166 MITCH McCONNELL KENTUCKY 317 RUSSELL SENATE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON, DC 20510-1702 (202) 224-2541 February 17,2017 Mr. Ajit Pai Chairman Federal Communications Commission 445 12th Street SW Washington, D.C. 20554-0004 Dear Chairman Pai: MAJORITY LEADER COMMITTEES: AGRICULTURE APPROPRIATIONS RULES AND ADMIN ISTRATION Received ~ tMnected FtB 27 ZOH . FCC Mall Room I understand that you recently announced the formation ofthe Federal Communication Commission ' s Broadband Deployment Advisory Committee, which will be responsible for putting forth new ideas pertaining to the effective deployment of broadband across this nation. Given that you are accepting nominations for this committee, I want to write in support of a very impressive Kentuckian, Brian Mefford, who I believe merits consideration. As I am sure you are aware from receiving Mr. Mefford's application, he has a wide breadth of experience in the telecommunications industry. Presently, he is founder and CEO of Connected Nation Exchange, a spinoff of another company he founded, Connected Nation. Both entities have had as their primary missions the expansion of wireless access and closure of the digital divide. Along with these endeavors, Mr. Mefford has had an opportunity to work alongside the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation on an ancillary initiative, Opportunity Online, to encourage and support the concept of public libraries as hubs for wireless activity and workforce development in rural communities. This brief snapshot of Mr. Mefford ' s career evidences his devotion to and passion for improving the digital landscape. A man of such experience and talents, in my opinion, would be a worthy addition to the FCC's committee. As such, I ask that you give thoughtful deliberation to his application and nomination for service on this committee. Thank you for your time. Sincerely, ~~ MITCH McCONNELL UNITED STATES SENATOR MM/jw cc: Mignon Clyburn, Commissioner, Federal Communications Commission Michael O'Rielly, Commissioner, Federal Communications Commission FEDERAL BUILDING 241 EAST MAIN STREET ROOM 102 BOWLING GREEN, KY 42101 (270) 781-1673 1885 DIXIE HiGHWAY SUITE 345 FORT WRIGHT, KY 41011 (859) 578-0188 771 CORPORATE DRIVE SUITE 108 LEXINGTON, KY 40503 (859) 224-8286 300 SouTH MAIN SUITE 310 LONDON, KY 40741 (606)864-2026 601 WEST BROADWAY SUITE 630 LOUISVILLE, KY 40202 (502) 582-6304 100 FOUNTAIN AVENUE SUITE 300 PADUCAH, KY 42001 (270)442-4554