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The Honorable Ajit Pai 
Chairman 
Federal Communications Commission 
445 12111 Street SW , 
Washington, DC 20554 
Dear Chairman Pai: 
WASHINGTON. DC 20510 
September 6, 2017 
In March 2017, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) adopted key rules for a competitive 
reverse auction of remaining funds under the Cotmect America Fund, which will provide nearly $2 
billion to expand broadband access in rural America. We look forward to the FCC quickly completing 
its next steps to implement the Connect Am erica Fund Phase II (CAF-II) auction and we discourage any 
eff01ts to delay implementation. 
Rural areas tluˇoughout our state, pa1iicularly in Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula, face major 
challenges when it comes to broadband access. In adopting its final rules for the CAF-II auction, the 
FCC has considered these challenges and conducted a thorough review of a detailed and extensive 
record. The final rules reflect a balanced approach that will help ensure all broadband teclmologies can 
bid competitively. While there is still work to be done to finalize and implement the CAF-ll auction, we 
are concemed about effmts to delay the FCC's ongoing work or alter the adopted mles. Additionally, we 
urge the Conunission to adopt robust screens before the auction statts to prevent ineligible bidders from 
participating. Reviewing all teclmical infonnation before the auction begins will prevent fraud and help 
protect consumers in unserved areas. 
Thank you again for your commitment to closing the digita l divide in Michigan and across our nation. 
The CAF-IT auction rules are an important patt of the FCC's work to provide essenti al broadband access 
to every American. We look forward to the FCC swiftly completing its next steps in the CAF-U auction 
so that mral Mjchiganders can soon benefit from these efforts. 
Sincerely, 
United States Senator