FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASHINGTON
OFFICE OF
THE CHAIRMAN
November 10,2015
The Honorable Joe L. Barton
2107 Rayburn House Office Building
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressman Barton:
Thank you for your letter raising concerns about the Federal Communications Commission's role
in ensuring that broadband Internet access service providers protect the privacy oftheir customers'
confidential information.
The FCC has long-standing expertise on consumer privacy. As the expert agency on
telecommunications services, we have the benefit of staff with both deep knowledge about the
information that network providers must collect to provide telecommunication services and policy
expertise on consumer protection issues relating to the collection and sharing of such information. That is
why Congress gave the FCC authority over the collection and use of such information by providers of
telecornrnun ications services in section 222 of the Communications Act. The FCC first adopted rules
governing telecommunications providers' use of customer proprietary network information (CPN!)
pursuant to section 222 in J 997. Since then, it has continued to refine and vigorously enforce those rules.
As a result, there is broad agreement that consumers have benefited greatly from having the control over
their CPNT that is provided by the current set of section 222 rules.
Congress has also given the FCC other privacy-related authority - including overlapping
jurisdiction with the FTC over Do-Not-Call and Can-Spam; and separate authority in the case of the Truth
in Caller Identification Act, the Telephone Consumer Protection Act and privacy-related authority over
cable and satellite television providers. As a result, over the last two-decades, the FCC has worked
closely with the FTC and the State Attorneys General on privacy-related issues running the gamut from
the pretexting of consumers' call detail information to Do-Not-Call rulemaking and coordination of
enforcement work. Rather than cause uncertainty or confusion, this on-going collaboration and
consultation protects the American consumer and creates complimentary guidelines.
While the Commission chose to forbear from applying some of the provisions of Title II of the
Communications Act to broadband Internet access service providers it did not forbear from appiying
section 222 in light of the important consumer privacy interests at issue. At the same time we recognized
that the existing section 222 rules that apply to voice services were not a perfect fit. While we are still
considering how best to approach a rulernaking, I can assure YOLl that any such rulernaking will provide
Page 2- The Honorable Joe L. Barton
ample opportunity for robust input from consumers, providers, and all other stakeholders. We take our
obligation to protect the privacy of broadband customers' confidential information very seriously.
Tom Wheeler
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASHINGTON
OFFICE OF
THE CHAIRMAN
November 10,2015
The Honorable Gus Bilirakis
2313 Rayburn House Office Building
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressman Bilirakis:
Thank you for your letter raising concerns about the Federal Communications Commission's role
in ensuring that broadband Internet access service providers protect the privacy of their customers'
confidential information.
The FCC has long-standing expertise on consumer privacy. As the expert agency on
telecommunications services, we have the benefit of staff with both deep knowledge about the
information that network providers must collect to provide telecommunication services and policy
expertise on consumer protection issues relating to the collection and sharing of such information. That is
why Congress gave the FCC authority over the collection and use of such information by providers of
telecommunications services in section 222 of the Communications Act. The FCC first adopted rules
governing telecommunications providers' use of customer proprietary network information (CPNI)
pursuant to section 222 in 1997. Since then, it has continued to refine and vigorously enforce those rules.
As a result, there is broad agreement that consumers have benefited greatly from having the control over
their CPN! that is provided by the current set of section 222 rules.
Congress has also given the FCC other privacy-related authority - including overlapping
jurisdiction with the FTC over Do-Not-Call and Can-Sparn; and separate authority in the case of the Truth
in Caller Identification Act, the Telephone Consumer Protection Act and privacy-related authority over
cable and satellite television providers. As a result, over the last two-decades, the FCC has worked
closely with the FTC and the State Attorneys General on privacy-related issues running the gamut from
the pretexting of consumers' call detail information to Do-Not-Call rulemaking and coordination of
enforcement work. Rather than cause uncertainty or confusion, this on-going collaboration and
consultation protects the American consumer and creates complimentary guidelines.
While the Commission chose to forbear from applying some of the provisions of Title II of the
Communications Act to broadband Internet access service providers it did not forbear from applying
section 222 in light of the important consumer privacy interests at issue. At the same time we recognized
that the existing section 222 rules that apply to voice services were not a perfect fit. While we are still
considering how best to approach a rulemaking, I can assure you that any such rulernaking will provide
Page 2-The Honorable Gus Bilirakis
ample opportunity for robust input from consumers, providers, and all other stakeholders. We take our
obligation to protect the privacy of broadband customers' confidential information very seriously.
~-;;#~
Tom Wheeler
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASHINGTON
OFFICE OF
THE CHAIRMAN
November 10,2015
The Honorable Marsha Blackburn
217 Cannon House Office Building
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congresswoman Blackburn:
Thank you for your letter raising concerns about the Federal Communications Commission's role
in ensuring that broadband Internet access service providers protect the privacy of their customers'
confidential information.
The FCC has long-standing expertise on consumer privacy. As the expert agency on
telecommunications services, we have the benefit of staff with both deep knowledge about the
information that network providers must collect to provide telecommunication services and policy
expertise on consumer protection issues relating to the collection and sharing of such information. That is
why Congress gave the FCC authority over the collection and use of such information by providers of
telecommunications services in section 222 of the Communications Act. The FCC first adopted rules
governing telecommunications providers' use of customer proprietary network information (CPNI)
pursuant to section 222 in 1997. Since then, it has continued to refine and vigorously enforce those rules.
As a result, there is broad agreement that consumers have benefited greatly from having the control over
their ePNI that is provided by the current set of section 222 rules.
Congress has also given the FCC other privacy-related authority - including overlapping
jurisdiction with the FTC over Do-Not-Call and Can-Sparn; and separate authority in the case of the Truth
in Caller Identification Act, the Telephone Consumer Protection Act and privacy-related authority over
cable and satellite television providers. As a result, over the last two-decades, the FCC has worked
closely with the FTC and the State Attorneys General on privacy-related issues running the gamut from
the pretexting of consumers' call detail information to Do-Not-Call rulernaking and coordination of
enforcement work. Rather than cause uncertainty or confusion, this on-going collaboration and
consultation protects the American consumer and creates complimentary guidelines.
While the Commission chose to forbear from applying some of the provisions of Title 11ofthe
Communications Act to broadband Internet access service providers it did not forbear from applying
section 222 in light of the important consumer privacy interests at issue. At the same time we recognized
that the existing section 222 rules that apply to voice services were not a perfect fit. While we are still
considering how best to approach a rulemaking, I can assure you that any such rulemaking will provide
Page 2- The Honorable Marsha Blackburn
ample opportunity for robust input from consumers, providers, and all other stakeholders. We take our
obligation to protect the privacy of broadband customers' confidential information very seriously.
~'-£/-
Tom Wheeler
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASHINGTON
OFFICE OF
THE CHAIRMAN
November 10,2015
The Honorable Chris Collins
1117 Longworth House Office Building
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressman Collins:
Thank you for your letter raising concerns about the Federal Communications Commission's role
in ensuring that broadband Internet access service providers protect the privacy of their customers'
confidential information.
The FCC has long-standing expertise on consumer privacy. As the expert agency on
telecommunications services, we have the benefit of staff with both deep knowledge about the
information that network providers must collect to provide telecommunication services and policy
expertise on consumer protection issues relating to the collection and sharing of such information. That is
why Congress gave the FCC authority over the collection and use of such information by providers of
telecommunications services in section 222 of the Communications Act. The FCC first adopted rules
governing telecommunications providers' use of customer proprietary network information (CPNI)
pursuant to section 222 in 1997. Since then, it has continued to refine and vigorously enforce those rules.
As a result, there is broad agreement that consumers have benefited greatly from having the control over
their ePNI that is provided by the current set of section 222 rules.
Congress has also given the FCC other privacy-related authority - including overlapping
jurisdiction with the FTC over Do-Not-Call and Can-Sparn; and separate authority in the case of the Truth
in Caller Identification Act, the Telephone Consumer Protection Act and privacy-related authority over
cable and satellite television providers. As a result, over the last two-decades, the FCC has worked
closely with the FTC and the State Attorneys General on privacy-related issues running the gamut from
the pretexting of consumers' call detail information to Do-Not-Call rulemaking and coordination of
enforcement work. Rather than cause uncertainty or confusion, this on-going collaboration and
consultation protects the American consumer and creates complimentary guidelines.
While the Commission chose to forbear from applying some of the provisions of Title II of the
Communications Act to broadband Internet access service providers it did not forbear from applying
section 222 in light of the important consumer privacy interests at issue. At the same time we recognized
that the existing section 222 rules that apply to voice services were not a perfect fit. While we are still
considering how best to approach a rulernaking, I can assure you that any such rulemaking will provide
Page 2- The Honorable Chris Collins
ample opportunity for robust input from consumers, providers, and all other stakeholders. We take our
obligation to protect the privacy of broadband customers' confidential information very seriously.
Tom Wheeler
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASHINGTON
OFFICE OF
THE CHAIRMAN
November 10, 2015
The Honorable Kevin Cramer
1032 Longworth House Office Building
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressman Cramer:
Thank you for your letter raising concerns about the Federal Communications Commission's role
in ensuring that broadband Internet access service providers protect the privacy oftheir customers'
confidential infonnation.
The FCC has long-standing expertise on consumer privacy. As the expert agency on
telecommunications services, we have the benefit of staff with both deep knowledge about the
information that network providers must collect to provide telecommunication services and policy
expertise on consumer protection issues relating to the collection and sharing of such information. That is
why Congress gave the FCC authority over the collection and use of such information by providers of
telecommunications services in section 222 of the Communications Act. The FCC first adopted rules
governing telecommunications providers' use of customer proprietary network information (CPNI)
pursuant to section 222 in 1997. Since then, it has continued to refine and vigorously enforce those rules.
As a result, there is broad agreement that consumers have benefited greatly from having the control over
their CPNI that is provided by the current set of section 222 rules.
Congress has also given the FCC other privacy-related authority - including overlapping
jurisdiction with the FTC over Do-Not-Call and Can-Spam; and separate authority in the case of the Truth
in Caller Identification Act, the Telephone Consumer Protection Act and privacy-related authority over
cable and satellite television providers. As a result, over the last two-decades, the FCC has worked
closely with the FTC and the State Attorneys General on privacy-related issues running the gamut from
the pretexting of consumers' call detail information to Do-Not-Call rulemaking and coordination of
enforcement work. Rather than cause uncertainty or confusion, this on-going collaboration and
consultation protects the American consumer and creates complimentary guidelines.
While the Commission chose to forbear from applying some of the provisions of Title II of the
Communications Act to broadband Internet access service providers it did not forbear from applying
section 222 in light of the important consumer privacy interests at issue. At the same time we recognized
that the existing section 222 rules that apply to voice services were not a perfect fit. While we are still
considering how best to approach a rulemaking, I can assure you that any such rulemaking will provide
- ----_.- ----------~
Page 2- The Honorable Kevin Cramer
ample opportunity for robust input from consumers, providers, and all other stakeholders. We take our
obligation to protect the privacy of broadband customers' confidential information very seriously.
Sincerely,
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASHINGTON
OFFICE OF
THE CHAIRMAN
November 10, 2015
The Honorable Renee Ellmers
426 Cannon House Office Building
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congresswoman Ellmers:
Thank you for your letter raising concerns about the Federal Communications Commission's role
in ensuring that broadband Internet access service providers protect the privacy oftheir customers'
confidential information.
The FCC has long-standing expertise on consumer privacy. As the expert agency on
telecommunications services, we have the benefit of staff with both deep knowledge about the
information that network providers must collect to provide telecommunication services and policy
expertise on consumer protection issues relating to the collection and sharing of such information. That is
why Congress gave the FCC authority over the collection and use of such information by providers of
telecommunications services in section 222 of the Communications Act. The FCC first adopted rules
governing telecommunications providers' use of customer proprietary network information (CPNI)
pursuant to section 222 in 1997. Since then, it has continued to refine and vigorously enforce those rules.
As a result, there is broad agreement that consumers have benefited greatly from having the control over
their CPNI that is provided by the current set of section 222 rules.
Congress has also given the FCC other privacy-related authority - including overlapping
jurisdiction with the FTC over Do-Not-Call and Can-Spam; and separate authority in the case of the Truth
in Caller Identification Act, the Telephone Consumer Protection Act and privacy-related authority over
cable and satellite television providers. As a result, over the last two-decades, the FCC has worked
closely with the FTC and the State Attorneys General on privacy-related issues running the gamut from
the pretexting of consumers' call detail information to Do-Not-Call rulemaking and coordination of
enforcement work. Rather than cause uncertainty or confusion, this on-going collaboration and
consultation protects the American consumer and creates complimentary guidelines.
While the Commission chose to forbear from applying some of the provisions of Title II of the
Communications Act to broadband Internet access service providers it did not forbear from applying
section 222 in light of the important consumer privacy interests at issue. At the same time we recognized
that the existing section 222 rules that apply to voice services were not a perfect fit. While we are still
considering how best to approach a rulernaking, I call assure you that allY such rulemaking will provide
Page 2- The Honorable Renee Ellmers
ample opportunity for robust input from consumers, providers, and all other stakeholders. We take our
obligation to protect the privacy of broadband customers' confidential information very seriously.
Sincerely,
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASHINGTON
OFFICE OF
THE CHAIRMAN
November 10,2015
The Honorable Brett Guthrie
308 Cannon House Office Building
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressman Guthrie:
Thank you for your letter raising concerns about the Federal Communications Commission's role
in ensuring that broadband Internet access service providers protect the privacy of their customers'
confidential information.
The FCC has long-standing expertise on consumer privacy. As the expert agency on
telecommunications services, we have the benefit of staff with both deep knowledge about the
information that network providers must collect to provide telecommunication services and policy
expertise on consumer protection issues relating to the collection and sharing of such information. That is
why Congress gave the FCC authority over the collection and use of such information by providers of
telecommunications services in section 222 of the Communications Act. The FCC first adopted rules
governing telecommunications providers' use of customer proprietary network information (CPNI)
pursuant to section 222 in 1997. Since then, it has continued to refine and vigorously enforce those rules.
As a result, there is broad agreement that consumers have benefited greatly from having the control over
their CPNT that is provided by the current set of section 222 rules.
Congress has also given the FCC other privacy-related authority - including overlapping
jurisdiction with the FTC over Do-Not-Call and Can-Spam; and separate authority in the case of the Truth
in Caller Identification Act, the Telephone Consumer Protection Act and privacy-related authority over
cable and satellite television providers. As a result, over the last two-decades, the FCC has worked
closely with the FTC and the State Attorneys General on privacy-related issues running the gamut from
the pretexting of consumers' call detai I information to Do-Not -Call ru lemaking and coordination of
enforcement work. Rather than cause uncertainty or confusion, this on-going collaboration and
consultation protects the American consumer and creates complimentary guidelines.
While the Commission chose to forbear from applying some of the provisions of Title II of the
Communications Act to broadband Internet access service providers it did not forbear from applying
section 222 in light of the important consumer privacy interests at issue. At the same time we recognized
that the existing section 222 rules that apply to voice services were not a perfect fit. While we are still
considering how best to approach a rulemaking, J can assure you that any such rulemaking will provide
Page 2- The Honorable Brett Guthrie
ample opportunity for robust input from consumers, providers, and all other stakeholders. We take our
obligation to protect the privacy of broadband customers' confidential information very seriously.
Sincerely,
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASHINGTON
OFFICE OF
THE CHAIRMAN
November 10,2015
The Honorable Bill Johnson
1710 Longworth House Office Building
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressman Johnson:
Thank you for your letter raising concerns about the Federal Communications Commission's role
in ensuring that broadband Internet access service providers protect the privacy of their customers'
confidential information.
The FCC has long-standing expertise on consumer privacy. As the expert agency on
telecommunications services, we have the benefit of staff with both deep knowledge about the
information that network providers must collect to provide telecommunication services and policy
expertise on consumer protection issues relating to the collection and sharing of such information. That is
why Congress gave the FCC authority over the collection and use of such information by providers of
telecommunications services in section 222 of the Communications Act. The FCC first adopted rules
governing telecommunications providers' use of customer proprietary network information (CPNI)
pursuant to section 222 in 1997. Since then, it has continued to refine and vigorously enforce those rules.
As a result, there is broad agreement that consumers have benefited greatly from having the control over
their CPN! that is provided by the current set of section 222 rules.
Congress has also given the FCC other privacy-related authority - including overlapping
jurisdiction with the FTC over Do-Not-Call and Can-Spam; and separate authority in the case of the Truth
in Caller Identification Act, the Telephone Consumer Protection Act and privacy-related authority over
cable and satellite television providers. As a result, over the last two-decades, the FCC has worked
closely with the FTC and the State Attorneys General on privacy-related issues running the gamut from
the pretexting of consumers' call detail information to Do-Not-Call rulernaking and coordination of
enforcement work. Rather than cause uncertainty or confusion, this on-going collaboration and
consultation protects the American consumer and creates complimentary guidelines.
While the Commission chose to forbear from applying some of the provisions of Title II of the
Communications Act to broadband Internet access service providers it did not forbear from applying
section 222 in light of the important consumer privacy interests at issue. At the same time we recognized
that the existing section 222 rules that apply to voice services were not a perfect fit. While we are still
considering how best to approach a rulernaking, I can assure you that any such rulemaking will provide
Page 2- The Honorable Bill Johnson
ample opportunity for robust input from consumers, providers, and all other stakeholders. We take our
obligation to protect the privacy of broadband customers' confidential information very seriously.
~SinCereIY, -jI;£t-Jc:r
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASHINGTON
OFFICE OF
THE CHAI RMAN
November 10,2015
The Honorable Adam Kinzinger
1221 Longworth House Office Building
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressman Kinzinger:
Thank you for your letter raising concerns about the Federal Communications Commission's role
in ensuring that broadband Internet access service providers protect the privacy of their customers'
confidential information.
The FCC has long-standing expertise on consumer privacy. As the expert agency on
telecommunications services, we have the benefit of staff with both deep knowledge about the
information that network providers must collect to provide telecommunication services and policy
expertise on consumer protection issues relating to the collection and sharing of such information. That is
why Congress gave the FCC authority over the collection and use of such information by providers of
telecommunications services in section 222 of the Communications Act. The FCC first adopted rules
governing telecommunications providers' use of customer proprietary network information (CPNI)
pursuant to section 222 in ] 997. Since then, it has continued to refine and vigorously enforce those rules.
As a result, there is broad agreement that consumers have benefited greatly from having the control over
their CPNl that is provided by the current set of section 222 rules.
Congress has also given the FCC other privacy-related authority - including overlapping
jurisdiction with the FTC over Do-Not-Call and Can-Sparn; and separate authority in the case of the Truth
in Caller Identification Act, the Telephone Consumer Protection Act and privacy-related authority over
cable and satellite television providers. As a result, over the last two-decades, the FCC has worked
closely with the FTC and the State Attorneys General on privacy-related issues running the gamut from
the pretexting of consumers' call detail information to Do-Not-Call rulemaking and coordination of
enforcement work. Rather than cause uncertainty or confusion, this on-going collaboration and
consultation protects the American consumer and creates complimentary guidelines.
While the Commission chose to forbear from applying some of the provisions of Title II of the
Communications Act to broadband Internet access service providers it did 110tforbear from applying
section 222 in light of the important consumer privacy interests at issue. At the same time we recognized
that the existing section 222 rules that apply to voice services were not a perfect fit. While we are still
considering how best to approach a rulemaking, I can assure you that any such rulemaking will provide
Page 2- The Honorable Adam Kinzinger
ample opportunity for robust input from consumers. providers, and all other stakeholders. We take our
obligation to protect the privacy of broadband customers' confidential information very seriously.
Sincerely,
r-~
Tom Wheeler
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASHINGTON
OFFICE OF
THE CHAIRMAN
November 10,2015
The Honorable Leonard Lance
133 Cannon House Office Building
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressman Lance:
Thank you for your letter raising concerns about the Federal Communications Commission's role
in ensuring that broadband Internet access service providers protect the privacy oftheir customers'
confidential information.
The FCC has long-standing expertise on consumer privacy. As the expert agency on
telecommunications services, we have the benefit of staff with both deep knowledge about the
information that network providers must collect to provide telecommunication services and policy
expertise on consumer protection issues relating to the collection and sharing of such information. That is
why Congress gave the FCC authority over the collection and use of such information by providers of
telecommunications services in section 222 of the Communications Act. The FCC first adopted rules
governing telecommunications providers' use of customer proprietary network information (CPNI)
pursuant to section 222 in 1997. Since then, it has continued to refine and vigorously enforce those rules.
As a result, there is broad agreement that consumers have benefited greatly from having the control over
their CPNI that is provided by the current set of section 222 rules.
Congress has also given the FCC other privacy-related authority - including overlapping
jurisdiction with the FTC over Do-Not-Call and Can-Spam; and separate authority in the case of the Truth
in Caller Identification Act, the Telephone Consumer Protection Act and privacy-related authority over
cable and satellite television providers. As a result, over the last two-decades, the FCC has worked
closely with the FTC and the State Attorneys General on privacy-related issues running the gamut from
the pretexting of consumers' call detail information to Do-Not-Call ruiemaking and coordination of
enforcement work. Rather than cause uncertainty or confusion, this on-going collaboration and
consultation protects the American consumer and creates complimentary guidelines.
While the Commission chose to forbear from applying some of the provisions of Title II of the
Communications Act to broadband Internet access service providers it did not forbear from applying
section 222 in light of the important consumer privacy interests at issue. At the same time we recognized
that the existing section 222 rules that apply to voice services were not a perfect fit. While we are still
considering how best to approach a rulemaking, I can assure you that any such rulemaking will provide
Page 2- The Honorable Leonard Lance
ample opportunity for robust input from consumers, providers, and all other stakeholders. We take our
obligation to protect the privacy of broadband customers' confidential information very seriously.
Sincerely,
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASHINGTON
OFFICE OF
THE CHAIRMAN
November 10, 2015
The Honorable Bob Latta
2448 Rayburn House Office Building
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressman Latta:
Thank you for your letter raising concerns about the Federal Communications Commission's role
in ensuring that broadband Internet access service providers protect the privacy of their customers'
confidential information.
The FCC has long-standing expertise on consumer privacy. As the expert agency on
telecommunications services, we have the benefit of staff with both deep knowledge about the
information that network providers must collect to provide telecommunication services and policy
expertise on consumer protection issues relating to the collection and sharing of such information. That is
why Congress gave the FCC authority over the collection and use of such information by providers of
telecommunications services in section 222 ofthe Communications Act. The FCC first adopted rules
governing telecommunications providers' use of customer proprietary network information (CPNI)
pursuant to section 222 in 1997. Since then, it has continued to refine and vigorously enforce those rules.
As a result, there is broad agreement that consumers have benefited greatly from having the control over
their CPN! that is provided by the current set of section 222 rules.
Congress has also given the FCC other privacy-related authority - including overlapping
jurisdiction with the FTC over Do-Not-Call and Can-Spam; and separate authority in the case of the Truth
in Caller Identification Act, the Telephone Consumer Protection Act and privacy-related authority over
cable and satellite television providers. As a result, over the last two-decades, the FCC has worked
closely with the FTC and the State Attorneys General on privacy-related issues running the gamut from
the pretexting of consumers' call detail information to Do-Not-Call rulemaking and coordination of
enforcement work. Rather than cause uncertainty or confusion, this on-going collaboration and
consultation protects the American consumer and creates complimentary guidelines.
While the Commission chose to forbear from applying some of the provisions of Title II of the
Communications Act to broadband Internet access service providers it did not forbear from applying
section 222 in light of the important consumer privacy interests at issue. At the same time we recognized
that the existing section 222 rules that apply to voice services were not a perfect fit. While we are still
considering how best to approach a rulemaking, I can assure you that any such rulemaking will provide
Page 2- The Honorable Bob Latta
ample opportunity for robust input from consumers, providers, and all other stakeholders. We take our
obligation to protect the privacy of broadband customers' confidential information very seriously.
Sincerely,
Tom Wheeler
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASHINGTON
OFFICE OF
THE CHAIRMAN
November 10, 2015
The Honorable Billy Long
154 J Longworth House Office Building
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressman Long:
Thank you for your letter raising concerns about the Federal Communications Commission's role
in ensuring that broadband Internet access service providers protect the privacy of their customers'
confidential information.
The FCC has long-standing expertise on consumer privacy. As the expert agency on
telecommunications services, we have the benefit of staff with both deep knowledge about the
information that network providers must collect to provide telecommunication services and policy
expertise on consumer protection issues relating to the collection and sharing of such information. That is
why Congress gave the FCC authority over the collection and use of such information by providers of
telecommunications services in section 222 of the Communications Act. The FCC first adopted rules
governing telecommunications providers' use of customer proprietary network information (CPN!)
pursuant to section 222 in J 997. Since then, it has continued to refine and vigorously enforce those rules.
As a result, there is broad agreement that consumers have benefited greatly from having the control over
their CPN! that is provided by the current set of section 222 rules.
Congress has also given the FCC other privacy-related authority - including overlapping
jurisdiction with the FTC over Do-Not-Call and Can-Sparn; and separate authority in the case of the Truth
in Caller Identification Act, the Telephone Consumer Protection Act and privacy-related authority over
cable and satellite television providers. As a result, over the last two-decades, the FCC has worked
closely with the FTC and the State Attorneys General on privacy-related issues running the gamut from
the pretexting of consumers' call detail information to Do-Not-Call rulemaking and coordination of
enforcement work. Rather than cause uncertainty or confusion, this on-going collaboration and
consultation protects the American consumer and creates complimentary guidelines.
While the Commission chose to forbear from applying some of the provisions of Title II of the
Communications Act to broadband Internet access service providers it did not forbear from applying
section 222 in light of the important consumer privacy interests at issue. At the same time we recognized
that the existing section 222 rules that apply to voice services were not a perfect fit. While we are still
considering how best to approach a rulemaking, I can assure you that any such rulemaking will provide
Page 2- The Honorable Billy Long
ample opportunity for robust input from consumers, providers, and all other stakeholders. We take our
obligation to protect the privacy of broadband customers' confidential information very seriously.
Sincerely,
Tom Wheeler
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASHINGTON
OFFICE OF
THE CHAIRMAN
November 10,2015
The Honorable Pete Olson
312 Cannon House Office Building
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressman Olson:
Thank you for your letter raising concerns about the Federal Communications Commission's role
in ensuring that broadband Internet access service providers protect the privacy of their customers'
confidential information.
The FCC has long-standing expertise on consumer privacy. As the expert agency on
telecommunications services, we have the benefit of staff with both deep knowledge about the
information that network providers must collect to provide telecommunication services and policy
expertise on consumer protection issues relating to the collection and sharing of such information. That is
why Congress gave the FCC authority over the collection and use of such information by providers of
telecommunications services in section 222 of the Communications Act. The FCC first adopted rules
governing telecommunications providers' use of customer proprietary network information (CPNI)
pursuant to section 222 in 1997. Since then, it has continued to refine and vigorously enforce those rules.
As a result, there is broad agreement that consumers have benefited greatly from having the control over
their CPNI that is provided by the current set of section 222 rules.
Congress has also given the FCC other privacy-related authority - including overlapping
jurisdiction with the FTC over Do-Not-Call and Can-Spam; and separate authority in the case of the Truth
in Caller Identification Act, the Telephone Consumer Protection Act and privacy-related authority over
cable and satellite television providers. As a result, over the last two-decades, the FCC has worked
closely with the FTC and the State Attorneys General on privacy-related issues running the gamut from
the pretexting of consumers' call detail information to Do-Not-Call rulernaking and coordination of
enforcement work. Rather than cause uncertainty or confusion, this on-going collaboration and
consultation protects the American consumer and creates complimentary guidelines.
While the Commission chose to forbear from applying some of the provisions of Title II of the
Communications Act to broadband Internet access service providers it did not forbear from applying
section 222 in light ofthe important consumer privacy interests at issue. At the same time we recognized
that the existing section 222 rules that apply to voice services were not a perfect fit. While we are still
considering how best to approach a rulemaking, I can assure you that any such rulernaking will provide
Page 2-The Honorable Pete Olson
ample opportunity for robust input from consumers, providers, and all other stakeholders. We take our
obligation to protect the privacy of broadband customers' confidential information very seriously.
r-------
Sincerely,
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASHINGTON
OFFICE OF
THE CHAIRMAN
November 10,2015
The Honorable Mike Pompeo
107 Cannon House Office Building
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressman Pompeo:
Thank you for your letter raising concerns about the Federal Communications Commission's role
in ensuring that broadband Internet access service providers protect the privacy oftheir customers'
confidential information.
The FCC has long-standing expertise on consumer privacy. As the expert agency on
telecommunications services, we have the benefit of staff with both deep knowledge about the
information that network providers must collect to provide telecommunication services and policy
expertise on consumer protection issues relating to the collection and sharing of such information. That is
why Congress gave the FCC authority over the collection and use of such information by providers of
telecommunications services in section 222 of the Communications Act. The FCC first adopted rules
governing telecommunications providers' use of customer proprietary network information (CPNI)
pursuant to section 222 in 1997. Since then, it has continued to refine and vigorously enforce those rules.
As a result, there is broad agreement that consumers have benefited greatly from having the control over
their CPNI that is provided by the current set of section 222 rules.
Congress has also given the FCC other privacy-related authority - including overlapping
jurisdiction with the FTC over Do-Not-Call and Can-Spain; and separate authority in the case of the Truth
in Caller Identification Act, the Telephone Consumer Protection Act and privacy-related authority over
cable and satellite television providers. As a result, over the last two-decades, the FCC has worked
closely with the FTC and the State Attorneys General on privacy-related issues running the gamut from
the pretexting of consumers' call detail information to Do-Not-Call rulemaking and coordination of
enforcement work. Rather than cause uncertainty or confusion, this on-going collaboration and
consultation protects the American consumer and creates complimentary guidelines.
While the Commission chose to forbear from applying some of the provisions of Title II of the
Communications Act to broadband Internet access service providers it did not forbear from applying
section 222 in light of the important consumer privacy interests at issue. At the same time we recognized
that the existing section 222 rules that apply to voice services were not a perfect fit. While we are still
considering how best to approach a rulemaking, I can assure you that any such rulemaking will provide
Page 2-The Honorable Mike Pompeo
ample opportunity for robust input from consumers, providers, and all other stakeholders. We take our
obligation to protect the privacy of broadband customers' confidential information very seriously.
Sincerely,
Tom Wheeler
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASHINGTON
OFFICE OF
THE CHAIRMAN
November 10,2015
The Honorable Greg Walden
2182 Rayburn House Office Building
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressman Walden:
Thank you for your letter raising concerns about the Federal Communications Commission's role
in ensuring that broadband Internet access service providers protect the privacy of their customers'
confidential information.
The FCC has long-standing expertise on consumer privacy. As the expert agency on
telecommunications services, we have the benefit of staff with both deep knowledge about the
information that network providers must collect to provide telecommunication services and policy
expertise on consumer protection issues relating to the collection and sharing of such information. That is
why Congress gave the FCC authority over the collection and use of such information by providers of
telecommunications services in section 222 of the Communications Act. The FCC first adopted rules
governing telecommunications providers' use of customer proprietary network information (CPNI)
pursuant to section 222 in 1997. Since then, it has continued to refine and vigorously enforce those rules.
As a result, there is broad agreement that consumers have benefited greatly from having the control over
their CPNI that is provided by the current set of section 222 rules.
Congress has also given the FCC other privacy-related authority - including overlapping
jurisdiction with the FTC over Do-Not-Call and Can-Spam: and separate authority in the case of the Truth
in Caller Identification Act, the Telephone Consumer Protection Act and privacy-related authority over
cable and satellite television providers. As a result, over the last two-decades, the FCC has worked
closely with the FTC and the State Attorneys General on privacy-related issues running the gamut from
the pretexting of consumers' call detail information to Do-Not-Call rulemaking and coordination of
enforcement work. Rather than cause uncertainty or confusion, this on-going collaboration and
consultation protects the American consumer and creates complimentary guidelines.
While the Commission chose to forbear from applying some of the provisions of Title II of the
Communications Act to broadband Internet access service providers it did not forbear from applying
section 222 in light of the important consumer privacy interests at issue. At the same time we recognized
that the existing section 222 rules that apply to voice services were not a perfect fit. While we are still
considering how best to approach a rulemaking, I can assure you that any such rulernaking will provide
Page 2-The Honorable Greg Walden
ample opportunity for robust input from consumers, providers, and all other stakeholders. We take our
obligation to protect the privacy of broadband customers' confidential information very seriously.
Tom Wheeler