CORY A. BOOKER 
NEW JERSEY 
ilnitat ~tatrs ~cnatc 
The Honorable Tom Wheeler 
Chairman 
Federal Communications Commission 
445 12th St. SW 
Washington, DC 20554 
Dear Chairman Wheeler: 
October 1, 2015 
SUITE SD-359 
DIRKSEN BUILDING 
WASHINGTON. DC 20510-3007 
(202) 224-3224 
As you know, the ongoing transition from copper wire based telephone networks to fiber based 
networks is an exciting new frontier that will modernize U.S. communications infrastructure and 
help communications companies to provide enhanced services to consumers. I fully support this 
transition; however, several constituents have outlined concerns surrounding the transition in 
New Jersey and across the country. 
I applaud the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) recent efforts to expand protections 
for consumers during the technology transition and agree it is absolutely critical consumers be 
informed about what shifts means for their existing telephone service (including its cost). The 
Commission's new rules requiring service providers to notify customers about these transitions 
will go a long way to help inform the public and provide the tools necessary for a smooth and 
affordable transition. 
While the increased transparency and oversight are excellent steps towards a successful 
transition, I remain concerned about emergency preparedness during the transition. Unlike the 
older copper networks, fiber networks will require the use of emergency backup battery power 
during an outage. Telephone service providers have already begun outreach and education to 
consumers about this change, and I appreciate the work the FCC has done on this issue as well. I 
believe, however, more can be done to ensure individuals are prepared when a storm or disaster 
strikes. New Jersey has been ravaged by severe weather incidents in the past, which have often 
included major power outages. While the backup battery power will aid individuals in the event 
of a storm, they come at a cost to consumers. For low income individuals in communities in my 
state and across the country, this could mean deciding between paying for everyday essentials 
and investing in protective measures to preserve their vital communications links in the event of 
a storm or other natural disaster. 
The United States has successfully undergone technology transitions in the past, such as the 
switch from analog to digital television, known as the DTV transition, which took place nearly a 
decade ago. During the DTV transition, vouchers were provided to ensure individuals of all 
economic backgrounds could participate in the new and advanced television services without 
losing services they had come to rely upon. With this in mind, I request that the FCC examine 
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Public Safety
Next 
Generation
the consequences of power outages through the IP transition and make recommendations to 
Congress on how the public and private sectors can support emergency backup batteries to 
ensure individuals with new fiber connections have emergency power in the event of a storm or 
outage. Such connectivity will allow individuals and families to access critical services such as 
911 if and when disaster strikes. 
Thank you for your immediate attention to this matter, and I look forward to reviewing the 
FCC's recommendations. 
Sincerely, 
CC: Commissioners Clyburn, Rosenworcel, Pai, O'Rielly