WASHINGTON OFFICE: FLAGSTAFF OFACE: 324 CANNON House OmcE BUILDING 405 N. BEAVER ST., SUITE 6 WASHINGTON, DC 20515 FLAGSTAFF, A:z. 86001 (202) 22!;.-3361 (9281 286-5338 FAX: (202) 22!>-3462 FAX: (928) 77~310 CASA GRANDE OFACE: 21 1 N. FLORENCE ST.. SUITE 1 CASA GRANDE, A:z. 85122 (5201316-0839 FAX: (520) 316-0842 TOM O'HALLERAN 1ST DISTRICT, ARIZONA 329 May 31, 2019 The Honorable Ajit V. Pai, Chairman Federal Communications Commission 445 12th Street NW Washington, D.C. 20554 Chairman Pai, Thank you for appearing before the Energy and Commerce Committee to answer our questions regarding the ongoing activity at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to modernize our telecommunications ecosystem and closing the digital divide. As the U.S. Representative for Arizona's First Congressional District, I am writing to seek additional clarification on matters related to the FCC's work in facilitating broadband deployment to rural communities. Following the FCC's recent 2019 Broadband Deployment Report, which contains data that may overstate current connectivity levels, it is becoming abundantly clear that more work must be done to connect rural communities to the internet, so they may compete in a modem and global economy. To this end, please provide detailed answers to the following questions: 1) The FCC has had an open proceeding to modernize Form 477 for determining where broadband coverage exists and where it does not. Where does the Commission currently stand in this proceeding, and when can Congress expect a rulemaking? 2) The recent Connect America Fund Phase II auction fund disbursements announced on May 14th are sorely needed to invest in infrastructure across rural America. What are the potential ramifications of awarding funding for broadband infrastructure without an accurate National Broadband Map? 3) Last month, you announced with the President the "Rural Digital Opportunity Fund" to invest $20 billion over 10 years to bring high-speed connections to rural communities. Specifically, how will this fund be additive, and not duplicative, to already existing Universal Service Fund programs? PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER Thank you for your attention to these questions as we all strive to expeditiously close the digital divide and bring connectivity to Rural America. Please don't hesitate to reach out to my office at 202-225-3361, with any questions. I look forward to hearing from you. Sincere~ ~ / A , I ~ lJ ( (~ - - Tom O'Halleran Member of Congress