PATRICK E. M URPHY 
1 8TH DISTRICT, FLORIDA 
WAS HI NGTON OFFICE: 
211 C AN N ON H OUSE OFFICE B U ILDING 
WASHINGTON, D C 20515 
(202) 225- 3026 
FAX: (202 ) 225-8398 
www.patrickm urphy .house.gov C!Congre~~ of tbe Wntteb ~tate~ 
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wmla%bington. 1\(1( 20515- 0918 
The Honorable Tom Wheeler 
Chairman 
Federal Communications Commission 
445 12th Street SW 
Washington, DC 20554 
Dear Chairman Wheeler, 
October 7, 2016 
COMMITIEES 
FINAN CI AL SERVICES 
SUBCOMM ITIEES: 
C APITAL MARKETS AND 
G OVERNMENT S PONSORED ENTERPRISES 
MONETARY POLICY AND T RADE 
INTELLIGENCE 
SUBCOMM ITIEES: 
O VER HEAD ARCHITE CTU RE AND 
D EPARTMENT OF D EFENSE INTELLIGENCE 
NATIONAL SECURITY AGENCY 
AND CYBERSECURITY 
As Hurricane Matthew continues to threaten Florida and states along the east coast, data overage 
charges should be waived for individuals in areas being impacted by the hurricane. I urge you 
work within your authorities as well as with telecommunication companies so that Florida 
residents and others impacted by Hurricane Matthew can communicate and receive vital public 
safety information without concerns of excessive costs. 
As you know, many rely on their cellular phones and mobile devices, especially during natural 
disasters. However, without Wi-Fi, which can often be down during hurricanes, many are limited 
in the amount of data they can use without facing financial penalties. Suspending data overage 
fees will help put safety first by allowing those impacted by a hurricane to access updated 
weather information, receive alerts from law enforcement and emergency officials, and 
communicate with loved ones. 
I applaud companies that are already waiving data overage charges and ask the FCC to work 
with other providers to emphasize the value to public safety of doing so. 
Thank you for your quick attention to this matter. 
Sincerely, 
~~ I Patrick E. Murphy ' · . 
MEMBER OF CONGRESS 
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