WHAT THEY’RE SAYING ABOUT CHAIRMAN PAI’S PROPOSED $9 BILLION 5G FUND Government U.S. Chief Technology Officer Michael Kratsios: “From agriculture to health care, 5G has the potential to bring incredible benefits to rural Americans. Important announcement today from @AjitPaiFCC and @FCC on promoting 5G deployment and innovation in every corner of our country.” (Tweet, 12/4/19) Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation Chairman Roger Wicker (MS): “The FCC’s new 5G Fund would be an important investment to deliver next-generation wireless technology to rural areas. I am particularly encouraged that the new fund would expand the availability of precision agriculture.” (Tweet, 12/5/19) Senate Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, Innovation, and the Internet Chairman John Thune (SD): “I appreciate Chairman @AjitPaiFCC’s focus on making sure rural areas, like the areas in my home state of South Dakota, have access to next-generation wireless technology.” (Tweet, 12/5/19) Sen. Jerry Moran (KS): “I applaud the FCC and Chairman @AjitPaiFCC for taking this critical step that will lead to more accurate data and result in a more effective distribution of resources to bridge the digital divide. I’m looking forward to learning more about the 5G fund and how it will impact KS.” (Tweet, 12/5/19) Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA): “Totally agree, @AjitPaiFCC. We can’t leave rural America behind if we want to beat China in the race to 5G.” (Tweet, 12/4/19) Rep. Rob Wittman (VA): “It is good to see @AjitPaiFCC focus on ensuring rural connectivity. We must focus on narrowing the digital divide that hinders rural communities and win the race to 5G with China.” (Tweet, 12/5/19) Rep. Rick Crawford (AR): “@AjitPaiFCC and the President continue to ensure rural America is a part of our ever-changing economy and lifestyles. This fund will also dedicate at least $1b for agriculture. This is an awesome announcement and one that rural America will celebrate!” (Tweet, 12/4/19) West Virginia House of Delegates Speaker Roger Hanshaw: “Thank you Chairman @AjitPaiFCC for your continued efforts to ensure rural Americans have access to the latest high-speed wireless technologies. We plan to continue doing everything we can at the state level to promote access & development of this crucial infrastructure in WV.” (Tweet, 12/4/19) Agricultural Groups, Consumer Advocates, and Industry Agriculture Broadband Coalition: “The Agriculture Broadband Coalition applauds Chairman Pai’s continued efforts to bring advanced wireless services to rural America by establishing the new 5G fund. The ABC enthusiastically welcomes the Chairman’s recognition that America’s farmers and ranchers have unique wireless connectivity needs and the plan to set aside at least $ 1 billion of the new fund to promote precision agriculture. Expanded deployment of a full range of advanced mobile and fixed broadband technologies in rural areas, including 5G, is key to supporting precision agriculture technologies on croplands and ranchlands and essential for a vibrant rural America.” (Press Release, 12/11/19) National Grange: “This truly is a huge leap forward for every rural community struggling to prosper because of the digital divide. … The Chairman has been always had a listening ear and an open mind when it comes to rural concerns, especially related to broadband. Under his tenure, Chairman Pai has done so much within his area of influence to advance rural communities. This is a win across the boards. For people at home, for farmers in the fields, for children in classrooms and patients in rural clinics or hospitals, there is so much good that can come from a move like this and we look forward to even greater investments like this that help rural communities thrive, because we know when rural communities thrive, all of the nation does as well.” (Press Release, 12/5/19) Rural & Agricultural Council of America: “The establishment of the 5G Fund will change the landscape of broadband deployment in rural America by pushing carriers to go beyond city centers and provide fast, reliable wireless coverage in areas that need it most. With up to $1 billion reserved for deployments facilitating precision agriculture needs, we commend the FCC for moving ever closer to closing the digital divide between rural and urban areas.” (Press Release, 12/10/19 Citizens Against Government Waste: “This is an important step to ensure taxpayer resources are put to the best possible use for now and into the future.” (Statement, 12/4/19) Connected Nation: “We LOVE what this says about connecting rural areas, businesses, and precision agriculture.” (Tweet, 12/5/19) Taxpayers Protection Alliance: “Today, the FCC showed taxpayers that it respects their hard-earned dollars and is actively working to safeguard revenues. … And, fortunately, instead of doubling down on yesterday’s 4G LTE technology, the FCC will replace the planned Mobility Fund Phase II with a more careful system that prioritizes 5G deployment and will help close the digital divide.” (Statement, 12/4/19) Fiber Broadband Association: “Not only will this fund ensure that 5G mobile service reaches across the country, but because fiber connectivity is essential for 5G, it will accelerate the deployment of fiber to rural areas, enhancing high-performance broadband connectivity for other purposes, including Internet access, IoT services, and smart community applications.” (Letter, 12/5/19) National Association of Tower Erectors: “NATE applauds FCC Chairman Pai for his leadership and initiative for unveiling a plan to establish a $9 billion fund that will play a critical role in helping close the digital divide and ultimately make 5G wireless services a reality in rural America.” (Statement, 12/4/19) Qualcomm: “Great way to demonstrate inclusivity – Rural America will not be left behind in exploring the endless possibilities that #5G is bringing.” (Tweet, 12/4/19) ### Office of Chairman Ajit Pai: (202) 418-1000 Twitter: @AjitPaiFCC www.fcc.gov/leadership/ajit-pai This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action. Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action. See MCI v. FCC, 515 F.2d 385 (D.C. Cir. 1974).