C!Congre~~ of tbe Wniteb ~tate~ J}ousc of l\cprcscntatibcs 347 mtasbington, ll~ 20515-4706 June5,2019 The Honorable Ajit Pai The Honorable Michael O'Rielly Chairman, Federal Communications Commission Commissioner, Federal Communications 445 12th Street, SW Commission Washington, DC 20554 445 12th Street, SW Washington, DC 20554 The Honorable Brendan Carr The Honorable Jessica Rosenworcel Commissioner, Federal Communications Commissioner, Federal Communications Commission Commission 445 12th Street, SW 445 12th Street, SW Washington, DC 20554 Washington, DC 20554 The Honorable Geoffrey Starks Commissioner, Federal Communications Commission 44~ 12th Street, SW Washington, DC 20554 Dear Commissioners, Washington, just like the Federal Communications Commission, has long been a leader in the effort to expand rural broadband connectivity, and we hope the Commission will consider our suggestions on this important topic. Given that broadband is critical to the way we live and work, the Governor of Washington's new "Broadband Office" is tasked with making broadband connectivity available in every comer of our state. We believe that by working together, the federal and state governments and private partners can ensure that residents throughout our state have greater access to educational, health and economic opportunities that broadband can enable. First, we believe that having accurate data is critical to solving the rural broadband gap. Currently, the Commission's data suggest that 1. 7 percent - or approximately 122,000 - of Washingtonians do not have access to broadband. Based on other available data and anecdotal evidence we have heard from our constituents, we believe the Commission's data may be overstating the availability of broadband. Microsoft, based in our home state, collected data that suggest 44.8 percent of Washingtonians are not using the internet at broadband speeds. Of course, access and usage are two different metrics, but a gap of more than 40 percentage points between those who have broadband available to them and those who choose to use that broadband suggests that the data deserve a second look. We ask that the Commission consider incorporating its own subscription data as well as third party data to improve its broadband availability data and define policy outcomes. Using a variety of data points will PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER provide not only the Commission, but also other interested and invested stakeholders, a more complete, contextual understanding of broadband needs across the country. We also believe that ensuring affordable access to TV white spaces technology (TVWS) is a critical component of bridging the rural broadband gap. Pilot programs for TVWS technology have already been deployed to great effect in Washington. For example, Microsoft and Native Network have entered into a commercial partnership that will use TVWS technology to build a network that will eventually reach tens of thousands of people within tribal communities in Washington and Montana. Unfortunately, TVWS technology is currently deployed on a relatively small scale in part because of the number of regulatory barriers that still stand in its way. We were encouraged by the Commission recently adopting final rules in two outstanding TVWS technology orders. To build on this momentum, we hope the Commission will issue a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to adopt technical rules that will advance the affordable deployment of TVWS in rural areas. This will enable greater use of TV white spaces spectrum and provide opportunities such as narrowband loT scenarios such as precision agriculture. We appreciate your attention to Washington's - and our nation's - rural broadband gap. As always, we welcome the chance to be of assistance to the Commission as you move forward on reforming broadband mapping methodologies and accelerating TVWS where it is needed the most. We are confident that together we can work toward achieving these goals. Sincerely, Cathy McMorris Rodgers Member of Congress ~~Dan New use Rick Larsen Member of Congress Member of Congress Adam Smith Member of Congress Jaim'l!~ Member of Congress Member of Congress