(cap)page 2-the honorable emanuel cleaver funding will be used efficiently to deliver the best...

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FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE OF THE CHAIRMAN March 21, 2016 The Honorable Emanuel Cleaver U.S. House of Representatives 2335 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 Dear Congressman Cleaver: Thank you for your letter urging the Commission to adopt rules for the Connect America Fund (CAP) Phase II reverse auction that would promote the deployment of high-speed, long- term broadband networks in Missouri. Your views are very important and will be included in the record of the proceeding and considered as part of the Commission's review. I share your interest in bridging the rural digital divide in our country, particularly as Americans become increasingly reliant on broadband for job opportunities, healthcare, education, public safety, and civic participation. The universal service program is one of the most important tools at our disposal to ensure that consumers and businesses in rural America have the same opportunities as their urban and suburban counterparts to be active participants in the 2pt century economy. Last September, I circulated an Order for the consideration of my fellow Commissioners that would address the framework for the CAP Phase II competitive bidding process. In December, I circulated an updated draft Order that addressed concerns raised by other Commissioners' offices. I remain committed to completing the CAP Phase II auction framework as expeditiously as possible, and I will continue to work with my colleagues to resolve this important matter promptly. I agree that the structure for the CAP Phase II competitive bidding process should encourage both fiscal responsibility and the deployment of future-proof broadband networks. I can assure you that the Commission is focused on updating the universal service high-cost program to ensure that we are delivering the best possible voice and broadband experiences to rural areas not only for today, but in the future, all within the confines of the Connect America Fund's budget. In addition, underlying all of our reforms to the high-cost program is the shared principle that we should limit the use of ratepayer funds to support service in an area that is served by an unsubsidized voice and broadband provider. Your letter also emphasizes that the reverse auction process should enable broadband providers to compete with each other to provide the best services to the most unserved locations at the lowest cost. One of the primary policy goals of the competitive bidding process is to ensure widespread participation from all providers that can deliver a high-quality service. Simply put, more competition between providers means that finite universal service funding will be used efficiently to deliver the best possible solutions. As we move forward with

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Page 1: (CAP)Page 2-The Honorable Emanuel Cleaver funding will be used efficiently to deliver the best possible solutions. As we move forward with finalizing the structure of the CAP Phase

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION

WASHINGTON

OFFICE OF

THE CHAIRMANMarch 21, 2016

The Honorable Emanuel CleaverU.S. House of Representatives2335 Rayburn House Office BuildingWashington, D.C. 20515

Dear Congressman Cleaver:

Thank you for your letter urging the Commission to adopt rules for the Connect AmericaFund (CAP) Phase II reverse auction that would promote the deployment of high-speed, long-term broadband networks in Missouri. Your views are very important and will be included in therecord of the proceeding and considered as part of the Commission's review.

I share your interest in bridging the rural digital divide in our country, particularly asAmericans become increasingly reliant on broadband for job opportunities, healthcare,education, public safety, and civic participation. The universal service program is one of themost important tools at our disposal to ensure that consumers and businesses in rural Americahave the same opportunities as their urban and suburban counterparts to be active participants inthe 2pt century economy.

Last September, I circulated an Order for the consideration of my fellow Commissionersthat would address the framework for the CAP Phase II competitive bidding process. InDecember, I circulated an updated draft Order that addressed concerns raised by otherCommissioners' offices. I remain committed to completing the CAP Phase II auction frameworkas expeditiously as possible, and I will continue to work with my colleagues to resolve thisimportant matter promptly.

I agree that the structure for the CAP Phase II competitive bidding process shouldencourage both fiscal responsibility and the deployment of future-proof broadband networks. Ican assure you that the Commission is focused on updating the universal service high-costprogram to ensure that we are delivering the best possible voice and broadband experiences torural areas not only for today, but in the future, all within the confines of the Connect AmericaFund's budget. In addition, underlying all of our reforms to the high-cost program is the sharedprinciple that we should limit the use of ratepayer funds to support service in an area that isserved by an unsubsidized voice and broadband provider.

Your letter also emphasizes that the reverse auction process should enable broadbandproviders to compete with each other to provide the best services to the most unserved locationsat the lowest cost. One of the primary policy goals of the competitive bidding process is toensure widespread participation from all providers that can deliver a high-qualityservice. Simply put, more competition between providers means that finite universal servicefunding will be used efficiently to deliver the best possible solutions. As we move forward with

Page 2: (CAP)Page 2-The Honorable Emanuel Cleaver funding will be used efficiently to deliver the best possible solutions. As we move forward with finalizing the structure of the CAP Phase

Page 2-The Honorable Emanuel Cleaver

funding will be used efficiently to deliver the best possible solutions. As we move forward withfinalizing the structure of the CAP Phase II reverse auction, we will be giving full attention to thebest ways to ensure that rural communities, including those in Missouri, have access to robustand reliable broadband service.

I appreciate your interest in this matter. Please let me know if I can be of any furtherassistance.

Tom Wheeler

Page 3: (CAP)Page 2-The Honorable Emanuel Cleaver funding will be used efficiently to deliver the best possible solutions. As we move forward with finalizing the structure of the CAP Phase

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION

WASHINGTON

OFFICE OFTHE CHAIRMAN

March 21, 2016

The Honorable Sam GravesU.S. House of Representatives1415 Longworth House Office BuildingWashington, D.C. 20515

Dear Congressman Graves:

Thank: you for your letter urging the Commission to adopt rules for the Connect AmericaFund (CAF) Phase II reverse auction that would promote the deployment of high-speed, long-term broadband networks in Missouri. Your views are very important and will be included in therecord of the proceeding and considered as part of the Commission's review.

I share your interest in bridging the rural digital divide in our country, particularly asAmericans become increasingly reliant on broadband for job opportunities, healthcare,education, public safety, and civic participation. The universal service program is one of themost important tools at our disposal to ensure that consumers and businesses in rural Americahave the same opportunities as their urban and suburban counterparts to be active participants inthe 21 st century economy.

Last September, I circulated an Order for the consideration of my fellow Commissionersthat would address the framework for the CAF Phase II competitive bidding process. InDecember, I circulated an updated draft Order that addressed concerns raised by otherCommissioners' offices. I remain committed to completing the CAF Phase II auction frameworkas expeditiously as possible, and I will continue to work with my colleagues to resolve thisimportant matter promptly.

I agree that the structure for the CAF Phase II competitive bidding process shouldencourage both fiscal responsibility and the deployment of future-proof broadband networks. Ican assure you that the Commission is focused on updating the universal service high-costprogram to ensure that we are delivering the best possible voice and broadband experiences torural areas not only for today, but in the future, all within the confines of the Connect AmericaFund's budget. In addition, underlying all of our reforms to the high-cost program is the sharedprinciple that we should limit the use of ratepayer funds to support service in an area that isserved by an unsubsidized voice and broadband provider.

Your letter also emphasizes that the reverse auction process should enable broadbandproviders to compete with each other to provide the best services to the most unserved locationsat the lowest cost. One of the primary policy goals of the competitive bidding process is toensure widespread participation from all providers that can deliver a high-qualityservice. Simply put, more competition between providers means that finite universal servicefunding will be used efficiently to deliver the best possible solutions. As we move forward with

Page 4: (CAP)Page 2-The Honorable Emanuel Cleaver funding will be used efficiently to deliver the best possible solutions. As we move forward with finalizing the structure of the CAP Phase

Page 2-The Honorable Sam Graves

funding will be used efficiently to deliver the best possible solutions. As we move forward withfinalizing the structure of the CAF Phase II reverse auction, we will be giving full attention to thebest ways to ensure that rural communities, including those in Missouri, have access to robustand reliable broadband service.

I appreciate your interest in this matter. Please let me know if! can be of any furtherassistance.

Tom Wheeler

Page 5: (CAP)Page 2-The Honorable Emanuel Cleaver funding will be used efficiently to deliver the best possible solutions. As we move forward with finalizing the structure of the CAP Phase

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION

WASHINGTON

OFFICE OFTHE CHAIRMAN

March 21,2016

The Honorable Vicky HartzlerU.S. House of Representatives2235 Rayburn House Office BuildingWashington, D.C. 20515

Dear Congresswoman Hartzler:

Thank you for your letter urging the Commission to adopt rules for the Connect AmericaFund (CAP) Phase II reverse auction that would promote the deployment of high-speed, long-term broadband networks in Missouri. Your views are very important and will be included in therecord of the proceeding and considered as part of the Commission's review.

I share your interest in bridging the rural digital divide in our country, particularly asAmericans become increasingly reliant on broadband for job opportunities, healthcare,education, public safety, and civic participation. The universal service program is one of themost important tools at our disposal to ensure that consumers and businesses in rural Americahave the same opportunities as their urban and suburban counterparts to be active participants inthe 21 st century economy.

Last September, I circulated an Order for the consideration of my fellow Commissionersthat would address the framework for the CAP Phase II competitive bidding process. InDecember, I circulated an updated draft Order that addressed concerns raised by otherCommissioners' offices. I remain committed to completing the CAP Phase II auction frameworkas expeditiously as possible, and I will continue to work with my colleagues to resolve thisimportant matter promptly.

I agree that the structure for the CAP Phase II competitive bidding process shouldencourage both fiscal responsibility and the deployment of future-proof broadband networks. Ican assure you that the Commission is focused on updating the universal service high-costprogram to ensure that we are delivering the best possible voice and broadband experiences torural areas not only for today, but in the future, all within the confines of the Connect AmericaFund's budget. In addition, underlying all of our reforms to the high-cost program is the sharedprinciple that we should limit the use of ratepayer funds to support service in an area that isserved by an unsubsidized voice and broadband provider.

Your letter also emphasizes that the reverse auction process should enable broadbandproviders to compete with each other to provide the best services to the most unserved locationsat the lowest cost. One of the primary policy goals of the competitive bidding process is toensure widespread participation from all providers that can deliver a high-qualityservice. Simply put, more competition between providers means that finite universal servicefunding will be used efficiently to deliver the best possible solutions. As we move forward with

Page 6: (CAP)Page 2-The Honorable Emanuel Cleaver funding will be used efficiently to deliver the best possible solutions. As we move forward with finalizing the structure of the CAP Phase

Page 2-The Honorable Vicky Hartzler

funding will be used efficiently to deliver the best possible solutions. As we move forward withfinalizing the structure of the CAF Phase II reverse auction, we will be giving full attention to thebest ways to ensure that rural communities, including those in Missouri, have access to robustand reliable broadband service.

I appreciate your interest in this matter. Please let me know if I can be of any furtherassistance.

Tom Wheeler

Page 7: (CAP)Page 2-The Honorable Emanuel Cleaver funding will be used efficiently to deliver the best possible solutions. As we move forward with finalizing the structure of the CAP Phase

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION

WASHINGTON

OFFICE OF

THE CHAIRMANMarch 21,2016

The Honorable Billy LongU.S. House of Representatives1541 Longworth House Office BuildingWashington, D.C. 20515

Dear Congressman Long:

Thank: you for your letter urging the Commission to adopt rules for the Connect AmericaFund (CAF) Phase II reverse auction that would promote the deployment of high-speed, long-term broadband networks in Missouri. Your views are very important and will be included in therecord ofthe proceeding and considered as part of the Commission's review.

I share your interest in bridging the rural digital divide in our country, particularly asAmericans become increasingly reliant on broadband for job opportunities, healthcare,education, public safety, and civic participation. The universal service program is one of themost important tools at our disposal to ensure that consumers and businesses in rural Americahave the same opportunities as their urban and suburban counterparts to be active participants inthe 21 st century economy.

Last September, I circulated an Order for the consideration of my fellow Commissionersthat would address the framework for the CAP Phase II competitive bidding process. InDecember, I circulated an updated draft Order that addressed concerns raised by otherCommissioners' offices. I remain committed to completing the CAP Phase II auction frameworkas expeditiously as possible, and I will continue to work with my colleagues to resolve thisimportant matter promptly.

I agree that the structure for the CAP Phase II competitive bidding process shouldencourage both fiscal responsibility and the deployment of future-proof broadband networks. Ican assure you that the Commission is focused on updating the universal service high-costprogram to ensure that we are delivering the best possible voice and broadband experiences torural areas not only for today, but in the future, all within the confines of the Connect AmericaFund's budget. In addition, underlying all of our reforms to the high-cost program is the sharedprinciple that we should limit the use of ratepayer funds to support service in an area that isserved by an unsubsidized voice and broadband provider.

Your letter also emphasizes that the reverse auction process should enable broadbandproviders to compete with each other to provide the best services to the most unserved locationsat the lowest cost. One of the primary policy goals of the competitive bidding process is toensure widespread participation from all providers that can deliver a high-qualityservice. Simply put, more competition between providers means that finite universal servicefunding will be used efficiently to deliver the best possible solutions. As we rnove forward with

Page 8: (CAP)Page 2-The Honorable Emanuel Cleaver funding will be used efficiently to deliver the best possible solutions. As we move forward with finalizing the structure of the CAP Phase

Page 2-The Honorable Billy Long

funding will be used efficiently to deliver the best possible solutions. As we move forward withfinalizing the structure of the CAF Phase II reverse auction, we will be giving full attention to thebest ways to ensure that rural communities, including those in Missouri, have access to robustand reliable broadband service.

I appreciate your interest in this matter. Please let me know if! can be of any furtherassistance.

Tom Wheeler

Page 9: (CAP)Page 2-The Honorable Emanuel Cleaver funding will be used efficiently to deliver the best possible solutions. As we move forward with finalizing the structure of the CAP Phase

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION

WASHINGTON

OFFICE OF

THE CHAIRMANMarch 21,2016

The Honorable Blaine LuetkemeyerU.S. House of Representatives2440 Rayburn House Office BuildingWashington, D.C. 20515

Dear Congressman Luetkemeyer:

Thank you for your letter urging the Commission to adopt rules for the Connect AmericaFund (CAP) Phase II reverse auction that would promote the deployment of high-speed, long-term broadband networks in Missouri. Your views are very important and will be included in therecord ofthe proceeding and considered as part of the Commission's review.

I share your interest in bridging the rural digital divide in our country, particularly asAmericans become increasingly reliant on broadband for job opportunities, healthcare,education, public safety, and civic participation. The universal service program is one of themost important tools at our disposal to ensure that consumers and businesses in rural Americahave the same opportunities as their urban and suburban counterparts to be active participants inthe 21 st century economy.

Last September, I circulated an Order for the consideration of my fellow Commissionersthat would address the framework for the CAF Phase II competitive bidding process. InDecember, I circulated an updated draft Order that addressed concerns raised by otherCommissioners' offices. I remain committed to completing the CAF Phase II auction frameworkas expeditiously as possible, and I will continue to work with my colleagues to resolve thisimportant matter promptly.

I agree that the structure for the CAP Phase II competitive bidding process shouldencourage both fiscal responsibility and the deployment of future-proof broadband networks. Ican assure you that the Commission is focused on updating the universal service high-costprogram to ensure that we are delivering the best possible voice and broadband experiences torural areas not only for today, but in the future, all within the confines of the Connect AmericaFund's budget. In addition, underlying all of our reforms to the high-cost program is the sharedprinciple that we should limit the use of ratepayer funds to support service in an area that isserved by an unsubsidized voice and broadband provider.

Your letter also emphasizes that the reverse auction process should enable broadbandproviders to compete with each other to provide the best services to the most unserved locationsat the lowest cost. One of the primary policy goals of the competitive bidding process is toensure widespread participation from all providers that can deliver a high-qualityservice. Simply put, more competition between providers means that finite universal servicefunding will be used efficiently to deliver the best possible solutions. As we move forward with

Page 10: (CAP)Page 2-The Honorable Emanuel Cleaver funding will be used efficiently to deliver the best possible solutions. As we move forward with finalizing the structure of the CAP Phase

Page 2-The Honorable Blaine Luetkemeyer

funding will be used efficiently to deliver the best possible solutions. As we move forward withfmalizing the structure of the CAP Phase II reverse auction, we will be giving full attention to thebest ways to ensure that rural communities, including those in Missouri, have access to robustand reliable broadband service.

I appreciate your interest in this matter. Please let me know if I can be of any furtherassistance.

Tom Wheeler

Page 11: (CAP)Page 2-The Honorable Emanuel Cleaver funding will be used efficiently to deliver the best possible solutions. As we move forward with finalizing the structure of the CAP Phase

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION

WASHINGTON

OFFICE OF

THE CHAIRMANMarch 21,2016

The Honorable Jason Smithu.S. House of Representatives1118 Longworth House Office BuildingWashington, D.C. 20515

Dear Congressman Smith:

Thank you for your letter urging the Commission to adopt rules for the Connect AmericaFund (CAF) Phase II reverse auction that would promote the deployment of high-speed, long-term broadband networks in Missouri. Your views are very important and will be included in therecord of the proceeding and considered as part of the Commission's review.

I share your interest in bridging the rural digital divide in our country, particularly asAmericans become increasingly reliant on broadband for job opportunities, healthcare,education, public safety, and civic participation. The universal service program is one of themost important tools at our disposal to ensure that consumers and businesses in rural Americahave the same opportunities as their urban and suburban counterparts to be active participants inthe 2pt century economy.

Last September, I circulated an Order for the consideration of my fellow Commissionersthat would address the framework for the CAF Phase II competitive bidding process. InDecember, I circulated an updated draft Order that addressed concerns raised by otherCommissioners' offices. I remain committed to completing the CAF Phase II auction frameworkas expeditiously as possible, and I will continue to work with my colleagues to resolve thisimportant matter promptly.

I agree that the structure for the CAF Phase II competitive bidding process shouldencourage both fiscal responsibility and the deployment of future-proof broadband networks. Ican assure you that the Commission is focused on updating the universal service high-costprogram to ensure that we are delivering the best possible voice and broadband experiences torural areas not only for today, but in the future, all within the confines ofthe Connect AmericaFund's budget. In addition, underlying all of our reforms to the high-cost program is the sharedprinciple that we should limit the use of ratepayer funds to support service in an area that isserved by an unsubsidized voice and broadband provider.

Your letter also emphasizes that the reverse auction process should enable broadbandproviders to compete with each other to provide the best services to the most unserved locationsat the lowest cost. One of the primary policy goals of the competitive bidding process is toensure widespread participation from all providers that can deliver a high-qualityservice. Simply put, more competition between providers means that finite universal servicefunding will be used efficiently to deliver the best possible solutions. As we move forward with

Page 12: (CAP)Page 2-The Honorable Emanuel Cleaver funding will be used efficiently to deliver the best possible solutions. As we move forward with finalizing the structure of the CAP Phase

Page 2-The Honorable Jason Smith

funding will be used efficiently to deliver the best possible solutions. As we move forward withfinalizing the structure of the CAF Phase II reverse auction, we will be giving full attention to thebest ways to ensure that rural communities, including those in Missouri, have access to robustand reliable broadband service.

I appreciate your interest in this matter. Please let me know if! can be of any furtherassistance.

Sincerely, / ~.. ;'

b:,.f/tII~!~Tom Wheeler

Page 13: (CAP)Page 2-The Honorable Emanuel Cleaver funding will be used efficiently to deliver the best possible solutions. As we move forward with finalizing the structure of the CAP Phase

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION

WASHINGTON

OFFICE OF

THE CHAIRMANMarch 21,2016

The Honorable Ann WagnerU.S. House of Representatives435 Cannon House Office BuildingWashington, D.C. 20515

Dear Congresswoman Wagner:

Thank you for your letter urging the Commission to adopt rules for the Connect AmericaFund (CAF) Phase II reverse auction that would promote the deployment of high-speed, long-term broadband networks in Missouri. Your views are very important and will be included in therecord of the proceeding and considered as part of the Commission's review.

I share your interest in bridging the rural digital divide in our country, particularly asAmericans become increasingly reliant on broadband for job opportunities, healthcare,education, public safety, and civic participation. The universal service program is one of themost important tools at our disposal to ensure that consumers and businesses in rural Americahave the same opportunities as their urban and suburban counterparts to be active participants inthe 21 st century economy.

Last September, I circulated an Order for the consideration of my fellow Commissionersthat would address the framework for the CAF Phase II competitive bidding process. InDecember, I circulated an updated draft Order that addressed concerns raised by otherCommissioners' offices. I remain committed to completing the CAF Phase II auction frameworkas expeditiously as possible, and I will continue to work with my colleagues to resolve thisimportant matter promptly.

I agree that the structure for the CAF Phase II competitive bidding process shouldencourage both fiscal responsibility and the deployment of future-proof broadband networks. Ican assure you that the Commission is focused on updating the universal service high-costprogram to ensure that we are delivering the best possible voice and broadband experiences torural areas not only for today, but in the future, all within the confmes ofthe Connect AmericaFund's budget. In addition, underlying all of our reforms to the high-cost program is the sharedprinciple that we should limit the use of ratepayer funds to support service in an area that isserved by an unsubsidized voice and broadband provider.

Your letter also emphasizes that the reverse auction process should enable broadbandproviders to compete with each other to provide the best services to the most unserved locationsat the lowest cost. One of the primary policy goals of the competitive bidding process is toensure widespread participation from all providers that can deliver a high-qualityservice. Simply put, more competition between providers means that finite universal servicefunding will be used efficiently to deliver the best possible solutions. As we move forward with

Page 14: (CAP)Page 2-The Honorable Emanuel Cleaver funding will be used efficiently to deliver the best possible solutions. As we move forward with finalizing the structure of the CAP Phase

Page 2-The Honorable Ann Wagner

funding will be used efficiently to deliver the best possible solutions. As we move forward withfinalizing the structure of the CAP Phase II reverse auction, we will be giving full attention to thebest ways to ensure that rural communities, including those in Missouri, have access to robustand reliable broadband service.

I appreciate your interest in this matter. Please let me know if I can be of any furtherassistance.

Tom Wheeler