From: Smith, Monisha (SBC) [mailto:Monisha_Smith@sbc.senate.gov] Sent: Thursday, June 10, 2010 2:08 PM To: Joy Medley Subject: QFR's to Chairman Genachowski from Landrieu and Risch Hello, Attached are the QFR’s for the SBC hearing held on April 27 th . Please return responses to me by June  24 th  .  If you have any questions please let me know.   Best,    Monisha M. Smith Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship U.S. Senate 428A Russell Senate Office Building Washington, DC 20510 Phone: 202-224-9723 Fax: 202-228-1474 1018 Post Hearing Questions for the Record Submitted to Julius Genachowski From Senator Mary L. Landrieu, Chair U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship “Connecting Main Street to the World: Federal Efforts to Expand Small Business Internet Access” April 27, 2010 (1) The ability to access capital has long been a significant barrier to success for small businesses in every industry, including the communications industry. The current financial crisis has only further exacerbated this problem and today, it is more difficult than ever for small business to access capital • In light of these conditions, how will the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) account for the inability of many small communications firms to access sufficient capital in its rulemaking processes, policy-making efforts, and its enforcement of construction deadlines for those few small businesses that won broadcast or wireless licenses at auction? (2) The FCC has again missed its statutorily-mandated deadline for its submission of the Section 257 Report to Congress, regarding the elimination of market entry barriers for small businesses, as mandated by the Telecommunications Act of 1996. • What is the status of this report? Why has it been delayed? (3) How will the National Broadband Plan advance opportunities for small businesses, including women and minority-owned small businesses? Please be specific. (4) The National Broadband Plan recommends upgrading lead Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) to provide advanced IT and broadband training. This would cost $1 million annually, create 12 new Small Business Technology Development Centers (SBTDCs), and 180 sub-centers. The Plan also recommends that Congress provide additional funds to Women’s Business Centers (WBCs) for a curriculum for women entrepreneurs on broadband applications. • In light of current budget constraints on these two SBA programs, can you recommend alternative options that would better utilize existing funding authority towards broadband training? (5) Many state and local governments, including some in Louisiana, have received funding through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) to establish and provide municipal broadband services. While the Recovery Act model has been successful, it is controversial, particularly among businesses concerned about having to compete with local governments to provide these services. To help resolve these issues and facilitate future implementation of broadband access, the National Broadband Plan recommends that Congress make clear that Tribal, State, regional and local governments can build broadband networks. • Please elaborate on this recommendation and explain under what circumstances municipal broadband would be appropriate. (6) The National Broadband Plan recommends that the General Services Administration (GSA) develop master contracts for Federal buildings to allow for the placement of wireless towers. When considering the significant Federal physical footprint in our communities – a local USDA or SBA office for example – I believe this idea has definite benefits for small businesses without broadband access. • Will FCC commit to report back to my committee on potential hurdles or benefits of this recommendation? • Will you also coordinate with local communities as your agencies build out your internal broadband networks in your field offices? (7) Is the FCC on target to produce the National Broadband Map by February 17, 2011? (8) Recently, the FCC published the Broadband Action Agenda, which outlines the timeline by which the agency will address several rulemakings related to the National Broadband Plan that could potentially affect both small broadband providers and customers alike. • When specifically will the Commission shift its focus to begin this important rulemaking process? Post Hearing Questions for the Record Submitted to Chairman Genachowski From Senator Risch, U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship “Connecting Main Street to the World: Federal Efforts to Expand Small Business Internet Access” April 27, 2010 1. How does the FCC plan to ensure competitive choice to small businesses? 2. The growing availability of broadband has made the Internet a vital part of our economy. It has allowed numerous small businesses in rural areas, many in my home state of Idaho, to reach customers worldwide. The Internet stands as a shining example of American ingenuity and success. So why would the FCC consider changing the rules of a game that we are winning by regulating the Internet under title II?