FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASHINGTON
OFFICE OF
THE CHAIRMAN
July 31, 2015
The Honorable Ron Johnson
Chairman
Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs
United States Senate
340 Dirksen Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510
Dear Chairman Johnson:
On June 2, 2015, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) publicly released a report entitled
Intended Outcomes and Effectiveness of Efforts to Address Adoption Barriers are Unclear - GAO-15-
473. The GAO Report examines: (1) what is known about the benefits of home broadband adoption,
(2) barriers to broadband adoption and approaches used to address them, and (3) the extent to which FCC
and NTlA have set goals for and assessed their effectiveness at addressing broadband adoption barriers.
The Report recommends that, in order to more clearly establish the outcomes the FCC intends to achieve
through its efforts to address broadband adoption barriers faced by demographics with low levels of
adoption, the FCC revise its strategic plan to more clearly indicate whether addressing broadband
adoption barriers is a major function, and if so, specify what outcomes the Commission intends to
achieve.
In the Wireline Competition Bureau's response to the GAO draft report, the Bureau made clear
that reducing barriers to broadband adoption has been, and continues to be, a significant priority for the
Commission. This is evident in many different Commission efforts currently underway. For example,
the Commission has recently released a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FNPRM) in connection
with the Lifeline program that is a significant step towards modernizing the program to support
broadband. The FNPRM proposes to adopt minimum service levels for all Lifeline offerings, including
broadband offerings, while maintaining the current Lifeline subsidy. This approach should ensure that
both low-income consumers and ratepayers get full value from the program. The FNPRM also takes
steps to encourage more competition to improve price and service, to encourage more participation by the
states, and proposes measures to further reduce waste and abuse in the program.
Of particular relevance, the FNPRM seeks comment on a program evaluation to determine the
extent to which Lifeline has contributed towards fulfilling its program goals, such as narrowing the gap in
voice and broadband penetration rates, and at what cost. In addition to increasing adoption of those
services, the FNPRM also seeks comment on ways the program could improve the affordability of voice
and broadband. And the FNPRM specifically seeks comment on what metrics and timeframe the
Commission should use to determine whether Lifeline funds are being spent efficiently. We will
carefully review the record on these issues to determine the appropriate outcomes for the program going
forward.
We are also seeking to reduce potential obstacles to adoption in connection with our Broadband
Progress Report. In the 2015 Broadband Progress Report, the Commission reported on its statutory
obligation to evaluate whether advanced telecommunications capability is being deployed to all
Americans in a reasonable and timely fashion, and considered the totality of the circumstances when
determining broadband availability. The report evaluated factors such as broadband speeds, latency,
Page 2-The Honorable Ron Johnson
consistency and reliability of service, usage allowances, and price. In addition, the Report also
considered the importance of broadband adoption as part of the required analysis, including a report on
broadband adoption rates. The Commission is required to produce this Report annually and the next
Broadband Progress Report is due for release early next year.
The Commission also has sought to reduce barriers to broadband adoption through its
implementation of the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act (CVAA), a
law designed to ensure access to broadband technologies for individuals with disabilities. For example,
on July 1,2015, the Commission extended the National Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution Program,
which provides $10 million annually to support the distribution of accessible communications equipment
to low-income individuals who are deaf-blind across the country, through June 2016. On May 21, 2015,
the Commission also proposed rules to make this program permanent. In addition, the Commission is
actively implementing various other requirements set forth in the CVAA that require access to content,
services and equipment used with broadband technologies, including requirements for closed captioning
on video clips delivered via Internet protocol when these clips were part of programs first shown on
television with closed captioning; for televised emergency information to be provided in an audio format
when shown on tablets, smartphones and other second screen devices; and to ensure that advanced
communications services and equipment used for broadband technologies are accessible by people with
disabilities. And earlier this year the Commission established the Disability Advisory Committee, so that
stakeholders interested in disability matters can provide advice and recommendations to the Commission
on ways to ensure disability access to broadband and other communication technologies.
We believe these measures will continue to contribute to the overall trend of increasing adoption,
particularly among groups with relatively low rates of adoption.
Finally, consistent with GAO's recommendations, we are working on revisions to the
Commission's Strategic Plan that will clarify and confirm the important role that removing barriers to
broadband adoption plays in the Commission's fulfillment of its mission. Although broadband adoption
is a complex issue with multiple determinants, we remain committed to removing or diminishing the key
barriers that the Commission can influence.
We appreciate GAO's analysis and recommendations and share its concern for ensuring that
barriers to broadband adoption are addressed. Should you have any questions or comments regarding this
matter, I would be pleased to discuss them with you.
SinCerelY~ IA / /~?/!h7.i-
Tom Wheeler
cc: The Honorable Frank Pallone
The Honorable Anna Eshoo
The Honorable Edward Markey
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMM ISSION
WASHINGTON
OFFICE OF
THE CHAIRMAN
July 31, 2015
The Honorable Thomas R. Carper
Ranking Member
Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs
United States Senate
340 Dirksen Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510
Dear Senator Carper:
On June 2, 2015, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) publicly released a report entitled
Intended Outcomes and Effectiveness of Efforts to Address Adoption Barriers are Unclear - GAO-\5-
473. The GAO Report examines: (1) what is known about the benefits of home broadband adoption,
(2) barriers to broadband adoption and approaches used to address them, and (3) the extent to which FCC
and NTIA have set goals for and assessed their effectiveness at addressing broadband adoption barriers.
The Report recommends that, in order to more clearly establish the outcomes the FCC intends to achieve
through its efforts to address broadband adoption barriers faced by demographics with low levels of
adoption, the FCC revise its strategic plan to more clearly indicate whether addressing broadband
adoption barriers is a major function, and if so, specify what outcomes the Commission intends to
achieve.
In the Wireline Competition Bureau's response to the GAO draft report, the Bureau made clear
that reducing barriers to broadband adoption has been, and continues to be, a significant priority for the
Commission. This is evident in many different Commission efforts currently underway. For example,
the Commission has recently released a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FNPRM) in connection
with the Lifeline program that is a significant step towards modernizing the program to support
broadband. The FNPRM proposes to adopt minimum service levels for all Lifeline offerings, including
broadband offerings, while maintaining the current Lifeline subsidy. This approach should ensure that
both low-income consumers and ratepayers get full value from the program. The FNPRM also takes
steps to encourage more competition to improve price and service, to encourage more participation by the
states, and proposes measures to further reduce waste and abuse in the program.
Of particular relevance, the FNPRM seeks comment on a program evaluation to determine the
extent to which Lifeline has contributed towards fulfilling its program goals, such as narrowing the gap in
voice and broadband penetration rates, and at what cost. In addition to increasing adoption of those
services, the FNPRM also seeks comment on ways the program could improve the affordability of voice
and broadband. And the FNPRM specifically seeks comment on what metrics and timeframe the
Commission should use to determine whether Lifeline funds are being spent efficiently. We will
carefully review the record on these issues to determine the appropriate outcomes for the program going
forward.
We are also seeking to reduce potential obstacles to adoption in connection with our Broadband
Progress Report. In the 2015 Broadband Progress Report, the Commission reported on its statutory
obligation to evaluate whether advanced telecommunications capability is being deployed to all
Americans in a reasonable and timely fashion, and considered the totality of the circumstances when
determining broadband availability. The report evaluated factors such as broadband speeds, latency,
Page 2-The Honorable Thomas R. Carper
consistency and reliability of service, usage allowances, and price. In addition, the Report also
considered the importance of broadband adoption as part of the required analysis, including a report on
broadband adoption rates. The Commission is required to produce this Report annually and the next
Broadband Progress Report is due for release early next year.
The Commission also has sought to reduce barriers to broadband adoption through its
implementation ofthe Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act (CVAA), a
law designed to ensure access to broadband technologies for individuals with disabilities. For example,
on July 1,2015, the Commission extended the National Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution Program,
which provides $10 million annually to support the distribution of accessible communications equipment
to low-income individuals who are deaf-blind across the country, through June 2016. On May 21,2015,
the Commission also proposed rules to make this program permanent. In addition, the Commission is
actively implementing various other requirements set forth in the CVAA that require access to content,
services and equipment used with broadband technologies, including requirements for closed captioning
on video clips delivered via Internet protocol when these clips were part of programs first shown on
television with closed captioning; for televised emergency information to be provided in an audio format
when shown on tablets, smartphones and other second screen devices; and to ensure that advanced
communications services and equipment used for broadband technologies are accessible by people with
disabilities. And earlier this year the Commission established the Disability Advisory Committee, so that
stakeholders interested in disability matters can provide advice and recommendations to the Commission
on ways to ensure disability access to broadband and other communication technologies.
We believe these measures will continue to contribute to the overall trend of increasing adoption,
particularly among groups with relatively low rates of adoption.
Finally, consistent with GAO's recommendations, we are working on revisions to the
Commission's Strategic Plan that wilI clarify and confirm the important role that removing barriers to
broadband adoption plays in the Commission's fulfillment of its mission. Although broadband adoption
is a complex issue with multiple determinants, we remain committed to removing or diminishing the key
barriers that the Commission can influence.
We appreciate GAO's analysis and recommendations and share its concern for ensuring that
barriers to broadband adoption are addressed. Should you have any questions or comments regarding this
matter, I would be pleased to discuss them with you.
Sincerely, ~~~Jj~i-
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMM ISSION
WASHINGTON
OFFICE OF
THE CHAIRMAN
July 31, 2015
The Honorable Jason Chaffetz
Chairman
Committee on Oversight and Government Reform
U.S. House of Representatives
2157 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Chairman Chaffetz:
On June 2, 2015, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) publicly released a report entitled
Intended Outcomes and Effectiveness of Efforts to Address Adoption Barriers are Unclear - GAO-lS-
473. The GAO Report examines: (1) what is known about the benefits of home broadband adoption,
(2) barriers to broadband adoption and approaches used to address them, and (3) the extent to which FCC
and NTIA have set goals for and assessed their effectiveness at addressing broadband adoption barriers.
The Report recommends that, in order to more clearly establish the outcomes the FCC intends to achieve
through its efforts to address broadband adoption barriers faced by demographics with low levels of
adoption, the FCC revise its strategic plan to more clearly indicate whether addressing broadband
adoption barriers is a major function, and if so, specify what outcomes the Commission intends to
achieve.
In the Wireline Competition Bureau's response to the GAO draft report, the Bureau made clear
that reducing barriers to broadband adoption has been, and continues to be, a significant priority for the
Commission. This is evident in many different Commission efforts currently underway. For example,
the Commission has recently released a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FNPRM) in connection
with the Lifeline program that is a significant step towards modernizing the program to support
broadband. The FNPRM proposes to adopt minimum service levels for all Lifeline offerings, including
broadband offerings, while maintaining the current Lifeline subsidy. This approach should ensure that
both low-income consumers and ratepayers get full value from the program. The FNPRM also takes
steps to encourage more competition to improve price and service, to encourage more participation by the
states, and proposes measures to further reduce waste and abuse in the program.
Of particular relevance, the FNPRM seeks comment on a program evaluation to determine the
extent to which Lifeline has contributed towards fulfilling its program goals, such as narrowing the gap in
voice and broadband penetration rates, and at what cost. In addition to increasing adoption of those
services, the FNPRM also seeks comment on ways the program could improve the affordability of voice
and broadband. And the FNPRM specifically seeks comment on what metrics and timeframe the
Commission should use to determine whether Lifeline funds are being spent efficiently. We will
carefully review the record on these issues to determine the appropriate outcomes for the program going
forward.
We are also seeking to reduce potential obstacles to adoption in connection with our Broadband
Progress Report. In the 2015 Broadband Progress Report, the Commission reported on its statutory
obligation to evaluate whether advanced telecommunications capability is being deployed to all
Americans in a reasonable and timely fashion, and considered the totality of the circumstances when
determining broadband availability. The report evaluated factors such as broadband speeds, latency,
Page 2-The Honorable Jason Chaffetz
consistency and reliability of service, usage allowances, and price. In addition, the Report also
considered the importance of broadband adoption as part ofthe required analysis, including a report on
broadband adoption rates. The Commission is required to produce this Report annually and the next
Broadband Progress Report is due for release early next year.
The Commission also has sought to reduce barriers to broadband adoption through its
implementation of the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act (CYAA), a
law designed to ensure access to broadband technologies for individuals with disabilities. For example,
on July 1,2015, the Commission extended the National Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution Program,
which provides $10 million annually to support the distribution of accessible communications equipment
to low-income individuals who are deaf-blind across the country, through June 2016. On May 21,2015,
the Commission also proposed rules to make this program permanent. In addition, the Commission is
actively implementing various other requirements set forth in the CVAA that require access to content,
services and equipment used with broadband technologies, including requirements for closed captioning
on video clips delivered via Internet protocol when these clips were part of programs first shown on
television with closed captioning; for televised emergency information to be provided in an audio format
when shown on tablets, smartphones and other second screen devices; and to ensure that advanced
communications services and equipment used for broadband technologies are accessible by people with
disabilities. And earlier this year the Commission established the Disability Advisory Committee, so that
stakeholders interested in disability matters can provide advice and recommendations to the Commission
on ways to ensure disability access to broadband and other communication technologies.
We believe these measures will continue to contribute to the overall trend of increasing adoption,
particularly among groups with relatively low rates of adoption.
Finally, consistent with GAO's recommendations, we are working on revisions to the
Commission's Strategic Plan that will clarify and confirm the important role that removing barriers to
broadband adoption plays in the Commission's fulfillment of its mission. Although broadband adoption
is a complex issue with multiple determinants, we remain committed to removing or diminishing the key
barriers that the Commission can influence.
We appreciate GAO's analysis and recommendations and share its concern for ensuring that
barriers to broadband adoption are addressed. Should you have any questions or comments regarding this
matter, I would be pleased to discuss them with you.
Sincerely,
Tom Wheeler
FEDERAL COM MUN ICATIONS COM MISSION
WASHINGTON
OFFICE OF
THE CHAIRMAN
July 31, 2015
The Honorable Elijah E. Cummings
Ranking Member
Committee on Oversight and Government Reform
U.S. House of Representatives
2157 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressman Cummings:
On June 2, 2015, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) publicly released a report entitled
Intended Outcomes and Effectiveness of Efforts to Address Adoption Barriers are Unclear - GAO-15-
473. The GAO Report examines: (1) what is known about the benefits of home broadband adoption,
(2) barriers to broadband adoption and approaches used to address them, and (3) the extent to which FCC
and NTIA have set goals for and assessed their effectiveness at addressing broadband adoption barriers.
The Report recommends that, in order to more clearly establish the outcomes the FCC intends to achieve
through its efforts to address broadband adoption barriers faced by demographics with low levels of
adoption, the FCC revise its strategic plan to more clearly indicate whether addressing broadband
adoption barriers is a major function, and if so, specify what outcomes the Commission intends to
achieve.
In the Wireline Competition Bureau's response to the GAO draft report, the Bureau made clear
that reducing barriers to broadband adoption has been, and continues to be, a significant priority for the
Commission. This is evident in many different Commission efforts currently underway. For example,
the Commission has recently released a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FNPRM) in connection
with the Lifeline program that is a significant step towards modernizing the program to support
broadband. The FNPRM proposes to adopt minimum service leveis for all Lifeline offerings, including
broadband offerings, while maintaining the current Lifeline subsidy. This approach should ensure that
both low-income consumers and ratepayers get full value from the program. The FNPRM also takes
steps to encourage more competition to improve price and service, to encourage more participation by the
states, and proposes measures to further reduce waste and abuse in the program.
Of particular relevance, the FNPRM seeks comment on a program evaluation to determine the
extent to which Lifeline has contributed towards fulfilling its program goals, such as narrowing the gap in
voice and broadband penetration rates, and at what cost. In addition to increasing adoption of those
services, the FNPRM also seeks comment on ways the program could improve the affordability of voice
and broadband. And the FNPRM specifically seeks comment on what metrics and timeframe the
Commission should use to determine whether Lifeline funds are being spent efficiently. We will
carefully review the record on these issues to determine the appropriate outcomes for the program going
forward.
We are also seeking to reduce potential obstacles to adoption in connection with our Broadband
Progress Report. In the 2015 Broadband Progress Report, the Commission reported on its statutory
obligation to evaluate whether advanced telecommunications capability is being deployed to all
Americans in a reasonable and timely fashion, and considered the totality of the circumstances when
determining broadband availability. The report evaluated factors such as broadband speeds, latency,
Page 2-The Honorable Elijah E. Cummings
consistency and reliability of service, usage allowances, and price. In addition, the Report also
considered the importance of broadband adoption as part of the required analysis, including a report on
broadband adoption rates. The Commission is required to produce this Report annually and the next
Broadband Progress Report is due for release early next year.
The Commission also has sought to reduce barriers to broadband adoption through its
implementation of the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act (CVAA), a
law designed to ensure access to broadband technologies for individuals with disabilities. For example,
on July 1,2015, the Commission extended the National Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution Program,
which provides $10 million annually to support the distribution of accessible communications equipment
to low-income individuals who are deaf-blind across the country, through June 2016. On May 21,2015,
the Commission also proposed rules to make this program permanent. In addition, the Commission is
actively implementing various other requirements set forth in the CVAA that require access to content,
services and equipment used with broadband technologies, including requirements for closed captioning
on video clips delivered via Internet protocol when these clips were part of programs first shown on
television with closed captioning; for televised emergency information to be provided in an audio format
when shown on tablets, smartphones and other second screen devices; and to ensure that advanced
communications services and equipment used for broadband technologies are accessible by people with
disabilities. And earlier this year the Commission established the Disability Advisory Committee, so that
stakeholders interested in disability matters can provide advice and recommendations to the Commission
on ways to ensure disability access to broadband and other communication technologies.
We believe these measures will continue to contribute to the overall trend of increasing adoption,
particularly among groups with relatively low rates of adoption.
Finally, consistent with GAO's recommendations, we are working on revisions to the
Commission's Strategic Plan that will clarify and confirm the important role that removing barriers to
broadband adoption plays in the Commission's fulfillment of its mission. Although broadband adoption
is a complex issue with multiple determinants, we remain committed to removing or diminishing the key
barriers that the Commission can influence.
We appreciate GAO's analysis and recommendations and share its concern for ensuring that
barriers to broadband adoption are addressed. Should you have any questions or comments regarding this
matter, I would be pleased to discuss them with you.
Sincerely,