Qrongrenn of tqe Unite~ §fates masl1ington, 1i)(!L 20515 The Honorable Ajit Pai Chainnan Federal Communications Commission 445 12th Street, SW Washington, DC 20554 Dear Chairman Pai: January 25, 2018 We write today concerning the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's petition for access to federal broadband funding through the Connect America Fund Phase II (CAF II). It is our understanding that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has issued a draft order to deny Pennsylvania's petition, which it intends to consider at the January 30, 2018, opening meeting. As you know, according to the FCC's 2016 Broadband Progress Report, 20 percent of Pennsylvanians living in rural areas do not have access to high-speed internet. Pennsylvania consumers have long been a major net contributor to Federal Universal Service Fund (USF) programs, consistently ranking fifth in the United States in terms of net USF payments. Furthermore, the FCC's Universal Service Monitoring Report notes that, during the period of 2005 to 2016, Pennsylvania's net contribution to the federal USF totaled in excess of $1 .7 billion. Pennsylvania should see the benefits of the CAF II funds that were rightfully designated for them. In light of this information, we are asking that the FCC reconsider its pending denial of Pennsylvania's CAF II petition. If this decision is not reversed, we would then ask that the FCC provide its reasoning for denying Pennsylvanians ' access to broadband internet and outline what changes must be made in the Commonwealth to secure this critical funding in the future. Thank you for your thoughtful engagement on this important issue. We appreciate your consideration and look forward to your response. Sincerely, L