FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASHINGTON
OFFICE OF
THE CHAIRMAN
March 14, 2018
The Honorable Bill Shuster
U.S. House of Representatives
2079 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressman Shuster:
Thank you for your letter regarding the petition filed by the Pennsylvania Public Utility
Commission and the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development on
the Connect America Fund Phase II (CAF Phase II) competitive bidding process rules.
In my first remarks to FCC staff as Chairman, I declared that my highest priority would
be making sure every American who wants high-speed Internet access can get it. Rural
Americans deserve the same digital access as those living in urban areas. That is why I am
pleased the Commission is moving forward with the CAF Phase II auction in July, taking the
necessary steps o kickstart this $2 billion program. Through that auction, providers in every
state will have a full and fair opportunity to bid for funding to build out high-speed Internet
access to unserved rural Americans.
I agree with you that far too many rural Pennsylvanians lack broadband access, and I
applaud recent state efforts to close the digital divide throughout the Commonwealth. Indeed,
we've structured the CAF Phase II auction so states are able to provide matching funds toward
broadband deployment over and above the federal funding. If your state did this, such funds
would increase the incentive for providers to invest in Pennsylvania and bring new service to
those without-likely increasing the quality of service as well as the federal funding for rural
parts of the state. Because the petition before the Commission did not explain why such
matching efforts were insufficient to accomplish the Commonwealth's goals given our interest in
maximizing the effectiveness of our universal service dollars for all Americans, the Commission
denied the request in January.
I should note, however, that the CAF Phase II auction is not the only opportunity to
ensure broadband reaches all Pennsylvanians. 1112019, we will move on to the Remote Areas
Fund for those areas still without high-speed broadband-and we will ensure that any funding
originally intended for rural Pennsylvania will be available to build there in that second auction.
I appreciate your interest. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance.
OFFICE OF
THE CHAIRMAN
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASHINGTON
March 14, 2018
The Honorable Brian Fitzpatrick
U.S. House of Representatives
514 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressman Fitzpatrick:
Thank you for your letter regarding the petition filed by the Pennsylvania Public Utility
Commission and the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development on
the Connect America Fund Phase II (CAF Phase II) competitive bidding process rules.
In my first remarks to FCC staff as Chairman, I declared that my highest priority would
be making sure every American who wants high-speed Internet access can get it. Rural
Americans deserve the same digital access as those living in urban areas. That is why I am
pleased the Commission is moving forward with the CAF Phase II auction in July, taking the
necessary steps to kickstart this $2 billion program. Through that auction, providers in every
state will have a full and fair opportunity to bid for funding to build out high-speed Internet
access to unserved rural Americans.
I agree with you that far too many rural Pennsylvanians lack broadband access, and I
applaud recent state efforts to close the digital divide throughout the Commonwealth. Indeed,
we've structured the CAF Phase II auction so states are able to provide matching funds toward
broadband deployment over and above the federal funding. If your state did this, such funds
would increase the incentive for providers to invest in Pennsylvania and bring new service to
those without-likely increasing the quality of service as well as the federal funding for rural
parts of the state. Because the petition before the Commission did not explain why such
matching efforts were insufficient to accomplish the Commonwealth's goals given our interest in
maximizing the effectiveness of our universal service dollars for all Americans, the Commission
denied the request in January.
I should note, however, that the CAF Phase II auction is not the only opportunity to
ensure broadband reaches all Pennsylvanians. In 2019, we will move on to the Remote Areas
Fund for those areas still without high-speed broadband-and we will ensure that any funding
originally intended for rural Pennsylvania will be available to build there in that second auction.
I appreciate your interest. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance.
AjitV. Pai
OFFICE OF
THE CHAIRMAN
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASHINGTON
March 14, 2018
The Honorable Glenn Thompson
U.S. House of Representatives
124 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressman Thompson:
Thank you for your letter regarding the petition filed by the Pennsylvania Public Utility
Commission and the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development on
the Connect America Fund Phase II (CAF Phase II) competitive bidding process rules.
In my first remarks to FCC staff as Chairman, I declared that my highest priority would
be making sure every American who wants high-speed Internet access can get it. Rural
Americans deserve the same digital access as those living in urban areas. That is why I am
pleased the Commission is moving forward with the CAF Phase II auction in July, taking the
necessary steps to kickstart this $2 billion program. Through that auction, providers in every
state will have a full and fair opportunity to bid for funding to build out high-speed Internet
access to unserved rural Americans.
I agree with you that far too many rural Pennsylvanians lack broadband access, and I
applaud recent state efforts to close the digital divide throughout the Commonwealth. Indeed,
we've structured the CAF Phase II auction so states are able to provide matching funds toward
broadband deployment over and above the federal funding. If your state did this, such funds
would increase the incentive for providers to invest in Pennsylvania and bring new service to
those without-likely increasing the quality of service as well as the federal funding for rural
parts of the state. Because the petition before the Commission did not explain why such
matching efforts were insufficient to accomplish the Commonwealth's goals given our interest in
maximizing the effectiveness of our universal service dollars for all Americans, the Commission
denied the request in January.
I should note, however, that the CAF Phase II auction is not the only opportunity to
ensure broadband reaches all Pennsylvanians. In 2019, we will move on to the Remote Areas
Fund for those areas still without high-speed broadband-and we will ensure that any funding
originally intended for rural Pennsylvania will be available to build there in that second auction.
I appreciate your interest. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance.
Sincerely,
VkJ
Ajit V. Pai
OFFICE OF
THE CHAIRMAN
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASHINGTON
March 14, 2018
The Honorable Keith Rothfus
U.S. House of Representatives
1205 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressman Rothfus:
Thank you for your letter regarding the petition filed by the Pennsylvania Public Utility
Commission and the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development on
the Connect America Fund Phase IT (CAF Phase II) competitive bidding process rules.
In my first remarks to FCC staff as Chairman, I declared that my highest priority would
be making sure every American who wants high-speed Internet access can get it. Rural
Americans deserve the same digital access as those living in urban areas. That is why I am
pleased the Commission is moving forward with the CAF Phase TI auction in July, taking the
necessary steps to kickstart this $2 billion program. Through that auction, providers in every
state will have a full and fair opportunity to bid for funding to build out high-speed Internet
access to unserved rural Americans.
I agree with you that far too many rural Pennsylvanians lack broadband access, and I
applaud recent state efforts to close the digital divide throughout the Commonwealth. Indeed,
we've structured the CAF Phase II auction so states are able to provide matching funds toward
broadband deployment over and above the federal funding. If your state did this, such funds
would increase the incentive for providers to invest in Pennsylvania and bring new service to
those without-likely increasing the quality of service as well as the federal funding for rural
parts of the state. Because the petition before the Commission did not explain why such
matching efforts were insufficient to accomplish the Commonwealth's goals given our interest in
maximizing the effectiveness of our universal service dollars for all Americans, the Commission
denied the request in January.
I should note, however, that the CAF Phase II auction is not the only opportunity to
ensure broadband reaches all Pennsylvanians. In 2019, we will move on to the Remote Areas
Fund for those areas still without high-speed broadband-and we will ensure that any funding
originally intended for rural Pennsylvania will be available to build there in that second auction.
I appreciate your interest. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance.
Sincerely,
vs
AjitV. Pai
OFFICE OF
THE CHAIRMAN
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASHINGTON
March 14, 2018
The Honorable Lloyd K. Smucker
U.S. House of Representatives
516 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressman Smucker:
Thank you for your letter regarding the petition filed by the Pennsylvania Public Utility
Commission and the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development on
the Connect America Fund Phase II (CAF Phase II) competitive bidding process rules.
In my first remarks to FCC staff as Chairman, I declared that my highest priority would
be making sure every American who wants high-speed Internet access can get it. Rural
Americans deserve the same digital access as those living in urban areas. That is why I am
pleased the Commission is moving forward with the CAF Phase II auction in July, taking the
necessary steps to kickstart this $2 billion program. Through that auction, providers in every
state will have a full and fair opportunity to.bid for funding to build out high-speed Internet
access to unserved rural Americans.
I agree with you that far too many rural Pennsylvanians lack broadband access, and I
applaud recent state efforts to close the digital divide throughout the Commonwealth. Indeed,
we've structured the CAF Phase II auction so states are able to provide matching funds toward
broadband deployment over and above the federal funding. If your state did this, such funds
would increase the incentive for providers to invest in Pennsylvania and bring new service to
those without-likely increasing the quality of service as well as the federal funding for rural
parts of the state. Because the petition before the Commission did not explain why such
matching efforts were insufficient to accomplish the Commonwealth's goals given our interest in
maximizing the effectiveness of our universal service dollars for all Americans, the Commission
denied the request in January.
I should note, however, that the CAF Phase II auction is not the only opportunity to
ensure broadband reaches all Pennsylvanians. In 2019, we will move on to the Remote Areas
Fund for those areas still without high-speed broadband-and we will ensure that any funding
originally intended for rural Pennsylvania will be available to build there in that second auction.
I appreciate your interest. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance.
OFFICE OF
THE CHAIRMAN
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASHINGTON
March 14, 2018
The Honorable Lou Barletta
U.S. House of Representatives
2049 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressman Barletta:
Thank you for your letter regarding the petition filed by the Pennsylvania Public Utility
Commission and the Pennsylvania Department of Conmiunity and Economic Development on
the Connect America Fund Phase II (CAF Phase II) competitive bidding process rules.
In my first remarks to FCC staff as Chairman, I declared that my highest priority would
be making sure every American who wants high-speed Internet access can get it. Rural
Americans deserve the same digital access as those living in urban areas. That is why I am
pleased the Commission is moving forward with the CAF Phase II auction in July, taking the
necessary steps to kickstart this $2 billion program. Through that auction, providers in every
state will have a full and fair opportunity to bid for funding to build out high-speed Internet
access to unserved rural Americans.
I agree with you that far too many rural Pennsylvanians lack broadband access, and I
applaud recent state efforts to close the digital divide throughout the Commonwealth. Indeed,
we've structured the CAF Phase II auction so states are able to provide matching funds toward
broadband deployment over and above the federal funding. If your state did this, such funds
would increase the incentive for providers to invest in Pennsylvania and bring new service to
those without-likely increasing the quality of service as well as the federal funding for rural
parts of the state. Because the petition before the Commission did not explain why such
matching efforts were insufficient to accomplish the Commonwealth's goals given our interest in
maximizing the effectiveness of our universal service dollars for all Americans, the Commission
denied the request in January.
I should note, however, that the CAF Phase II auction is not the only opportunity to
ensure broadband reaches all Pennsylvanians. 1112019, we will move on to the Remote Areas
Fund for those areas still without high-speed broadband-and we will ensure that any funding
originally intended for rural Pennsylvania will be available to build there in that second auction.
I appreciate your interest. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance.
H
OFFICE OF
THE CHAIRMAN
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASHINGTON
March 14, 2018
The Honorable Mike Kelly
U.S. House of Representatives
1707 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressman Kelly:
Thank you for your letter regarding the petition filed by the Pennsylvania Public Utility
Commission and the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development on
the Connect America Fund Phase II (CAF Phase II) competitive bidding process rules.
In my first remarks to FCC staff as Chairman, I declared that my highest priority would
be making sure every American who wants high-speed Internet access can get it. Rural
Americans deserve the same digital access as those living in urban areas. That is why I am
pleased the Commission is moving forward with the CAF Phase II auction in July, taking the
necessary steps to kickstart this $2 billion program. Through that auction, providers in every
state will have a full and fair opportunity to bid for funding to build out high-speed Internet
access to unserved rural Americans.
I agree with you that far too many rural Pennsylvanians lack broadband access, and I
applaud recent state efforts to close the digital divide throughout the Commonwealth. Indeed,
we've structured the CAF Phase II auction so states are able to provide matching funds toward
broadband deployment over and above the federal funding. If your state did this, such funds
would increase the incentive for providers to invest in Pennsylvania and bring new service to
those without-likely increasing the quality of service as well as the federal funding for rural
parts of the state. Because the petition before the Commission did not explain why such
matching efforts were insufficient to accomplish the Commonwealth's goals given our interest in
maximizing the effectiveness of our universal service dollars for all Americans, the Commission
denied the request in January.
I should note, however, that the CAF Phase II auction is not the only opportunity to
ensure broadband reaches all Pennsylvanians. In 2019, we will move on to the Remote Areas
Fund for those areas still without high-speed broadband-and we will ensure that any funding
originally intended for rural Pennsylvania will be available to build there in that second auction.
I appreciate your interest. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance.
Sincerely,
AjitV. Pai
OFFICE OF
THE CHAIRMAN
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASHINGTON
March 14, 2018
The Honorable Patrick Meehan
U.S. House of Representatives
2305 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressman Meehan:
Thank you for your letter regarding the petition filed by the Pennsylvania Public Utility
Commission and the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development on
the Connect America Fund Phase II (CAF Phase II) competitive bidding process rules.
In my first remarks to FCC staff as Chairman, I declared that my highest priority would
be making sure every American who wants high-speed Internet access can get it. Rural
Americans deserve the same digital access as those living in urban areas. That is why I am
pleased the Commission is moving forward with the CAF Phase II auction in July, taking the
necessary steps to kickstart this $2 billion program. Through that auction, providers in every
state will have a full and fair opportunity to bid for funding to build out high-speed Internet
access to unserved rural Americans.
I agree with you that far too many rural Pennsylvanians lack broadband access, and I
applaud recent state efforts to close the digital divide throughout the Commonwealth. Indeed,
we've structured the CAP Phase II auction so states are able to provide matching funds toward
broadband deployment over and above the federal funding. If your state did this, such funds
would increase the incentive for providers to invest in Pennsylvania and bring new service to
those without-likely increasing the quality of service as well as the federal funding for rural
parts of the state. Because the petition before the Commission did not explain why such
matching efforts were insufficient to accomplish the Commonwealth's goals given our interest in
maximizing the effectiveness of our universal service dollars for all Americans, the Commission
denied the request in January.
I should note, however, that the CAF Phase TI auction is not the only opportunity to
ensure broadband reaches all Pennsylvanians. In 2019, we will move on to the Remote Areas
Fund for those areas still without high-speed broadband-and we will ensure that any funding
originally intended for rural Pennsylvania will be available to build there in that second auction.
I appreciate your interest. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance.
Sincerely,
V.
AjitV. Pai
fl
OFFICE OF
THE CHAIRMAN
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASHINGTON
March 14, 2018
The Honorable Patrick J. Toomey
United States Senate
248 Russell Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510
Dear Congressman Toomey:
Thank you for your letter regarding the petition filed by the Pennsylvania Public Utility
Commission and the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development on
the Connect America Fund Phase II (CAF Phase TI) competitive bidding process rules.
In my first remarks to FCC staff as Chairman, I declared that my highest priority would
be making sure every American who wants high-speed Internet access can get it. Rural
Americans deserve the same digital access as those living in urban areas. That is why I am
pleased the Commission is moving forward with the CAF Phase II auction in July, taking the
necessary steps to kickstart this $2 billion program. Through that auction, providers in every
state will have a full and fair opportunity to bid for funding to build out high-speed Internet
access to unserved rural Americans.
I agree with you that far too many rural Pennsylvanians lack broadband access, and I
applaud recent state efforts to close the digital divide throughout the Commonwealth. Indeed,
we've structured the CAF Phase II auction so states are able to provide matching funds toward
broadband deployment over and above the federal funding. If your state did this, such funds
would increase the incentive for providers to invest in Pennsylvania and bring new service to
those without-likely increasing the quality of service as well as the federal funding for rural
parts of the state. Because the petition before the Commission did not explain why such
matching efforts were insufficient to accomplish the Commonwealth's goals given our interest in
maximizing the effectiveness of our universal service dollars for all Americans, the Commission
denied the request in January.
I should note, however, that the CAF Phase II auction is not the only opportunity to
ensure broadband reaches all Pennsylvanians. In 2019, we will move on to the Remote Areas
Fund for those areas still without high-speed broadband-and we will ensure that any funding
originally intended for rural Pennsylvania will be available to build there in that second auction.
I appreciate your interest. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance.
Sincerely,
V.
AjitV. Pai
C
OFFICE OF
THE CHAIRMAN
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASHINGTON
March 14, 2018
The Honorable Ryan Costello
U.S. House of Representatives
326 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressman Costello:
Thank you for your letter regarding the petition filed by the Pennsylvania Public Utility
Commission and the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development on
the Connect America Fund Phase II (CAF Phase II) competitive bidding process rules.
In my first remarks to FCC staff as Chairman, I declared that my highest priority would
be making sure every American who wants high-speed Internet access can get it. Rural
Americans deserve the same digital access as those living in urban areas. That is why I am
pleased the Commission is moving forward with the CAF Phase II auction in July, taking the
necessary steps to kickstart this $2 billion program. Through that auction, providers in every
state will have a full and fair opportunity to bid for funding to build out high-speed Internet
access to unserved rural Americans.
I agree with you that far too many rural Pennsylvanians lack broadband access, and I
applaud recent state efforts to close the digital divide throughout the Commonwealth. Indeed,
we've structured the CAF Phase II auction so states are able to provide matching funds toward
broadband deployment over and above the federal funding. If your state did this, such funds
would increase the incentive for providers to invest in Pennsylvania and bring new service to
those without-likely increasing the quality of service as well as the federal funding for rural
parts of the state. Because the petition before the Commission did not explain why such
matching efforts were insufficient to accomplish the Commonwealth's goals given our interest in
maximizing the effectiveness of our universal service dollars for all Americans, the Commission
denied the request in January.
I should note, however, that the CAF Phase II auction is not the only opportunity to
ensure broadband reaches all Pennsylvanians. In 2019, we will move on to the Remote Areas
Fund for those areas still without high-speed broadband-and we will ensure that any funding
originally intended for rural Pennsylvania will be available to build there in that second auction.
I appreciate your interest; Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance.
Sincerely,
OFFICE OF
THE CHAIRMAN
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASHINGTON
March 14, 2018
The Honorable Scott Perry
U.S. House of Representatives
1207 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressman Perry:
Thank you for your letter regarding the petition filed by the Pennsylvania Public Utility
Commission and the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development on
the Connect America Fund Phase II (CAF Phase II) competitive bidding process rules.
In my first remarks to FCC staff as Chairman, I declared that my highest priority would
be making sure every American who wants high-speed Internet access can get it. Rural
Americans deserve the same digital access as those living in urban areas. That is why I am
pleased the Commission is moving forward with the CAF Phase II auction in July, taking the
necessary steps to kickstart this $2 billion program. Through that auction, providers in every
state will have a full and fair opportunity to bid for funding to build out high-speed Internet
access to unserved rural Americans.
I agree with you that far too many rural Pennsylvanians lack broadband access, and I
applaud recent state efforts to close the digital divide throughout the Commonwealth. Indeed,
we've structured the CAF Phase II auction so states are able to provide matching funds toward
broadband deployment over and above the federal funding. If your state did this, such funds
would increase the incentive for providers to invest in Pennsylvania and bring new service to
those without-likely increasing the quality of service as well as the federal funding for rural
parts of the state. Because the petition before the Commission did not explain why such
matching efforts were insufficient to accomplish the Commonwealth's goals given our interest in
maximizing the effectiveness of our universal service dollars for all Americans, the Commission
denied the request in January.
I should note, however, that the CAF Phase II auction is not the only opportunity to
ensure broadband reaches all Pennsylvanians. In 2019, we will move on to the Remote Areas
Fund for those areas still without high-speed broadband-and we will ensure that any funding
originally intended for rural Pennsylvania will be available to build there in that second auction.
I appreciate your interest. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance.
Sincerely,
Ajit V. Pai
OFFICE OF
THE CHAIRMAN
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASHINGTON
March 14, 2018
The Honorable Tom Marino
U.S. House of Representatives
2242 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressman Marino:
Thank you for your letter regarding the petition filed by the Pennsylvania Public Utility
Commission and the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development on
the Connect America Fund Phase II (CAF Phase II) competitive bidding process rules.
In my first remarks to FCC staff as Chairman, I declared that my highest priority would
be making sure every American who wants high-speed Internet access can get it. Rural
Americans deserve the same digital access as those living in urban areas. That is why I am
pleased the Commission is moving forward with the CAF Phase II auction in July, taking the
necessary steps to kickstart this $2 billion program. Through that auction, providers in every
state will have a full and fair opportunity to bid for funding to build out high-speed Internet
access to unserved rural Americans.
I agree with you that far too many rural Pennsylvanians lack broadband access, and I
applaud recent state efforts to close the digital divide throughout the Commonwealth. Indeed,
we've structured the CAF Phase II auction so states are able to provide matching funds toward
broadband deployment over and above the federal funding. If your state did this, such funds
would increase the incentive for providers to invest in Pennsylvania and bring new service to
those without--likely increasing the quality of service as well as the federal funding for rural
parts of the state. Because the petition before the Commission did not explain why such
matching efforts were insufficient to accomplish the Commonwealth's goals given our interest in
maximizing the effectiveness of our universal service dollars for all Americans, the Commission
denied the request in January.
I should note, however, that the CAF Phase II auction is not the only opportunity to
ensure broadband reaches all Pennsylvanians. In 2019, we will move on to the Remote Areas
Fund for those areas still without high-speed broadband-and we will ensure that any funding
originally intended for rural Pennsylvania will be available to build there in that second auction.
I appreciate your interest. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance.
Sincerely,
sVjA
Ajit V. Pai