FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE OF THE CHAIRMAN May 23, 2019 The Honorable Ron Johnson United States Senate 32$ Hart Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 Dear Senator Johnson: Thank you for your letter regarding broadband mapping. Closing the digital divide is my top priority. I have seen for myself in 45 states, including Wisconsin, and the territories of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands what affordable high-speed Internet access can do for a community for its families, its schools, its hospitals, its farms, its businesses as well as the impact of its absence. I agree that using updated and accurate broadband deployment data is critical to bridging the digital divide. We need to understand where broadband is available and where it is not to target our efforts and direct funding to areas that are most in needed. That is why the Commission two basic reforms to the collection of broadband data when I came into office. First, we initiated a new data collection for mobile broadband coverage as part of Phase II of the Mobility fund (which included a robust challenge process). Second, we began a top-to-bottom review of the Form 477 process to ensure that broadband data was more accurate, granular, and ultimately useful to the Commission and the public. In your letter, you ask the Commission seriously consider verifications mechanisms, specifically a challenge process to improve the validation of data submitted to broadband availability databases. I believe a public feedback mechanism could improve the Commission s broadband coverage maps and Form 477 data. Indeed, as you may know, the Commission s Speed Test App is one way that consumers can currently participate in collecting data about broadband deployment, and it has proven to be a useful tool for assessing service availability. I ve asked Commission staff to look into other ways to collect and use accurate data from many sources including consumers themselves to assemble a more reliable map. We are interested in developing methods for the submission of reliable, consumer-driven data to better inform the Commission s decision making in this area. We would be happy to receive any input you or your staff might have on how to establish and implement such methods. I appreciate your continued interest in working with the FCC to close the digital divide and look forward to continuing to collaborate on this issue. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. Sincerely, () (j&iitV. Pai FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE OF THE CHAIRMAN May 23, 2019 The Honorable Tammy Baldwin United States Senate 709 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 Dear Senator Baldwin: Thank you for your letter regarding broadband mapping. Closing the digital divide is my top priority. I have seen for myself in 45 states, including Wisconsin, and the territories of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands what affordable high-speed Internet access can do for a community for its families, its schools, its hospitals, its farms, its businesses as well as the impact of its absence. I agree that using updated and accurate broadband deployment data is critical to bridging the digital divide. We need to understand where broadband is available and where it is not to target our efforts and direct funding to areas that are most in needed. That is why the Commission two basic reforms to the collection of broadband data when I came into office. First, we initiated a new data collection for mobile broadband coverage as part of Phase II of the Mobility fund (which included a robust challenge process). Second, we began a top-to-bottom review of the Form 477 process to ensure that broadband data was more accurate, granular, and ultimately useful to the Commission and the public. In your letter, you ask the Commission seriously consider verifications mechanisms, specifically a challenge process to improve the validation of data submitted to broadband availability databases. I believe a public feedback mechanism could improve the Commission s broadband coverage maps and Form 477 data. Indeed, as you may know, the Commission s Speed Test App is one way that consumers can currently participate in collecting data about broadband deployment, and it has proven to be a useful tool for assessing service availability. I ve asked Commission staff to look into other ways to collect and use accurate data from many sources including consumers themselves to assemble a more reliable map. We are interested in developing methods for the submission of reliable, consumer-driven data to better inform the Commission s decision making in this area. We would be happy to receive any input you or your staff might have on how to establish and implement such methods. I appreciate your continued interest in working with the FCC to close the digital divide and look forward to continuing to collaborate on this issue. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. Sincerely, V. Pai FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE OF THE CHAIRMAN May 23, 2019 The Honorable Jim Sensenbrenner U.S. House of Representatives 2449 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 Dear Congressman Sensenbrenner: Thank you for your letter regarding broadband mapping. Closing the digital divide is my top priority. I have seen for myself in 45 states, including Wisconsin, and the territories of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands what affordable high-speed Internet access can do for a community for its families, its schools, its hospitals, its farms, its businesses as well as the impact of its absence. I agree that using updated and accurate broadband deployment data is critical to bridging the digital divide. We need to understand where broadband is available and where it is not to target our efforts and direct funding to areas that are most in needed. That is why the Commission two basic reforms to the collection of broadband data when I came into office. first, we initiated a new data collection for mobile broadband coverage as part of Phase II of the Mobility fund (which included a robust challenge process). Second, we began a top-to-bottom review of the Form 477 process to ensure that broadband data was more accurate, granular, and ultimately useful to the Commission and the public. In your letter, you ask the Commission seriously consider verifications mechanisms, specifically a challenge process to improve the validation of data submitted to broadband availability databases. I believe a public feedback mechanism could improve the Commission s broadband coverage maps and form 477 data. Indeed, as you may know, the Commission s Speed Test App is one way that consumers can currently participate in collecting data about broadband deployment, and it has proven to be a useful tool for assessing service availability. I ve asked Commission staff to look into other ways to collect and use accurate data from many sources including consumers themselves to assemble a more reliable map. We are interested in developing methods for the submission of reliable, consumer-driven data to better inform the Commission s decision making in this area. We would be happy to receive any input you or your staff might have on how to establish and implement such methods. I appreciate your continued interest in working with the FCC to close the digital divide and look forward to continuing to collaborate on this issue. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. Sincerely,v.? V. Pai FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE OF THE CHAIRMAN May 23, 2019 The Honorable Ron Kind U.S. House of Representatives 1502 Longworth House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 Dear Congressman Kind: Thank you for your letter regarding broadband mapping. Closing the digital divide is my top priority. I have seen for myself in 45 states, including Wisconsin, and the territories of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands what affordable high-speed Internet access can do for a community for its families, its schools, its hospitals, its farms, its businesses as well as the impact of its absence. I agree that using updated and accurate broadband deployment data is critical to bridging the digital divide. We need to understand where broadband is available and where it is not to target our efforts and direct funding to areas that are most in needed. That is why the Commission two basic reforms to the collection of broadband data when I came into office. First, we initiated a new data collection for mobile broadband coverage as part of Phase II of the Mobility fund (which included a robust challenge process). Second, we began a top-to-bottom review of the Form 477 process to ensure that broadband data was more accurate, granular, and ultimately useful to the Commission and the public. In your letter, you ask the Commission seriously consider verifications mechanisms, specifically a challenge process to improve the validation of data submitted to broadband availability databases. I believe a public feedback mechanism could improve the Commission s broadband coverage maps and Form 477 data. Indeed, as you may know, the Commission s Speed Test App is one way that consumers can currently participate in collecting data about broadband deployment, and it has proven to be a useful tool for assessing service availability. I ve asked Commission staff to look into other ways to collect and use accurate data from many sources including consumers themselves to assemble a more reliable map. We are interested in developing methods for the submission of reliable, consumer-driven data to better inform the Commission s decision making in this area. We would be happy to receive any input you or your staff might have on how to establish and implement such methods. I appreciate your continued interest in working with the FCC to close the digital divide and look forward to continuing to collaborate on this issue. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. Sincerely, V. Pal FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE OF THE CHAIRMAN May23, 2019 The Honorable Gwen Moore U.S. House of Representatives 2252 Raybum House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 Dear Congresswoman Moore: Thank you for your letter regarding broadband mapping. Closing the digital divide is my top priority. I have seen for myself in 45 states, including Wisconsin, and the territories of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands what affordable high-speed Internet access can do for a community for its families, its schools, its hospitals, its farms, its businesses as well as the impact of its absence. I agree that using updated and accurate broadband deployment data is critical to bridging the digital divide. We need to understand where broadband is available and where it is not to target our efforts and direct funding to areas that are most in needed. That is why the Commission two basic reforms to the collection of broadband data when I came into office. First, we initiated a new data collection for mobile broadband coverage as part of Phase II of the Mobility fund (which included a robust challenge process). Second, we began a top-to-bottom review of the Form 477 process to ensure that broadband data was more accurate, granular, and ultimately useful to the Commission and the public. In your letter, you ask the Commission seriously consider verifications mechanisms, specifically a challenge process to improve the validation of data submitted to broadband availability databases. I believe a public feedback mechanism could improve the Commission s broadband coverage maps and Form 477 data. Indeed, as you may know, the Commission s Speed Test App is one way that consumers can currently participate in collecting data about broadband deployment, and it has proven to be a useful tool for assessing service availability. I ve asked Commission staff to look into other ways to collect and use accurate data from many sources including consumers themselves to assemble a more reliable map. We are interested in developing methods for the submission of reliable, consumer-driven data to better inform the Commission s decision making in this area. We would be happy to receive any input you or your staff might have on how to establish and implement such methods. I appreciate your continued interest in working with the FCC to close the digital divide and look forward to continuing to collaborate on this issue. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. Sincerely, V. Pai FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASH INGTON OFFICE OF THE CHAIRMAN May23, 2019 The Honorable Sean P. Duffy U.S. House of Representatives 2330 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 Dear Congressman Duffy: Thank you for your letter regarding broadband mapping. Closing the digital divide is my top priority. I have seen for myself in 45 states, including Wisconsin, and the territories of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands what affordable high-speed Internet access can do for a community for its families, its schools, its hospitals, its farms, its businesses as well as the impact of its absence. I agree that using updated and accurate broadband deployment data is critical to bridging the digital divide. We need to understand where broadband is available and where it is not to target our efforts and direct funding to areas that are most in needed. That is why the Commission two basic reforms to the collection of broadband data when I came into office. First, we initiated a new data collection for mobile broadband coverage as part of Phase II of the Mobility fund (which included a robust challenge process). Second, we began a top-to-bottom review of the Form 477 process to ensure that broadband data was more accurate, granular, and ultimately useful to the Commission and the public. In your letter, you ask the Commission seriously consider verifications mechanisms, specifically a challenge process to improve the validation of data submitted to broadband availability databases. I believe a public feedback mechanism could improve the Commission s broadband coverage maps and Form 477 data. Indeed, as you may know, the Commission s Speed Test App is one way that consumers can currently participate in collecting data about broadband deployment, and it has proven to be a useful tool for assessing service availability. I ve asked Commission staff to look into other ways to collect and use accurate data from many sources including consumers themselves to assemble a more reliable map. We are interested in developing methods for the submission of reliable, consumer-driven data to better inform the Commission s decision making in this area. We would be happy to receive any input you or your staff might have on how to establish and implement such methods. I appreciate your continued interest in working with the FCC to close the digital divide and look forward to continuing to collaborate on this issue. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. CvSincerely, (J\JitV. Pal FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASH INGTON OFFICE OF THE CHAIRMAN May 23, 2019 The Honorable Mark Pocan U.S. House of Representatives 1421 Longworth House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 Dear Congressman Pocan: Thank you for your letter regarding broadband mapping. Closing the digital divide is my top priority. I have seen for myself in 45 states, including Wisconsin, and the territories of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands what affordable high-speed Internet access can do for a community for its families, its schools, its hospitals, its farms, its businesses as well as the impact of its absence. I agree that using updated and accurate broadband deployment data is critical to bridging the digital divide. We need to understand where broadband is available and where it is not to target our efforts and direct funding to areas that are most in needed. That is why the Commission two basic reforms to the collection of broadband data when I came into office. First, we initiated a new data collection for mobile broadband coverage as part of Phase II of the Mobility fund (which included a robust challenge process). Second, we began a top-to-bottom review of the Form 477 process to ensure that broadband data was more accurate, granular, and ultimately useful to the Commission and the public. In your letter, you ask the Commission seriously consider verifications mechanisms, specifically a challenge process to improve the validation of data submitted to broadband availability databases. I believe a public feedback mechanism could improve the Commission s broadband coverage maps and form 477 data. Indeed, as you may know, the Commission s Speed Test App is one way that consumers can currently participate in collecting data about broadband deployment, and it has proven to be a useful tool for assessing service availability. I ve asked Commission staff to look into other ways to collect and use accurate data from many sources including consumers themselves to assemble a more reliable map. We are interested in developing methods for the submission of reliable, consumer-driven data to better inform the Commission s decision making in this area. We would be happy to receive any input you or your staff might have on how to establish and implement such methods. I appreciate your continued interest in working with the FCC to close the digital divide and look forward to continuing to collaborate on this issue. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. Sincerely, f jitV.Pai FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASH INGTON OFFICE OF THE CHAIRMAN May 23, 2019 The Honorable Glenn Grothman U.S. House of Representatives 1217 Longworth House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 Dear Congressman Grothman: Thank you for your letter regarding broadband mapping. Closing the digital divide is my top priority. I have seen for myself in 45 states, including Wisconsin, and the territories of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands what affordable high-speed Internet access can do for a community for its families, its schools, its hospitals, its farms, its businesses as well as the impact of its absence. I agree that using updated and accurate broadband deployment data is critical to bridging the digital divide. We need to understand where broadband is available and where it is not to target our efforts and direct funding to areas that are most in needed. That is why the Commission two basic reforms to the collection of broadband data when 1came into office. First, we initiated a new data collection for mobile broadband coverage as part of Phase II of the Mobility fund (which included a robust challenge process). Second, we began a top-to-bottom review of the form 477 process to ensure that broadband data was more accurate, granular, and ultimately useful to the Commission and the public. In your letter, you ask the Commission seriously consider verifications mechanisms, specifically a challenge process to improve the validation of data submitted to broadband availability databases. I believe a public feedback mechanism could improve the Commission s broadband coverage maps and Form 477 data. Indeed, as you may know, the Commission s Speed Test App is one way that consumers can currently participate in collecting data about broadband deployment, and it has proven to be a useful tool for assessing service availability. I ve asked Commission staff to look into other ways to collect and use accurate data from many sources including consumers themselves to assemble a more reliable map. We are interested in developing methods for the submission of reliable, consumer-driven data to better inform the Commission s decision making in this area. We would be happy to receive any input you or your staff might have on how to establish and implement such methods. I appreciate your continued interest in working with the FCC to close the digital divide and look forward to continuing to collaborate on this issue. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. Sincerely, (JkiitV. Pai FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE OF THE CHAIRMAN May23, 2019 The Honorable Mike Gallagher U.S. House of Representatives 1007 Longworth House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 Dear Congressman Gallagher: Thank you for your letter regarding broadband mapping. Closing the digital divide is my top priority. I have seen for myself in 45 states, including Wisconsin, and the territories of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands what affordable high-speed Internet access can do for a community for its families, its schools, its hospitals, its farms, its businesses as well as the impact of its absence. I agree that using updated and accurate broadband deployment data is critical to bridging the digital divide. We need to understand where broadband is available and where it is not to target our efforts and direct funding to areas that are most in needed. That is why the Commission two basic reforms to the collection of broadband data when I came into office. First, we initiated a new data collection for mobile broadband coverage as part of Phase II of the Mobility fund (which included a robust challenge process). Second, we began a top-to-bottom review of the Form 477 process to ensure that broadband data was more accurate, granular, and ultimately useful to the Commission and the public. In your letter, you ask the Commission seriously consider verifications mechanisms, specifically a challenge process to improve the validation of data submitted to broadband availability databases. I believe a public feedback mechanism could improve the Commission s broadband coverage maps and Form 477 data. Indeed, as you may know, the Commission s Speed Test App is one way that consumers can currently participate in collecting data about broadband deployment, and it has proven to be a useful tool for assessing service availability. I ve asked Commission staff to look into other ways to collect and use accurate data from many sources including consumers themselves to assemble a more reliable map. We are interested in developing methods for the submission of reliable, consumer-driven data to better inform the Commission s decision making in this area. We would be happy to receive any input you or your staff might have on how to establish and implement such methods. I appreciate your continued interest in working with the FCC to close the digital divide and look forward to continuing to collaborate on this issue. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. Sincerely, -. Jit V. Pai FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON AMIsSO OFFICE OF THE CHAIRMAN May 23, 2019 The Honorable Bryan Steil U.S. House of Representatives 1408 Longworth House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 Dear Congressman Steil: Thank you for your letter regarding broadband mapping. Closing the digital divide is my top priority. I have seen for myself in 45 states, including Wisconsin, and the territories of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands what affordable high-speed Internet access can do for a community for its families, its schools, its hospitals, its farms, its businesses as well as the impact of its absence. I agree that using updated and accurate broadband deployment data is critical to bridging the digital divide. We need to understand where broadband is available and where it is not to target our efforts and direct funding to areas that are most in needed. That is why the Commission two basic reforms to the collection of broadband data when I came into office. first, we initiated a new data collection for mobile broadband coverage as part of Phase II of the Mobility fund (which included a robust challenge process). Second, we began a top-to-bottom review of the Form 477 process to ensure that broadband data was more accurate, granular, and ultimately useful to the Commission and the public. In your letter, you ask the Commission seriously consider verifications mechanisms, specifically a challenge process to improve the validation of data submitted to broadband availability databases. I believe a public feedback mechanism could improve the Commission s broadband coverage maps and Form 477 data. Indeed, as you may know, the Commission s Speed Test App is one way that consumers can currently participate in collecting data about broadband deployment, and it has proven to be a useful tool for assessing service availability. I ve asked Commission staff to look into other ways to collect and use accurate data from many sources including consumers themselves to assemble a more reliable map. We are interested in developing methods for the submission of reliable, consumer-driven data to better inform the Commission s decision making in this area. We would be happy to receive any input you or your staff might have on how to establish and implement such methods. I appreciate your continued interest in working with the FCC to close the digital divide and look forward to continuing to collaborate on this issue. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. jit V. Pai