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WASHINGTON. DC 20510 
The Honorable Tom Wheeler 
Chairman 
Federal Communications Commission 
445 1i11 Street, S.W. 
Washington, D.C. 20554 
Dear Chairman Wheeler: 
November 17, 2015 
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) plays an imperative and unique role in 
supporting rural connectivity. In the 21st century economy, robust telecommunications networks 
are increasingly important for today' s users, and serve as the foundation of future innovation and 
economic progress. As the Commission continues to reform its universal service funding 
mechanisms to adapt to a changing technological environment, we commend the Commission's 
ongoing attention and support of underserved rural areas. 
Unfortunately, deployment of these networks in rural communities continues to lag behind those 
in urban areas. Recently, the Commission announced over $1.5 billion in annual funding as part 
of the second phase of the Connect America Fund (CAF). The primary purpose of these funds is 
supporting investments in the most underserved communities. The Commission has announced 
that ten telecommunications carriers have accepted this support, which will direct over $9 billion 
to rural broadband development over the next six years. The high cost to deploy networks in 
rural areas creates a heavy reliance on the federal funding provided by the FCC, and it is 
important that these funds are used efficiently. 
We agree with your recent remarks at the NTCA Fall Conference on the importance of ensuring 
accountability within the Commission' s universal service program. While your statement was 
directed at reports of fraud and abuse by a handful of carriers, we believe the same commitment 
to responsible and efficient use of federal funds should be applied to all carriers who benefit 
from universal service program funding, including those supported by CAF. We also applaud 
your recent Public Notice reminding carriers to not use their funding in wasteful or fraudulent 
ways. Should we need stronger enforcement mechanisms to ensure that the Fund is used 
appropriately to advance rural broadband deployment, we would look forward to working with 
you on identifying the right solutions. 
CAF is designed to advance critical broadband deployment in our rural communities and 
improve rural access. In order to ensure the success of the CAF program, we respectfully request 
a list of accountability mechanisms currently in place to ensure that recipients are using the funds 
for their intended purpose, that build-out requirements are being met, and that locations reported 
as newly served are actually receiving service that meets CAF II standards. As you may be 
aware, the general public has an increasing interest in the outcomes of CAF investments, and we 
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believe making these measures of accountability publicly available would be well received. We 
would also like to know what enforcement mechanisms will be implemented in cases where 
carriers fail to meet their obligations. 
We believe strict enforcement measures, coupled with transparency around how, where, and 
when the funds are used, are necessary to ensure the integrity of the CAF program and the 
success of the FCC's efforts to advance rural broadband. We seek to maximize the success of the 
program and ensure that these limited funds are put to the best, appropriate use. We look forward 
to working with you to promote the continued adoption and expansion of broadband services, 
and to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the Connect America Fund. 
oore Capito 
United States Senator 
Sincerely, 
~o~ 
Steve Daines 
United States Senator 
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cc: The Honorable Mignon Clyburn, Commissioner, Federal Communications Commission 
The Honorable Jessica Rosenworcel, Commissioner, Federal Communications Commission 
The Honorable Ajit Pai, Commissioner, Federal Communications Commission 
The Honorable Michael O'Rielly, Commissioner, Federal Communications Commission