FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASHINGTON
OFFICE OF
THE CHAIRMAN
October 14,2016
The Honorable Sean P. Duffy
U.S. House of Representatives
1208 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressman Duffy:
Thank you for your letter regarding the importance of mobile voice and broadband
networks to the economic competitiveness and safety of rural America, as well as your views
regarding the opportunity that a Mobility Fund Phase II may provide to improve rural mobile
coverage.
Americans rely more and more on mobile broadband service. As providers roll-out more
robust wireless networks, they are providing greater broadband speeds, efficiency, capacity, and
a wealth of innovative features. The Commission is committed to ensuring that Americans
living, working, and travelling in rural areas have access to these mobile broadband networks
that are increasingly essential for full participation in today's society and economy.
The Commission will move forward with rules for Mobility Fund Phase II by the end of
this year. Our recently-completed analysis of Form 477 data shows that there are significant
gaps in 4G LTE coverage throughout the country that need to be addressed through Mobility
Fund Phase II. The primary focus of Mobility Fund Phase II will be targeting our necessarily
limited universal service funds to promote 4G LTE service in areas where it might not otherwise
be expanded or sustained without federal support. With that goal in mind, the Commission is
working to address the key structural and operational issues for a Phase II fund, including the
appropriate budget, eligible geographic areas, proper distribution methodology, and the public
interest obligations of support recipients.
I appreciate your interest in this matter. Please let me know if I can be of any further
assistance.
Sincerely,
Tom Wheeler