OFFICE OF
THE CHAIRMAN
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASHINGTON
September 14, 2016
The Honorable Maria Cantwell
United States Senate
511 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510
Dear Senator Cantwell:
Thank you for your letter urging the Commission to undertake reforms that will bridge
the digital divide in Tribal lands. Your views are very important and I appreciate you sharing
them with me.
I wholeheartedly agree that access to broadband technology is critical for Tribal
communities to participate fully in todays economy. I personally have seen the lack of
communications services and infrastructure across Indian Country, which reinforces a history
of isolation that has limited economic and educational opportunities. Expanding high-speed
broadband connections to all corners of the country is a top priority for the Conimission.
Nowhere could meeting this objective be more impactful than on Tribal lands.
In March of this year, the Commission took two separate actions that will help bridge
the digital divide in Indian Country. First, the Commission modernized the Lifeline program.
For more than 30 years, the Lifeline program has helped tens of millions of low-income
Americans afford basic phone service. Recognizing the unique economic circumstances many
Tribal Nations face, the Commission provides enhanced levels of Lifeline support to low-
income residents of Tribal lands. In March, the Commission adopted an Order modernizing the
Lifeline program to support broadband and refocusing it to meet the 21st century's
communications challenges. Under the new rules, low-income residents of Tribal lands will
soon be able to apply up to $34.25 per month toward the cost of broadband service. This
change will both reduce the cost of broadband for low-income Tribal residents and incentivize
deployment of broadband infrastructure on Tribal lands.
The second action was a part of the proceeding to modernize High-Cost support for
rate-of-return carriers. The Commission adopted a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking,
also in March, specifically seeking comment on additional reforms to further promote
broadband investment and deployment on unserved and underserved Tribal lands. Staff is
currently reviewing the record of that Further Notice. As you note, I have committed to taking
action on this important issue by the end of the year.
The Commission also has adopted initiatives to drive investment in mobile broadband
on Tribal lands. For example, in 2014 the FCC's Tribal Mobility Fund Phase I reverse auction
Page 2-The Honorable Maria Cantwell
made up to $50 million in one-time funding available to Tribal lands to accelerate mobile
broadband availability. In addition, both the Tribal Mobility Fund Phase I and the general
Mobility Fund Phase I made a 25 percent bidding credit available for Tribally-owned or
controlled providers seeking support. As a result, 72 different Tribal Lands will benefit from
both the Mobility Fund Phase I and Tribal Mobility Fund Phase I auctions. In addition, staff is
actively examining a mechanism to award ongoing support to Tribal lands through Mobility
Fund Phase II.
Let me also assure you that the Commission is working hard to improve the quality of
our mobile data on mobile wireless coverage and mobile broadband availability. Recognizing
the need to improve our broadband data, the Conmiission adopted an order in 2013 that, among
other things, required mobile wireless data collection from one of the most reliable sources
available - the mobile wireless providers themselves. As a result, the Commission is now
collecting coverage data directly from wireless providers through the Commission's Form 477.
Each provider that submits data must certify to its accuracy. This new data will be more
accurate than our previous data because it comes directly from the entity that is deploying the
wireless facilities.
Finally, training and consultation workshops are a major part of the Commission's
strategy for closing the digital divide on Tribal lands. To that end, the Commission's Office of
Native Affairs and Policy has conducted a number of Tribal Broadband, Telecom, and Broadcast
Training and Consultation workshops throughout the country this year. These events, which are
coordinated with our federal partners from the United States Department of Agriculture, provide
information on federal grant and loan programs and also include a separate, full-day track
focused on E-rate. In FY16, we conducted workshops in Billings, MT; at the Menominee
Reservation in Keshena, WI; and in Bothell, WA. Our final workshop of the fiscal year will be
conducted at the Vee Quiva Hotel and Casino (an enterprise of the Gila River Indian
Community) in Laveen Village, AZ from September 20-22, 2016.
I recognize that the challenges before us are great. But working together, we will seize
upon technological opportunities to improve lives across Indian Country. I appreciate your
interest in this matter. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance.
Sincerely,
Tom Wheeler
OFFICE OF
THE CHAIRMAN
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASHINGTON
September 14, 2016
The Honorable Martin Heinrich
United States Senate
303 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510
Dear Senator Heinrich:
Thank you for your letter urging the Commission to undertake reforms that will bridge
the digital divide in Tribal lands. Your views are very important and I appreciate you sharing
them with me.
I wholeheartedly agree that access to broadband technology is critical for Tribal
communities to participate fully in today's economy. I personally have seen the lack of
communications services and infrastructure across Indian Country, which reinforces a history
of isolation that has limited economic and educational opportunities. Expanding high-speed
broadband connections to all corners of the country is a top priority for the Commission.
Nowhere could meeting this objective be more impactful than on Tribal lands.
In March of this year, the Commission took two separate actions that will help bridge
the digital divide in Indian Country. First, the Commission modernized the Lifeline program.
For more than 30 years, the Lifeline program has helped tens of millions of low-income
Americans afford basic phone service. Recognizing the unique economic circumstances many
Tribal Nations face, the Commission provides enhanced levels of Lifeline support to low-
income residents of Tribal lands. In March, the Commission adopted an Order modernizing the
Lifeline program to support broadband and refocusing it to meet the 21st century's
communications challenges. Under the new rules, low-income residents of Tribal lands will
soon be able to apply up to $34.25 per month toward the cost of broadband service. This
change will both reduce the cost of broadband for low-income Tribal residents and incentivize
deployment of broadband infrastructure on Tribal lands.
The second action was a part of the proceeding to modernize High-Cost support for
rate-of-return carriers. The Commission adopted a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking,
also in March, specifically seeking comment on additional reforms to further promote
broadband investment and deployment on unserved and underserved Tribal lands. Staff is
currently reviewing the record of that Further Notice. As you note, I have committed to taking
action on this important issue by the end of the year.
The Commission also has adopted initiatives to drive investment in mobile broadband
on Tribal lands. For example, in 2014 the FCC's Tribal Mobility Fund Phase I reverse auction
Page 2-The Honorable Martin Heinrich
made up to $50 million in one-time funding available to Tribal lands to accelerate mobile
broadband availability. In addition, both the Tribal Mobility Fund Phase I and the general
Mobility Fund Phase I made a 25 percent bidding credit available for Tribally-owned or
controlled providers seeking support. As a result, 72 different Tribal Lands will benefit from
both the Mobility Fund Phase I and Tribal Mobility Fund Phase I auctions. In addition, staff is
actively examining a mechanism to award ongoing support to Tribal lands through Mobility
Fund Phase II.
Let me also assure you that the Commission is working hard to improve the quality of
our mobile data on mobile wireless coverage and mobile broadband availability. Recognizing
the need to improve our broadband data, the Commission adopted an order in 2013 that, among
other things, required mobile wireless data collection from one of the most reliable sources
available - the mobile wireless providers themselves. As a result, the Commission is now
collecting coverage data directly from wireless providers through the Commission's Form 477.
Each provider that submits data must certify to its accuracy. This new data will be more
accurate than our previous data because it comes directly from the entity that is deploying the
wireless facilities.
Finally, training and consultation workshops are a major part of the Commission's
strategy for closing the digital divide on Tribal lands. To that end, the Commission's Office of
Native Affairs and Policy has conducted a number of Tribal Broadband, Telecom, and Broadcast
Training and Consultation workshops throughout the country this year. These events, which are
coordinated with our federal partners from the United States Department of Agriculture, provide
information on federal grant and loan programs and also include a separate, full-day track
focused on E-rate. In FY16, we conducted workshops in Billings, MT; at the Menominee
Reservation in Keshena, WI; and in Bothell, WA. Our fmal workshop of the fiscal year will be
conducted at the Vee Quiva Hotel and Casino (an enterprise of the Gila River Indian
Community) in Laveen Village, AZ from September 20-22, 2016.
I recognize that the challenges before us are great. But working together, we will seize
upon technological opportunities to improve lives across Indian Country. I appreciate your
interest in this mafter. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance.
Sincerely,
Tom Wheeler
OFFICE OF
THE CHAIRMAN
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASH INGTON
September 14, 2016
The Honorable Amy Klobuchar
United States Senate
302 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510
Dear Senator Kiobuchar:
Thank you for your letter urging the Commission to undertake reforms that will bridge
the digital divide in Tribal lands. Your views are very important and I appreciate you sharing
them with me.
I wholeheartedly agree that access to broadband technology is critical for Tribal
communities to participate fully in today's economy. I personally have seen the lack of
communications services and infrastructure across Indian Country, which reinforces a history
of isolation that has limited economic and educational opportunities. Expanding high-speed
broadband connections to all corners of the country is a top priority for the Commission.
Nowhere could meeting this objective be more impactful than on Tribal lands.
In March of this year, the Commission took two separate actions that will help bridge
the digital divide in Indian Country. First, the Commission modernized the Lifeline program.
For more than 30 years, the Lifeline program has helped tens of millions of low-income
Americans afford basic phone service. Recognizing the unique economic circumstances many
Tribal Nations face, the Commission provides enhanced levels of Lifeline support to low-
income residents of Tribal lands. In March, the Commission adopted an Order modernizing the
Lifeline program to support broadband and refocusing it to meet the 21st century's
communications challenges. Under the new rules, low-income residents of Tribal lands will
soon be able to apply up to $34.25 per month toward the cost of broadband service. This
change will both reduce the cost of broadband for low-income Tribal residents and incentivize
deployment of broadband infrastructure on Tribal lands.
The second action was a part of the proceeding to modernize High-Cost support for
rate-of-return carriers. The Commission adopted a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking,
also in March, specifically seeking comment on additional reforms to further promote
broadband investment and deployment on unserved and underserved Tribal lands. Staff is
currently reviewing the record of that Further Notice. As you note, I have committed to taking
action on this important issue by the end of the year.
The Commission also has adopted initiatives to drive investment in mobile broadband
on Tribal lands. For example, in 2014 the FCC's Tribal Mobility Fund Phase I reverse auction
Page 2-The Honorable Amy Klobuchar
made up to $50 million in one-time funding available to Tribal lands to accelerate mobile
broadband availability. In addition, both the Tribal Mobility Fund Phase I and the general
Mobility Fund Phase I made a 25 percent bidding credit available for Tribally-owned or
controlled providers seeking support. As a result, 72 different Tribal Lands will benefit from
both the Mobility Fund Phase I and Tribal Mobility Fund Phase I auctions. In addition, staff is
actively examining a mechanism to award ongoing support to Tribal lands through Mobility
Fund Phase II.
Let me also assure you that the Commission is working hard to improve the quality of
our mobile data on mobile wireless coverage and mobile broadband availability. Recognizing
the need to improve our broadband data, the Commission adopted an order in 2013 that, among
other things, required mobile wireless data collection from one of the most reliable sources
available - the mobile wireless providers themselves. As a result, the Commission is now
collecting coverage data directly from wireless providers through the Commissions Form 477.
Each provider that submits data must certifi to its accuracy. This new data will be more
accurate than our previous data because it comes directly from the entity that is deploying the
wireless facilities.
Finally, training and consultation workshops are a major part of the Commission's
strategy for closing the digital divide on Tribal lands. To that end, the Commission's Office of
Native Affairs and Policy has conducted a number of Tribal Broadband, Telecom, and Broadcast
Training and Consultation workshops throughout the country this year. These events, which are
coordinated with our federal partners from the United States Department of Agriculture, provide
information on federal grant and loan programs and also include a separate, full-day track
focused on E-rate. In FY16, we conducted workshops in Billings, MT; at the Menominee
Reservation in Keshena, WI; and in Bothell, WA. Our final workshop of the fiscal year will be
conducted at the Vee Quiva Hotel and Casino (an enterprise of the Gila River Indian
Community) in Laveen Village, AZ from September 20-22, 2016.
I recognize that the challenges before us are great. But working together, we will seize
upon technological opportunities to improve lives across Indian Country. I appreciate your
interest in this matter. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance.
Tom Wheeler
OFFrCE OF
THE CHAIRMAN
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASH I NGTON
September 14, 2016
The Honorable Patty Murray
United States Senate
154 Russell Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510
Dear Senator Murray:
Thank you for your letter urging the Commission to undertake reforms that will bridge
the digital divide in Tribal lands. Your views are very important and I appreciate you sharing
them with me.
I wholeheartedly agree that access to broadband technology is critical for Tribal
communities to participate fully in today's economy. I personally have seen the lack of
communications services and infrastructure across Indian Country, which reinforces a history
of isolation that has limited economic and educational opportunities. Expanding high-speed
broadband connections to all corners of the country is a top priority for the Commission.
Nowhere could meeting this objective be more impactful than on Tribal lands.
In March of this year, the Commission took two separate actions that will help bridge
the digital divide in Indian Country. First, the Commission modernized the Lifeline program.
For more than 30 years, the Lifeline program has helped tens of millions of low-income
Americans afford basic phone service. Recognizing the unique economic circumstances many
Tribal Nations face, the Commission provides enhanced levels of Lifeline support to low-
income residents of Tribal lands. In March, the Commission adopted an Order modernizing the
Lifeline program to support broadband and refocusing it to meet the 21st century's
communications challenges. Under the new rules, low-income residents of Tribal lands will
soon be able to apply up to $34.25 per month toward the cost of broadband service. This
change will both reduce the cost of broadband for low-income Tribal residents and incentivize
deployment of broadband infrastructure on Tribal lands.
The second action was a part of the proceeding to modernize High-Cost support for
rate-of-return carriers. The Commission adopted a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking,
also in March, specifically seeking comment on additional reforms to further promote
broadband investment and deployment on unserved and underserved Tribal lands. Staff is
currently reviewing the record of that Further Notice. As you note, I have committed to taking
action on this important issue by the end of the year.
The Commission also has adopted initiatives to drive investment in mobile broadband
on Tribal lands. For example, in 2014 the FCC's Tribal Mobility Fund Phase I reverse auction
Page 2-The Honorable Patty Murray
made up to $50 million in one-time funding available to Tribal lands to accelerate mobile
broadband availability. In addition, both the Tribal Mobility Fund Phase I and the general
Mobility Fund Phase I made a 25 percent bidding credit available for Tribally-owned or
controlled providers seeking support. As a result, 72 different Tribal Lands will benefit from
both the Mobility Fund Phase I and Tribal Mobility Fund Phase I auctions. In addition, staff is
actively examining a mechanism to award ongoing support to Tribal lands through Mobility
Fund Phase II.
Let me also assure you that the Commission is working hard to improve the quality of
our mobile data on mobile wireless coverage and mobile broadband availability. Recognizing
the need to improve our broadband data, the Commission adopted an order in 2013 that, among
other things, required mobile wireless data collection from one of the most reliable sources
available - the mobile wireless providers themselves. As a result, the Commission is now
collecting coverage data directly from wireless providers through the Commission's Form 477.
Each provider that submits data must certify to its accuracy. This new data will be more
accurate than our previous data because it comes directly from the entity that is deploying the
wireless facilities.
Finally, training and consultation workshops are a major part of the Commission's
strategy for closing the digital divide on Tribal lands. To that end, the Commission's Office of
Native Affairs and Policy has conducted a number of Tribal Broadband, Telecom, and Broadcast
Training and Consultation workshops throughout the country this year. These events, which are
coordinated with our federal partners from the United States Department of Agriculture, provide
information on federal grant and loan programs and also include a separate, full-day track
focused on E-rate. In FY16, we conducted workshops in Billings, MT; at the Menominee
Reservation in Keshena, WI; and in Bothell, WA. Our final workshop of the fiscal year will be
conducted at the Vee Quiva Hotel and Casino (an enterprise of the Gila River Indian
Community) in Laveen Village, AZ from September 20-22, 2016.
I recognize that the challenges before us are great. But working together, we will seize
upon technological opportunities to improve lives across Indian Country. I appreciate your
interest in this matter. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance.
Tom Wheeler
OFFICE OF
THE CHAIRMAN
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASH INGTON
September 14, 2016
The Honorable Jon Tester
United States Senate
311 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510
Dear Senator Tester:
Thank you for your letter urging the Commission to undertake reforms that will bridge
the digital divide in Tribal lands. Your views are very important and I appreciate you sharing
them with me.
I wholeheartedly agree that access to broadband technology is critical for Tribal
communities to participate fully in today's economy. I personally have seen the lack of
communications services and infrastructure across Indian Country, which reinforces a history
of isolation that has limited economic and educational opportunities. Expanding high-speed
broadband connections to all corners of the country is a top priority for the Commission.
Nowhere could meeting this objective be more impactful than on Tribal lands.
In March of this year, the Commission took two separate actions that will help bridge
the digital divide in Indian Country. First, the Commission modernized the Lifeline program.
For more than 30 years, the Lifeline program has helped tens of millions of low-income
Americans afford basic phone service. Recognizing the unique economic circumstances many
Tribal Nations face, the Commission provides enhanced levels of Lifeline support to low-
income residents of Tribal lands. In March, the Commission adopted an Order modernizing the
Lifeline program to support broadband and refocusing it to meet the 2Pt century's
communications challenges. Under the new rules, low-income residents of Tribal lands will
soon be able to apply up to $34.25 per month toward the cost of broadband service. This
change will both reduce the cost of broadband for low-income Tribal residents and incentivize
deployment of broadband infrastructure on Tribal lands.
The second action was a part of the proceeding to modernize High-Cost support for
rate-of-return carriers. The Commission adopted a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking,
also in March, specifically seeking comment on additional reforms to further promote
broadband investment and deployment on unserved and underserved Tribal lands. Staff is
currently reviewing the record of that Further Notice. As you note, I have committed to taking
action on this important issue by the end of the year.
The Commission also has adopted initiatives to drive investment in mobile broadband
on Tribal lands. For example, in 2014 the FCC's Tribal Mobility Fund Phase I reverse auction
Page 2-The Honorable Jon Tester
made up to $50 million in one-time funding available to Tribal lands to accelerate mobile
broadband availability. In addition, both the Tribal Mobility Fund Phase I and the general
Mobility Fund Phase I made a 25 percent bidding credit available for Tribally-owned or
controlled providers seeking support. As a result, 72 different Tribal Lands will benefit from
both the Mobility Fund Phase I and Tribal Mobility Fund Phase I auctions. In addition, staff is
actively examining a mechanism to award ongoing support to Tribal lands through Mobility
Fund Phase II.
Let me also assure you that the Conmiission is working hard to improve the quality of
our mobile data on mobile wireless coverage and mobile broadband availability. Recognizing
the need to improve our broadband data, the Commission adopted an order in 2013 that, among
other things, required mobile wireless data collection from one of the most reliable sources
available - the mobile wireless providers themselves. As a result, the Commission is now
collecting coverage data directly from wireless providers through the Commission's Form 477.
Each provider that submits data must certifi to its accuracy. This new data will be more
accurate than our previous data because it comes directly from the entity that is deploying the
wireless facilities.
Finally, training and consultation workshops are a major part of the Commission's
strategy for closing the digital divide on Tribal lands. To that end, the Commission's Office of
Native Affairs and Policy has conducted a number of Tribal Broadband, Telecom, and Broadcast
Training and Consultation workshops throughout the country this year. These events, which are
coordinated with our federal partners from the United States Department of Agriculture, provide
information on federal grant and loan programs and also include a separate, full-day track
focused on E-rate. In FY16, we conducted workshops in Billings, MT; at the Menominee
Reservation in Keshena, WI; and in Bothell, WA. Our final workshop of the fiscal year will be
conducted at the Vee Quiva Hotel and Casino (an enterprise of the Gila River Indian
Community) in Laveen Village, AZ from September 20-22, 2016.
I recognize that the challenges before us are great. But working together, we will seize
upon technological opportunities to improve lives across Indian Country. I appreciate your
interest in this matter. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance.
Tom Wheeler
OFFICE OF
THE CHAIRMAN
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASH INGTON
September 14, 2016
The Honorable Tom Udall
United States Senate
531 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510
Dear Senator Udall:
Thank you for your letter urging the Commission to undertake reforms that will bridge
the digital divide in Tribal lands. Your views are very important and I appreciate you sharing
them with me.
I wholeheartedly agree that access to broadband technology is critical for Tribal
communities to participate fully in today's economy. I personally have seen the lack of
communications services and infrastructure across Indian Country, which reinforces a history
of isolation that has limited economic and educational opportunities. Expanding high-speed
broadband connections to all corners of the country is a top priority for the Conimission.
Nowhere could meeting this objective be more impactful than on Tribal lands.
In March of this year, the Commission took two separate actions that will help bridge
the digital divide in Indian Country. First, the Commission modernized the Lifeline program.
For more than 30 years, the Lifeline program has helped tens of millions of low-income
Americans afford basic phone service. Recognizing the unique economic circumstances many
Tribal Nations face, the Commission provides enhanced levels of Lifeline support to low-
income residents of Tribal lands. In March, the Commission adopted an Order modernizing the
Lifeline program to support broadband and refocusing it to meet the 21st century's
communications challenges. Under the new rules, low-income residents of Tribal lands will
soon be able to apply up to $34.25 per month toward the cost of broadband service. This
change will both reduce the cost of broadband for low-income Tribal residents and incentivize
deployment of broadband infrastructure on Tribal lands.
The second action was a part of the proceeding to modernize High-Cost support for
rate-of-return carriers. The Commission adopted a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking,
also in March, specifically seeking comment on additional reforms to further promote
broadband investment and deployment on unserved and underserved Tribal lands. Staff is
currently reviewing the record of that Further Notice. As you note, I have committed to taking
action on this important issue by the end of the year.
The Commission also has adopted initiatives to drive investment in mobile broadband
on Tribal lands. For example, in 2014 the FCC's Tribal Mobility Fund Phase I reverse auction
Page 2-The Honorable Tom Udall
made up to $50 million in one-time funding available to Tribal lands to accelerate mobile
broadband availability. In addition, both the Tribal Mobility Fund Phase I and the general
Mobility Fund Phase I made a 25 percent bidding credit available for Tribally-owned or
controlled providers seeking support. As a result, 72 different Tribal Lands will benefit from
both the Mobility Fund Phase I and Tribal Mobility Fund Phase I auctions. In addition, staff is
actively examining a mechanism to award ongoing support to Tribal lands through Mobility
Fund Phase II.
Let me also assure you that the Commission is working hard to improve the quality of
our mobile data on mobile wireless coverage and mobile broadband availability. Recognizing
the need to improve our broadband data, the Commission adopted an order in 2013 that, among
other things, required mobile wireless data collection from one of the most reliable sources
available - the mobile wireless providers themselves. As a result, the Commission is now
collecting coverage data directly from wireless providers through the Conimission's Form 477.
Each provider that submits data must certify to its accuracy. This new data will be more
accurate than our previous data because it comes directly from the entity that is deploying the
wireless facilities.
Finally, training and consultation workshops are a major part of the Commission's
strategy for closing the digital divide on Tribal lands. To that end, the Commission's Office of
Native Affairs and Policy has conducted a number of Tribal Broadband, Telecom, and Broadcast
Training and Consultation workshops throughout the country this year. These events, which are
coordinated with our federal partners from the United States Department of Agriculture, provide
information on federal grant and loan programs and also include a separate, full-day track
focused on E-rate. In FY16, we conducted workshops in Billings, MT; at the Menominee
Reservation in Keshena, WI; and in Bothell, WA. Our fmal workshop of the fiscal year will be
conducted at the Vee Quiva Hotel and Casino (an enterprise of the Gila River Indian
Community) in Laveen Village, AZ from September 20-22, 2016.
I recognize that the challenges before us are great. But working together, we will seize
upon technological opportunities to improve lives across Indian Country. I appreciate your
interest in this matter. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance.