid 
major issues like rate regulation, tariffing, and network unbundling, which would not be 
appropriate for the broadband Internet access industry, and is designed to preserve incentives for 
continued investment in broadband networks. 
The FCC's new rules, grounded in strong Title II authority coupled with appropriate 
forbearance, carry the support of millions of Americans, and are poised to keep the Internet open 
and free for consumers and innovators for years to come. 
Page 2-The Honorable Jeff Merkley 
f appreciate your interest in this matter. Please let me know if I can be of any further 
assistance. 
Sincerely, 
FEDERAL COMMUNIC ATION S COMMI SSIO N 
WA S HING T O N 
OF"FICE OF 
THE CHAIRMAN 
The Honorable Chellie Pingree 
U.S. House of Representatives 
1318 Longworth llouse Office Bui I ding 
Washington, D.C. 20515 
Dear Congresswoman Pingree: 
March 26, 2015 
Thank you for contacting me to express your support for strong Open Internet rules, as 
well as for reclassification of broadband Internet access under Title II of the Communications 
Act. I appreciate hearing your views, and your letter will be included in the record. 
Over the past year, I have come to believe that there are three simple keys to our 
broadband future. Our broadband networks must be fast; our broadband networks must be fair; 
and our broadband networks must be open. On February 26, 2015, the Federal Communications 
Commission (FCC) voted to approve new rules designed to preserve the Internet as an open 
platform for innovation, investment, and free expression. Utilizing the combined authority of 
Title II of the Communications Act and Section 706 of the Telecommunications Act, these rules 
are rooted in long-standing regulatory principles, marketplace experience, and public input 
received over the last year. This Order represents the most open rulemaking in history and is 
based on months of listening to the views of policymakers outside the Commission, industry and 
public interest representatives, and, as you note, millions of Americans from all walks of life 
speaking in a clear voice against practices that harm a free and open Internet. 
Based on the input of aJI these stakeholders, the FCC adopted the strongest possible open 
Internet protections. Specifically, we established bright-line rules banning paid prioritization, 
blocking, and throttling of legal content, along with a general conduct rule that can be used to 
stop new and novel threats to the Internet as they develop. These rules apply to both fixed and 
mobile broadband Internet access services. This approach provides clear rules of the road for all 
stakeholders, while ensuring there is a referee in place to keep things fair in the future. 
Importantly, these rules are grounded in the strongest authority the FCC can utilize: a 
modernized application ofTitle II of the Communications Act, along with Section 706 of the 
Telecommunications Act. I refer to this application of Title II as "modernized" because we have 
used the forbearance authority granted to us by Congress to ensure that we are not applying 
unreasonable conditions to these modern networks. The Order forbears from 27 provisions of 
Title II and more than 700 FCC rules and regulations. This forbearance is targeted to avoid 
major issues like rate regulation, tariffing, and network unbundling, which would not be 
appropriate for the broadband Internet access industry, and is designed to preserve incentives for 
continued investment in broadband networks. 
The FCC's new rules, grounded in strong Title II authority coupled with appropriate 
forbearance, carry the support of millions of Americans, and are poised to keep the Internet open 
and free for consumers and innovators for years to come. 
Page 2- The Honorable Chellie Pingree 
I appreciate your interest in this matter. Please let me know if I can be of any further 
assistance. 
7iy'ltii-
Tom Wheeler 
FEDERAL C O MMUNIC ATI O N S C O MMISSIO N 
WAS HIN G TON 
OFFICI: OF 
THE CHAIRMAN 
The I Ionorable Jared Polis 
U.S. House of Representatives 
1433 Longworth !louse Office Building 
Washin~:,rton, D.C. 20515 
Dear Congressman Polis: 
March 26, 2015 
Thank you for contacting me to express your support for strong Open Internet rules, as 
well as for reclassification of broadband Internet access under Title II of the Communications 
Act. I appreciate hearing your views, and your letter will be included in the record. 
Over the past year, I have come to believe that there are three simple keys to our 
broadband future. Our broadband networks must be fast; our broadband networks must be fair; 
and our broadband networks must be open. On February 26, 2015, the Federal Communications 
Commission (FCC) voted to approve new rules designed to preserve the Internet as an open 
platform for innovation, investment, and free expression. Utilizing the combined authority of 
Title II of the Communications Act and Section 706 of the Telecommunications Act, these rules 
are rooted in long-standing regulatory principles, marketplace experience, and public input 
received over the last year. This Order represents the most open rulemaking in history and is 
based on months of listening to the views of policymakers outside the Commission, industry and 
public interest representatives, and, as you note, millions of Americans from all walks of life 
speaking in a clear voice against practices that harm a free and open Internet. 
Based on the input of all these stakeholders, the FCC adopted the strongest possible open 
Internet protections. Specifically, we established bright-line rules banning paid prioritization, 
blocking, and throttling of legal content, along with a general conduct rule that can be used to 
stop new and novel threats to the Internet as they develop. These rules apply to both fixed and 
mobile broadband Internet access services. This approach provides clear rules of the road for all 
stakeholders, while ensuring there is a referee in place to keep things fair in the future. 
Importantly, these rules are grounded in the strongest authority the FCC can utilize: a 
modernized application ofTitle II ofthe Communications Act, along with Section 706 of the 
Telecommunications Act. I refer to this application ofTitle II as "modernized" because we have 
used the forbearance authority granted to us by Congress to ensure that we are not applying 
unreasonable conditions to these modern networks. The Order forbears from 27 provisions of 
Title II and more than 700 FCC rules and regulations. This forbearance is targeted to avoid 
major issues like rate regulation, tariffing, and network unbundling, which would not be 
appropriate for the broadband Internet access industry, and is designed to preserve incentives for 
continued investment in broadband networks. 
The FCC's new rules, grounded in strong Title 11 authority coupled with appropriate 
forbearance, carry the support of millions of Americans, and are poised to keep the Internet open 
and free for consumers and innovators for years to come. 
Page 2- The Honorable Jared Polis 
I appreciate your interest in this matter. Please let me know if I can be of any further 
assistance. 
Sincerely, 
Tom Wheeler