FEDERAL C O MMUNIC ATI O N S COMMISSIO N 
WAS HIN G TON 
OFFICE OF 
THE CHAIRMAN 
The Honorable Bernard Sanders 
United States Senate 
332 Dirksen Senate Office Building 
Washington, D.C. 20510 
Dear Senator Sanders: 
March 26, 20 15 
Thank you for contacting me to express your support for strong Open Internet rules, as 
well as for reclassification of broadband Internet access under Title II of the Communications 
Act. I appreciate hearing your views, and your letter will be included in the record. 
Over the past year, I have come to believe that there are three simple keys to our 
broadband future. Our broadband networks must be fast; our broadband networks must be fair; 
and our broadband networks must be open. On February 26,2015, the Federal Communications 
Commission (FCC) voted to approve new rules designed to preserve the Internet as an open 
platform for innovation, investment, and free expression. Utilizing the combined authority of 
Title II of the Communications Act and Section 706 of the Telecommunications Act, these rules 
are rooted in long-standing regulatory principles, marketplace experience, and public input 
received over the last year. This Order represents the most open rulemaking in history and is 
based on months of listening to the views of policymakers outside the Commission, industry and 
public interest representatives, and, as you note, millions of Americans from all walks of life 
speaking in a clear voice against practices that harm a free and open Internet. 
Based on the input of aJJ these stakeholders, the FCC adopted the strongest possible open 
Internet protections. Specifically, we established bright-line rules banning paid prioritization, 
blocking, and throttling of legal content, along with a general conduct rule that can be used to 
stop new and novel threats to the Internet as they develop. These rules apply to both fixed and 
mobile broadband Internet access services. This approach provides clear rules of the road for all 
stakeholders, while ensuring there is a referee in place to keep things fair in the future. 
Importantly, these rules are grounded in the strongest authority the FCC can utilize: a 
modernized application ofTitle II of the Communications Act, along with Section 706 of the 
Telecommunications Act. I refer to this application of Title II as "modernized" because we have 
used the forbearance authority granted to us by Congress to ensure that we are not applying 
unreasonable conditions to these modem networks. The Order forbears from 27 provisions of 
Title II and more than 700 FCC rules and regulations. This forbearance is targeted to avoid 
major issues like rate regulation, tariffing, and network unbundling, which would not be 
appropriate for the broadband Internet access industry, and is designed to preserve incentives for 
continued investment in broadband networks. 
The FCC' s new rules, grounded in strong Title TI authority coupled with appropriate 
forbearance, carry the support of millions of Americans, and are poised to keep the Internet open 
and free for consumers and innovators for years to come. 
Page 2 The llonorable Bernard Sanders 
I appreciate your interest in this matter. Please let me know if I can be of any further 
assistance. 
Tom Wheeler 
FEDERAL COMMUNICATION S COMMIS SION 
WASHINGTON 
O FFICE OF 
T H E CHAI RMAN 
The Honorable Eric Swalwell 
U.S. House of Representatives 
501 Cannon llouse Office Building 
Washinbrton, D.C. 20515 
Dear Congressman Swalwell: 
March 26, 2015 
Thank you for contacting me to express your support for strong Open Internet rules, as 
well as for reclassification of broadband Internet access under Title 11 of the Communications 
Act. I appreciate hearing your views, and your letter will be included in the record. 
Over the past year, I have come to believe that there are three simple keys to our 
broadband future. Our broadband networks must be fast; our broadband networks must be fair; 
and our broadband networks must be open. On February 26,2015, the Federal Communications 
Commission (FCC) voted to approve new rules designed to preserve the Internet as an open 
platform for innovation, investment, and free expression. Utilizing the combined authority of 
Title II ofthe Communications Act and Section 706 of the Telecommunications Act, these rules 
are rooted in long-standing regulatory principles, marketplace experience, and public input 
received over the last year. This Order represents the most open rulemaking in history and is 
based on months of listening to the views of policymakers outside the Commission, industry and 
public interest representatives, and, as you note, millions of Americans from all walks of life 
speaking in a clear voice against practices that harm a free and open Internet. 
Based on the input of all these stakeholders, the FCC adopted the strongest possible open 
Internet protections. Specifically, we established bright-line rules banning paid prioritization, 
blocking, and throttling of legal content, along with a general conduct rule that can be used to 
stop new and novel threats to the Internet as they develop. These rules apply to both fixed and 
mobile broadband Internet access services. This approach provides clear rules of the road for all 
stakeholders, while ensuring there is a referee in place to keep things fair in the future. 
Importantly, these rules are grounded in the strongest authority the FCC can utilize: a 
modernized application ofTitle ll ofthe Communications Act, along with Section 706 of the 
Telecommunications Act. I refer to this application of Title II as "modernized" because we have 
used the forbearance authority granted to us by Congress to ensure that we are not applying 
unreasonable conditions to these modem networks. The Order forbears from 27 provisions of 
Title II and more than 700 FCC rules and regulations. This forbearance is targeted to avoid 
major issues like rate regulation, tariffing, and network unbundling, which would not be 
appropriate for the broadband Internet access industry, and is designed to preserve incentives for 
continued investment in broadband networks. 
The FCC' s new rules, grounded in strong Title II authority coupled with appropriate 
forbearance, carry the support of millions of Americans, and are poised to keep the Internet open 
and free for consumers and innovators for years to come. 
Page 2- The Honorable Eric Swalwell 
I appreciate your interest in this matter. Please let me know ifl can be of any further 
assistance. 
Sincerely, 
Tom Wheeler 
FEDERAL COMMUNIC ATION S COMMISS ION 
WASHINGTON 
OFFICE OF 
THE CHAIRMAN 
The Honorable Mark Takano 
U.S. llouse of Representatives 
1507 Longworth I louse Office Building 
Washington, D.C. 20515 
Dear Congressman Takano: 
March 26. 2015 
Thank you for contacting me to express your support for strong Open Internet rules, as 
well as for reclassification of broadband Internet access under Title II of the Communications 
Act. I appreciate hearing your views, and your letter will be included in the record. 
Over the past year, I have come to believe that there are three simple keys to our 
broadband future. Our broadband networks must be fast; our broadband networks must be fair; 
and our broadband networks must be open. On February 26, 2015, the Federal Communications 
Commission (FCC) voted to approve new rules designed to preserve the Internet as an open 
platfonn for innovation, investment, and free expression. Utilizing the combined authority of 
Title 11 of the Communications Act and Section 706 of the Telecommunications Act, these rules 
are rooted in long-standing regulatory principles, marketplace experience, and public input 
received over the last year. This Order represents the most open rulemaking in history and is 
based on months of listening to the views of policymakers outside the Commission, industry and 
public interest representatives, and, as you note, millions of Americans from all walks of life 
speaking in a clear voice against practices that harm a free and open Internet. 
Based on the input of all these stakeholders, the FCC adopted the strongest possible open 
Internet protections. Specifically, we established bright-line rules banning paid prioritization, 
blocking, and throttling of legal content, along with a general conduct rule that can be used to 
stop new and novel threats to the Internet as they develop. These rules apply to both fixed and 
mobile broadband Internet access services. This approach provides clear rules of the road for all 
stakeholders, while ensuring there is a referee in place to keep things fair in the future. 
Importantly, these rules are grounded in the strongest authority the FCC can utilize: a 
modernized application ofTitle II of the Communications Act, along with Section 706 of the 
Telecommunications Act. I refer to this application ofTitle 11 as "modernized" because we have 
used the forbearance authority granted to us by Congress to ensure that we are not applying 
unreasonable conditions to these modern networks. The Order forbears from 27 provisions of 
Title 11 and more than 700 FCC rules and regulations. This forbearance is targeted to avoid 
major issues like rate regulation, tariffing, and network unbundling, which would not be 
appropriate for the broadband Internet access industry, and is designed to preserve incentives for 
continued investment in broadband networks. 
The FCC's new rules, grounded in strong Title II authority coupled with appropriate 
forbearance, carry the support of millions of Americans, and are poised to keep the Internet open 
and free for consumers and innovators for years to come. 
Page 2- The Honorable Mark Takano 
I appreciate your interest in this matter. Please Jet me know if I can be of any further 
assistance. 
Sincerely, 
Tom Wheeler 
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 
WASHINGTON 
OFF ICE OF 
T HE C H AI R MAN 
The Honorable Elizabeth Warren 
United States Senate 
317 llart Senate Office Building 
Washington, D.C. 20510 
Dear Senator Warren: 
March 26, 20 15 
Thank you for contacting me to express your support for strong Open Internet rules, as 
well as for reclassification of broadband Internet access under Title II of the Communications 
Act. I appreciate hearing your views, and your letter will be included in the record. 
Over the past year, I have come to believe that there are three simple keys to our 
broadband future. Our broadband networks must be fast; our broadband networks must be fair; 
and our broadband networks must be open. On February 26, 2015, the Federal Communications 
Commission (FCC) voted to approve new rules designed to preserve the Internet as an open 
platform for innovation, investment, and free expression. Utilizing the combined authority of 
Title II of the Communications Act and Section 706 of the Telecommunications Act, these rules 
are rooted in long-standing regulatory principles, marketplace experience, and public input 
received over the last year. This Order represents the most open rulemaking in history and is 
based on months of I istening to the views of policymakcrs outside the Commission, industry and 
public interest representatives, and, as you note, millions of Americans from all walks of life 
speaking in a clear voice against practices that harm a free and open Internet. 
Based on the input of all these stakeholders, the FCC adopted the strongest possible open 
Internet protections. Specifically, we established bright-line rules banning paid prioritization, 
blocking, and throttling of legal content, along with a general conduct rule that can be used to 
stop new and novel threats to the Internet as they develop. These rules apply to both fixed and 
mobile broadband Internet access services. This approach provides clear rules of the road for all 
stakeholders, while ensuring there is a referee in place to keep things fair in the future. 
Importantly, these rules are grounded in the strongest authority the FCC can utilize: a 
modernized application ofTitle II ofthe Communications Act, along with Section 706 of the 
Telecommunications Act. I refer to this application of Title Has "modernized" because we have 
used the forbearance authority granted to us by Congress to ensure that we are not applying 
unreasonable conditions to these modern networks. The Order forbears from 27 provisions of 
Title II and more than 700 FCC rules and regulations. This forbearance is targeted to avoid 
major issues like rate regulation, tariffing, and network unbundling, which would not be 
appropriate for the broadband Internet access industry, and is designed to preserve incentives for 
continued investment in broadband networks. 
The FCC's new rules, grounded in strong Title II authority coupled with appropriate 
forbearance, carry the support of millions of Americans, and are poised to keep the Internet open 
and free for consumers and innovators for years to come. 
Page 2- The I fonorable Elizabeth Warren 
I appreciate your interest in this matter. Please Jet me know if I can be of any further 
assistance. 
Sincerely, 
FEDERAL C O MMUNIC ATI O N S C O MMI SSIO N 
WAS HING T O N 
OFFICE OF 
THE CHAIRMAN 
The llonorable Ron Wyden 
United States Senate 
223 Dirksen Senate Office Building 
Washington, D.C. 20510 
Dear Senator Wyden: 
March 26, 20 15 
Thank you for contacting me to express your support for strong Open Internet rules, as 
well as for reclassification of broadband Internet access under Title II of the Communications 
Act. I appreciate hearing your views, and your letter will be included in the record. 
Over the past year, 1 have come to believe that there are three simple keys to our 
broadband future. Our broadband networks must be fast; our broadband networks must be fair; 
and our broadband networks must be open. On February 26, 2015, the Federal Communications 
Commission (FCC) voted to approve new rules designed to preserve the Internet as an open 
platform for innovation, investment, and free expression. Utilizing the combined authority of 
Title II of the Communications Act and Section 706 of the Telecommunications Act, these rules 
are rooted in long-standing regulatory principles, marketplace experience, and public input 
received over the last year. This Order represents the most open rulemaking in history and is 
based on months of listening to the views of policymakers outside the Commission, industry and 
public interest representatives, and, as you note, millions of Americans from all walks of life 
speaking in a clear voice against practices that harm a free and open Internet. 
Based on the input of all these stakeholders, the FCC adopted the strongest possible open 
Internet protections. Specifically, we established bright-line rules banning paid prioritization, 
blocking, and throttling of legal content, along with a general conduct rule that can be used to 
stop new and novel threats to the Internet as they develop. These rules apply to both fixed and 
mobile broadband Internet access services. This approach provides clear rules of the road for all 
stakeholders, while ensuring there is a referee in place to keep things fair in the future. 
Importantly, these rules are grounded in the strongest authority the FCC can utilize: a 
modernized application ofTitle II of the Communications Act, along with Section 706 of the 
Telecommunications Act. 1 refer to this application of Title 11 as "modernized" because we have 
used the forbearance authority granted to us by Congress to ensure that we arc not applying 
unreasonable conditions to these modern networks. The Order forbears from 27 provisions of 
Title II and more than 700 FCC rules and regulations. This forbearance is targeted to avoid 
major issues like rate regulation, tariffing, and network unbundling, which would not be 
appropriate for the broadband Internet access industry, and is designed to preserve incentives for 
continued investment in broadband networks. 
The FCC' s new rules, grounded in strong Title II authority coupled with appropriate 
forbearance, carry the support of millions of Americans, and are poised to keep the Internet open 
and free for consumers and innovators for years to come. 
Page 2- The Honorable Ron Wyden 
1 appreciate your interest in this matter. Please let me know if I can be of any further 
assistance. 
Sincerely, ~ 
~eeler ,{_ 
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 
WASHINGTON 
OFFICE OF 
THE CHAIRMAN 
The Honorable Earl Blumenaucr 
U.S. House of Representatives 
1111 Longworth House Office Building 
Washington, D.C. 20515 
Dear Congressman Blumenauer: 
March 26, 2015 
Thank you for your letters of December 18,2014 and February 3, 2015 expressing 
support for strong Open Internet rules grounded in our authority under Title II of the 
Communications Act. You also expressed specific concern regarding the need for platform 
parity between fixed and mobile connections, owing the significant role mobile services play in 
providing Internet access across the digital divide. I appreciate hearing your views, and your 
letter will be included in the record. 
Over the past year, I have come to believe that there are three simple keys to our 
broadband future. Our broadband networks must be fast; our broadband networks must be fair; 
and our broadband networks must be open. On February 26,2015, the Federal Communications 
Commission (FCC) voted to approve new rules designed to preserve the Internet as an open 
platform for innovation, investment, and free expression. Utilizing the combined authority of 
Title II of the Communications Act and Section 706 of the Telecommunications Act, these rules 
arc rooted in long-standing regulatory principles, marketplace experience, and public input 
received over the last year. This Order represents the most open rulemaking in history and is 
based on months of listening to the views of policymakers outside the Commission, industry and 
public interest representatives, and millions of American consumers from all walks of life. 
Based on the input of all these stakeholders, the FCC adopted the strongest possible open 
Internet protections. Specifically, wt:: established bright-line rules banning paid prioritization, 
blocking, and throttling of legal content, along with a general conduct rule that can be used to 
stop new and novel threats to the Internet as they develop. Importantly, and consistent \-vith the 
approach you support in yow- letter, these rules apply to both fixed and mobile broadband 
Internet access services. For the first time, mobile connections will be subject to the same 
bright-line bans on paid prioritization, blocking, and throttling, that apply to fixed broadband 
services. The approach we take in this Order provides clear rules of the road for all stakeholders, 
while ensuring there is also a referee in place to keep things fair in the future. ˇ 
Strong rules need to be grounded in strong authority, and these rules are grounded in the 
strongest authority the FCC can utilize: a modernized application ofTitle II of the 
Communications Act, combined with Section 706 of the Telecommunications Act. I refer to this 
application of Title II as "modernized" because we have used the forbearance authority granted 
to us by Congress to ensure that we are not applying unreasonable conditions to these modern 
networks. In particular, the Order forbears from 27 provisions ofTitle II and more than 700 
FCC rules and regulations. This forbearance is targeted to avoid major issues like rate regulation, 
Page 2-The llonorable Earl Blumenauer 
tariffing, and network unbundling, which would not be appropriate for the broadband Internet 
access industry, and is designed to preserve incentives for continued investment in broadband 
networks. 
The FCC's new rules, grounded in strong Title II authority and applied to both fi xed and 
mobile connections, carry the support of mill ions of Americans, and are poised to keep the 
Internet open and free for consumers and innovators for years to come. 
I appreciate your interest in thi s matter. Please let me know if I can be of any fu rther 
assistance. 
incerely, 
FEDERA L COMMUNICATION S COMMI SS ION 
WASHINGTON 
OFFICE OF 
THE CHAIR M AN 
The I Ionorable Sam Farr 
U.S. I louse of Representatives 
1126 Longworth House Office Building 
Washington, D.C. 20515 
Dear Congressman Farr: 
March 26, 20 15 
Thank you for your letters of December 18, 2014 and February 3, 2015 expressing 
support for strong Open Internet rules grounded in our authority under Title 11 of the 
Communications Act. You also expressed specific concern regarding the need for platform 
parity between fixed and mobile connections, owing the significant role mobile services play in 
providing Internet access across the digital divide. I appreciate hearing your views, and your 
letter will be included in the record. 
Over the past year, I have come to believe that there are three simple keys to our 
broadband future. Our broadband networks must be fast; our broadband networks must be fair; 
and our broadband networks must be open. On February 26, 2015, the Federal Communications 
Commission (FCC) voted to approve new rules designed to preserve the Internet as an open 
platform for innovation, investment, and free expression. Utilizing the combined authority of 
Title U of the Communications Act and Section 706 of the Telecommunications Act, these rules 
are rooted in long-standing regulatory principles, marketplace experience, and public input 
received over the last year. This Order represents the most open rulemaking in history and is 
based on months of listening to the views of policymakers outside the Commission, industry and 
public interest representatives, and millions of American consumers from all walks of life. 
Based on the input of all these stakeholders, the FCC adopted the strongest possible open 
Internet protections. Specifically, we established bright-line rules banning paid prioritization, 
blocking, and throttling of legal content, along with a general conduct rule that can be used to 
stop new and novel threats to the Internet as they develop. Importantly, and consistent with the 
approach you support in your letter, these rules apply to both fixed and mobile broadband 
Internet access services. For the first time, mobile connections will be subject to the same 
bright-line bans on paid prioritization, blocking, and throttling, that apply to fixed broadband 
services. The approach we take in this Order provides clear rules of the road for all stakeholders, 
while ensuring there is also a referee in place to keep things fair in the future. 
Strong rules need to be grounded in strong authority, and these rules are grounded in the 
strongest authority the FCC can uti I ize: a modernized application of Title 11 of the 
Communications Act, combined with Section 706 of the Telecommunications Act. I refer to this 
application of Title II as "modernized" because we have used the forbearance authority granted 
to us by Congress to ensure that we are not applying unreasonable conditions to these modern 
networks. In particular, the Order forbears from 27 provisions ofTitle Il and more than 700 
FCC rules and regulations. fhis forbearance is targeted to avoid major issues like rate regulation, 
Page 2- The I lonorable Sam Farr 
tariffing. and network unbundling, which would not be appropriate for the broadband Internet 
access industry, and is designed to preserve incentives for continued investment in broadband 
networks. 
The FCC's new rules, grounded in strong Title II authority and applied to both fixed and 
mobile connections, carry the support of millions of Americans, and are poised to keep the 
Internet open and free for consumers and innovators for years to come. 
I appreciate your interest in this matter. Please let me know if I can be of an) further 
assistanct:. 
Tom Wheeler 
FEDERAL COMMUN ICATIONS COMMISSION 
W ASHINGTON 
OFFICE OF 
THE C H AIR MAN 
The Honorable Michael M. Honda 
U.S. llouse of Representatives 
1713 Longworth House Office Building 
Washington, D.C. 20515 
Dear Congressman llonda: 
March 26, 2015 
Thank you for your letters of December 18, 2014 and February 3, 2015 expressing 
support for strong Open Internet rules grounded in our authority under Title II of the 
Communications Act. You also expressed specific concern regarding the need for platform 
parity between fixed and mobile connections, owing the significant role mobile services play in 
providing Internet access across the digital divide. I appreciate hearing your views, and your 
letter will be included in the record. 
Over the past year, I have come to believe that there are three simple keys to our 
broadband future. Our broadband networks must be fast; our broadband networks must be fair; 
and our broadband networks must be open. On February 26, 2015, the Federal Communications 
Commission (FCC) voted to approve new rules designed to preserve the Internet as an open 
platform for innovation, investment, and free expression. Utilizing the combined authority of 
Title II of the Communications Act and Section 706 of the Telecommunications Act, these rules 
are rooted in long-standing regulatory principles, marketplace experience, and public input 
received over the last year. This Order represents the most open rulemaking in history and is 
based on months of listening to the views of policymakers outside the Commission, industry and 
public interest representatives, and millions of American consumers from all walks of life. 
Based on the input of all these stakeholders, the FCC adopted the strongest possible open 
Internet protections. Specifically, we established bright-line rules banning paid prioritization, 
blocking, and throttling of legal content, along with a general conduct rule that can be used to 
stop new and novel threats to the Internet as they develop. Importantly, and consistent with the 
approach you support in your letter, these rules apply to both fixed and mobile broadband 
Internet access services. For the first time, mobile connections will be subject to the same 
bright-line bans on paid prioritization, blocking, and throttling, that apply to fixed broadband 
services. The approach we take in this Order provides clear rules of the road for all stakeholders, 
while ensuring there is also a referee in place to keep things fair in the future. 
Strong rules need to be grounded in strong authority, and these rules are grounded in the 
strongest authority the FCC can utilize: a modernized application ofTitlc II of the 
Communications Act, combined with Section 706 of the Telecommunications Act. I re fe r to this 
application ofTitle II as "modernized" because we have used the forbearance authority granted 
to us by Congress to ensure that we are not applying unreasonable conditions to these modern 
networks. In particular, the Order forbears from 27 provisions ofTitle II and more than 700 
FCC rules and regulations. This forbearance is targeted to avoid major issues like rate regulation, 
Page 2- The I lonorable Michael M. llonda 
tariffing, and network unbundling, which would not be appropriate for the broadband Internet 
access industry, and is designed to preserve incentives for continued investment in broadband 
networks. 
The FCC's new rul es, grounded in strong fitle II authority and applied to both fi xed and 
mobile connections, carry the support of mi llions of Americans, and are poised to keep the 
Internet open and free for consumers and innovators for years to come. 
I appreciate your interest in this matter. Please let me know if I can be of any further 
assistance. 
Sincerely, 
1om Wheeler 
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 
WASHINGTON 
OFFICE OF 
THE CHAIRMAN 
The I lonorable Barbara Lee 
U.S. Ilouse of Representatives 
2267 Rayburn I louse Office Building 
Washington, D.C. 20515 
Dear Congresswoman Lee: 
March 26, 20 I 5 
Thank you for your letters of December 18, 2014 and February 3, 20 IS expressing 
support for strong Open Internet rules grounded in our authority under Title II of the 
Communications Act. You also expressed specific concern regarding the need for platform 
parity between fixed and mobile connections, owing the significant role mobile services play in 
providing Internet access across the digital divide. I appreciate hearing your views, and your 
letter will be included in the record. 
Over the past year, I have come to believe that there are three simple keys to our 
broadband future. Our broadband networks must be fast; our broadband networks must be fair; 
and our broadband networks must be open. On February 26, 2015, the Federal Communications 
Commission (FCC) voted to approve new rules designed to preserve the Internet as an open 
platfo1m for innovation, investment, and free expression. Utilizing the combined authority of 
Title II of the Communications Act and Section 706 of the Telecommunications Act, these rules 
are rooted in long-standing regulatory principles, marketplace experience, and public input 
received over the last year. This Order represents the most open rulemaking in history and is 
based on months oflistening to the views of policymakers outside the Commission, industry and 
public interest representatives, and millions of American consumers from all walks of life. 
Based on the input of all these stakeholders, the FCC adopted the strongest possible open 
Internet protections. Specifically, we established bright-line rules banning paid prioritization, 
blocking, and throttling of legal content, along with a general conduct rule that can be used to 
stop new and novel threats to the Internet as they develop. Importantly, and consistent with the 
approach you support in your letter, these rules apply to both fixed and mobile broadband 
Internet access services. For the first time, mobile connections will be subject to the same 
bright-line bans on paid prioritization. blocking, and throttling, that apply to fixed broadband 
services. The approach we take in this Order provides clear rules of the road for all stah.eholders, 
while ensuring there is also a referee in place to keep things fair in the future. 
Strong rules need to be grounded in strong authority, and these rules are grounded in the 
strongest authority the FCC can utilize: a modernized application ofTitle II of the 
Communications Act, combined with Section 706 of the Telecommunications Act. I refer to this 
application of Title II as "modernized" because we have used the forbearance authority granted 
to us by Congress to ensure that we are not applying unreasonable conditions to these modern 
networks. In particular, the Order forbears from 27 provisions of Title II and more than 700 
FCC rules and regulations. This forbearance is targeted to avoid major issues like rate regulation, 
Page 2- Thc Honorable Barbara Lee 
tariffing, and network unbundling, which would n0t be appropriate for the broadband Internet 
access industry, and is designed to preserve incentives for continued investment in broadband 
networks. 
The FCC's new rules, grounded in strong Title IJ authority and applied to both fixed and 
mobile connections, carry the support of millions of Americans, and are poised to keep the 
Internet open and free for consumers and innovators for years to come. 
1 appreciate your interest in this matter. Pkase let me know if I can be of an) fut1her 
assistance. 
;;/t~f_ 
1om Wheeler 
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 
WASHINGTON 
OFFICE OF 
THE CHA I R M AN 
The Honorable John Lewis 
U.S. House of Representatives 
343 Cannon I louse Office Building 
Washington, D.C. 20515 
Dear Congressman Lewis: 
March 26, 2015 
Thank you for your letters of December 18, 2014 and February 3, 2015 expressing 
support for strong Open Internet rules grounded in our authority under Title II of the 
Communications Act. You also expressed specific concern regarding the need for platform 
parity between fixed and mobile connections, owing the significant role mobile services play in 
providing Internet access across the digital divide. I appreciate hearing your views, and your 
letter will be included in the record. 
Over the past year, I have come to believe that there are three simple keys to our 
broadband future. Our broadband networks must be fast; our broadband networks must be fair; 
and our broadband networks must be open. On February 26, 2015, the Federal Communications 
Commission (FCC) voted to approve new rules designed to preserve the Internet as an open 
platforn1 for innovation, investment, and free expression. Utilizing the combined authority of 
Title II of the Communications Act and ection 706 of the Telecommunications Act, these rules 
arc rooted in long-standing regulatory principles, marketplace experience, and public input 
received over the last year. This Order represents the most open rulemaking in history and is 
based on months of listening to the views of policymakers outside the Commission, industry and 
public interest representatives, and millions of American consumers from all walks of life. 
Based on the input of all these stakeholders, the FCC adopted the strongest possible open 
Internet protections. Specifically, we established bright-line rules banning paid prioritization, 
blocking, and throttling of legal content, along with a general conduct rule that can be used to 
stop new and novel threats to the Internet as they develop. Importantly, and consistent"' ith the 
approach you support in your letter, these rules apply to both fixed and mobile broadband 
Internet access services. For the first time, mobile connections will be subject to the same 
bright-line bans on paid prioritization, blocking, and throttling, that apply to fixed broadband 
services. The approach we take in this Order provides clear rules of the road for all stakeholders, 
while ensuring there is also a referee in place to keep things fair in the future. 
Strong rules need to be grounded in strong authority, and these rules are grounded in the 
strongest authority the FCC can utilize: a modernized application of Title 11 of the 
Communications Act, combined with Section 706 of the Telecommunications Act. 1 refer to this 
application ofTitle ll as "modernized" because we have used the forbearance authority granted 
to us by Congress to ensure that we are not applying unreasonable conditions to these modern 
networks. In particular, the Order forbears from 27 provisions ofTitle 11 and more than 700 
FCC rules and regulations. This forbearance is targeted to avoid major issues like rate regulation, 
Page 2 Tht.: Honorable John Lewis 
tariffing, and network unbundling, which would not be appropriate for the broadband Internet 
access industry, and is designed to preserve incentives for continued investment in broadband 
networks. 
The FCC's new rules, grounded in strong Title Il authority and applied to both fixed and 
mobile connections, carry the support of millions of America11s, and are poised to keep the 
Internet open and free for consumers and innovators for years to come. 
I appreciate your interest in this matter. Ple:.tst.: let me know if 1 can be of any further 
assistance. 
Tom Wheeler 
FEDERAL COM M UN !CATIONS COMMISSION 
WASHINGTON 
OFFICE OF 
T H E CHAIRM AN 
The Honorable Zoe Lofgren 
U.S. House of Representatives 
1401 Longworth House Office Building 
Washington, D.C. 20515 
Dear Congresswoman Lofgren: 
March 26, 20 15 
Thank you for your letters of December 18,2014 and February 3, 2015 expressing 
support for strong Open Internet rules grounded in our authority under Title 11 of the 
Communications Act. You also expressed specific concern regarding the need for platform 
parity between fixed and mobile connections, owing the significant role mobile services play in 
providing Internet access across the digital divide. J appreciate hearing your views, and your 
letter will be included in the record. 
Over the past year, I have come to believe that there are three simple keys to our 
broadband future. Our broadband networks must be fast; our broadband networks must be fair; 
and our broadband networks must be open. On February 26, 2015, the Federal Communications 
Commission (FCC) voted to approve new rules designed to preserve the Internet as an open 
platform for innovation, investment, and free expression. Utilizing the combined authority of 
Title II of the Communications Act and Section 706 of the Telecommunications Act, these rules 
are rooted in long-standing regulatory principles, marketplace experience, and public input 
received over the last year. This Order represents the most open rulemaking in history and is 
based on months of listening to the views of policymakers outside the Commission, industry and 
public interest representatives, and millions of American consumers from all walks of life. 
Based on the input of all these stakeholders, the FCC adopted the strongest possible open 
Internet protections. Specifically, we established bright-line rules banning paid prioritization, 
blocking, and throttling of legal content, along with a general conduct rule that can be used to 
stop new and novel threats to the Internet as they develop. Importantly, and consistent with the 
approach you supp01t in your letter, these rules apply to both fixed and mobile broadband 
Internet access services. For the first time, mobile connections will be subject to the same 
bright-line bans on paid prioritization, blocking, and throttling, that apply to fixed broadband 
services. The approach we take in this Order provides clear rules of the road for all stakeholders, 
while ensuring there is also a referee in place to keep things fair in the future. 
Strong rules need to be grounded in strong authority, and these rules are grounded in the 
strongest authority the FCC can utilize: a modernized application ofTitle II ofthe 
Communications Act, combined with Section 706 of the Telecommunications Act. I refer to this 
application of Title Il as "modernized" because we have used the forbearance authority granted 
to us by Congress to ensure that we are not applying unreasonable conditions to these modern 
networks. In particular, the Order forbears from 27 provisions ofTitle II and more than 700 
FCC rules and regulations. This forbearance is targeted to avoid major issues like rate regulation, 
Page 2- The I Ionorable Zoe Lofgren 
tariffing, and network unbundling, which would not be appropriate for the broadband Internet 
access industry, and is designed to preserve incentives for continued investment in broadband 
networks. 
The FCC's new rules, grounded in strong Title Il authority and applied to both fixed ami 
mobile connections, carry the support of millions of Americans, and arc poised to keep the 
I nternct open and free for consumers and innovators for years to com\.!. 
1 appreciate your interest in thi s matter. Please let me kn\)W if I can be or an~ further 
assistance. 
Tom Wheeler 
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 
WASHINGTON 
OFFICE OF 
T H E C H AI RMAN 
The Honorable Betty McCollum 
U.S. House of Representatives 
1714 Longworth House Office Building 
Washington, D.C. 205 15 
Dear Congresswoman McCollum: 
March 26, 2015 
Thank you for your letters of December 18, 20 14 and February 3, 2015 expressing 
support for strong Open Internet rules grounded in our authority under Title II of the 
Communications Act. You also expressed specific concern regarding the need for platform 
parity between fixed and mobile connections, owing the significant role mobile services play in 
providing Internet access across the digital divide. I appreciate hearing your views, and your 
letter will be included in the record. 
Over the past year, I have come to believe that there are three simple keys to our 
broadband future. Our broadband networks must be fast; our broadband networks must be fair; 
and our broadband networks must be open. On February 26, 2015, the Federal Communications 
Commission (FCC) voted to approve new rules designed to preserve the Internet as an open 
platform for innovation, investment, and free expression. Utilizing the combined authority of 
Ti tle II of the Communications Act and Section 706 of the Telecommunications Act, these rules 
are rooted in long-standing regulatory principles, marketplace experience, and public input 
received over the last year. This Order represents the most open rulemaking in history and is 
based on months of listening to the views of policymakers outside the Commission, industry and 
public interest representatives, and millions of American consumers from all walks of life. 
Based on the input of all these stakeholders, the fCC adopted the strongest possible open 
Internet protections. Specifically, we established bright-line rules banning paid prioritization, 
blocking, and throttling of legal content, along with a general conduct rule that can be used to 
stop ne~ and novel threats to the Internet as they develop. Importantly , and consistent with the 
approach you support in your letter, these rules apply to both fixed and mobile broadband 
Internet access services. For the first time. mobile connections will be subject to the same 
bright-line bans on paid prioritization. blocking, and throttling, that apply to fixed broadband 
services. The approach we take in this Order provides clear rules of the road for all stakeholders, 
while ensuring there is also a referee in place to keep things fair in the future. 
trong rules need to be grounded in strong authority, and these rules are grounded in the 
strongest authority the FCC can utilize: a modernized application of Title II of the 
Communications Act, combined with Section 706 of the Telecommunications Act. 1 refer to this 
application of Title II as "modernized" because we have used the forbearance authority granted 
to us by Congress to ensure that we are not applying unreasonable conditions to these modern 
networks. ln particular, the Order forbears from 27 provisions ofTitle II and more than 700 
FCC rules and regulations. This forbearance is targeted to avoid major issues like rate regulation. 
Page 2 - lhe Honorable Betty McCollum 
tariffing, and network unbundling, which would not be appropriate for the broadband Internet 
access industry, and is designed to preserve incentives for continued investment in broadband 
networks. 
The FCC's new rules, grounded in strong ritle II authority and applied to both iixed and 
mobile connl!ctions, catTy the support of millions of Americans, and are poised to ket'p the 
Internet open and free for consumers and innovators for years to come. 
I appreciate your interest in this matter. Please let me knov. if I can be of any I url her 
assistance. 
Tom Wheeler 
F ED ERAL COMMUNICATION S C OMMISSION 
WASHINGTON 
OFFICE OF 
THE CHAIRMAN 
The Honorable Raul M. Grijalva 
U.S. House of Representatives 
1511 Longworth House Office Building 
Washington, D.C. 205 15 
Dear Congressman Grijalva: 
March 26, 20 15 
Thank you for your letters of December 18, 2014 and February 3, 2015 expressing 
support for strong Open Internet rules grounded in our authority under Title II of the 
Communications Act. You also expressed specific concern regarding the need for platform 
parity between fixed and mobile connections, owing the significant role mobile services play in 
providing Internet access across the digital divide. I appreciate hearing your views, and your 
letter will be included in the record. 
Over the past year, I have come to believe that there are three simple keys to our 
broadband future. Our broadband networks must be fast ; our broadband networks must be fair; 
and our broadband networks must be open. On February 26, 2015, the Federal Communications 
Commission (FCC) voted to approve new rules designed to preserve the Internet as an open 
platform for innovation, investment, and free expression. Utilizing the combined authority of 
Title II of the Communications Act and Section 706 of the Telecommunications Act, these rules 
are rooted in long-standing regulatory principles, marketplace experience, and public input 
received over the last year. This Order represents the most open rulemaking in histor} and is 
based on months of listening to the views of policymakers outside the Commission, industry and 
public interest representatives, and millions of American consumers from all walks of life. 
Based on the input of all these stakeholders, the f-CC adopted the strongest possible open 
Internet protections. Specifically, we established bright-line rules banning paid prioritization, 
blocking, and throttling of legal content, along with a general conduct rule that can be used to 
stop new and novel threats to the Internet as they develop. Importantly, and consistent with the 
approach you support in your letter, these rules apply to both fixed and mobile broadband 
Internet access services. For the first time, mobile connections will be subject to the same 
bright-line bans on paid prioritization, blocking, and throttling, that apply to fixed broadband 
services. The approach we take in this Order provides clear rules of the road for all stakeholders. 
whi le ensuring there is also a referee in place to keep things fair in the future. 
Strong rules need to be grounded in strong authority, and these rules are grounded in the 
strongest authority the FCC can utilize: a modernized application of Title II of the 
Communications Act, combined with Section 706 of the Telecommunications Act. I refer to this 
application of Title II as "modernized" because we have used the forbearance authority granted 
to us b} Congress to ensure that we are not applying unreasonable conditions to these modern 
networks. In particular, the Order forbears from 27 provisions of Title II and more than 700 
FCC rules and regulations. This forbearance is targeted to avoid major issues like rate regulation, 
Page 2- 1 he Honorable Ratll M. Grijalva 
tariffing, and network unbundling, which would not be appropriate for the broadband Internet 
access industry, and is designed to preserve incentives for continued investment in broadband 
networks. 
The FCC's new rules. grounded in strong Title ll authority and applied to both fixed and 
mobile connections, carry the support of millions of Ameri cans, and are poised to keep the 
Internet open and free for consumers and innovators for years to come. 
I appreciate your interest in this matter. Please let me know if 1 can be of an) further 
assistance. 
Sincerely, 
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 
WASHINGTON 
OFFICE OF' 
THE C H AIR M A N 
The 11onorable Keith Ellison 
U. . llouse of Representatives 
2244 Rayburn House Office Building 
Washington, D.C. 20515 
Dear Congressman Ellison: 
March 26, 20 15 
Thank you for your letters of December 18, 20 14 and February 3, 2015 expressing 
support for strong Open Internet rules grounded in our authority under Title II of the 
Communications Act. You also expressed specific concern regarding the need for platform 
parity between fixed and mobile connections, owing the significant role mobile services play in 
providing internet access across the digital divide. I appreciate hearing your views, and your 
letter will be included in the record. 
Over the past year, I have come to believe that there are three simple keys to our 
broadband future. Our broadband networks must be fast; our broadband networks must be fair; 
and our broadband networks must be open. On February 26, 2015, the Federal Communications 
Commission (FCC) voted to approve new rules designed to preserve the Internet as an open 
platform for innovation, investment, and free expression. Utilizing the combined authority of 
Title 11 of the Communications Act and ection 706 of the Telecommunications Act, these rules 
are rooted in long-standing regulatory principles, marketplace experience, and public input 
received over the last year. This Order represents the most open rulemaking in history and is 
based on months of listening to the views of policymakers outside the Commission, 1ndustry and 
public interest representatives, and millions of American consumers from all walks of life. 
Based on the input of all these stakeholders, the FCC adopted the strongest possible open 
Internet protections. Specifically, we established bright-line rules banning paid prioritization, 
blocking, and throttling of legal content, along with a general conduct rule that can be used to 
stop new and novel threats to the Internet as they develop. Importantly, and consistent with the 
approach you support in your letter, these rules apply to both fixed and mobile broauband 
Internet access services. For the first time, mobile connections will be subject to the same 
bright-line bans on paid prioritization, blocking, and throttling, that apply to fixed broadband 
services. The approach we take in this Order provides clear rules of the road for all stakeholders, 
while ensuring there is also a referee in place to keep things fair in the future. 
Strong rules need to be grounded in strong authority, and these rules are grounded in the 
strongest authority the FCC can utili ze: a modernized application of Title II of the 
Communications Act, combined with Section 706 of the Telecommunications Act. I refer to this 
application ofTitle II as "modernized" because we have useu the forbearance authorit) granted 
to us by Congress to ensure that we are not applying unreasonable conditions to these modern 
networks. In particular, the Order forbears from 27 provisions of Title II and more than 700 
FCC rules and regulations. This forbearance is targeted to avoid major issues like rate regulation, 
Page 2 The Honorable Keith Ellison 
tariffing, and network unbundling, which would not be appropriate for the broadband Internet 
access industry, and is designed to preserve incentives for continued investment in broadband 
networks. 
The FCC's new rules, grounded in strong Title II authorit) and applied to both fixed and 
mobile connections, carry the support of millions of Americans, and are poised to keep the 
Internet open and free for consumers and innovators for years to come. 
J appreciate your interest in this matter. Please let me know if I can be of any furthe r 
assistance. 
Sincerely, 
Tom Wheeler 
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 
WASHINGTON 
OFFICE O F 
THE CHAI R M AN 
The Honorable Jan chakowsky 
U.S. House of Representatives 
2367 Rayburn f louse Office Building 
Washington, D.C. 20515 
Dear Congresswoman Schakowsky: 
March 26, 20 15 
Thank you for your letters of December 18, 2014 and February 3, 2015 expressing 
support for strong Open Internet rules grounded in our authority under Title II of the 
Communications Act. You also expressed specific concern regarding the need for platform 
parity between fixed and mobile connections, owing the significant role mobile services play in 
providing Internet access across the digital divide. I appreciate hearing your views, and your 
letter will be included in the record. 
Over the past year, I have come to believe that there are three simple keys to our 
broadband future. Our broadband networks must be fast; our broadband networks must be fair; 
and our broadband networks must be open. On February 26, 2015, the Federal Communications 
Commission (FCC) voted to approve new rules designed to preserve the Internet as an open 
platform for innovation, investment, and free expression. Utilizing the combined authority of 
Title II of the Communications Act and Section 706 of the Telecommunications Act, these rules 
are rooted in long-standing regulatory principles, marketplace experience, and public input 
received over the last year. This Order represents the most open rulemaking in history and is 
based on months of listening to the views of policymakers outside the Commission, industry and 
public interest representatives, and millions of American consumers from all walks of life. 
Ba~ed on the input of all these stakeholders, the FCC adopted the strongest possible open 
Internet protections. Specifically, we established bright-line rules banning paid prioritization, 
blocking, and throttling of legal content, along with a general conduct rule that can be used to 
stop new and novel threats to the Internet as they develop. Importantly. and consistent with the 
approach you support in your letter, these rules apply to both fixed and mobile broadband 
Internet access services. For the first time, mobile connections will be subject to the same 
bright-line bans on paid prioritization, blocking, and throttling, that apply to fixed broadband 
services. The approach we take in this Order provides clear rules of the road for all stakeholders. 
while ensuring there is also a referee in place to keep things fair in the future. 
Strong rules need to be grounded in strong authority, and these rules are grounded in the 
strongest authority the FCC can utilize: a modernized application of Title II of the 
Communications Act, combined with Section 706 of the Telecommunications Act. r refer to this 
application of Title ll as "modernized" because we have used the forbearance authority granted 
to us by Congress to ensure that we are not applying unreasonable conditions to these modern 
networks. In particular, the Order forbears from 27 provisions ofTitle II and more than 700 
FCC rules and regulations. This forbearance is targeted to avoid major issues like rate regulation, 
Page 2- The Honorable Jan Schakowsk) 
tariffing, and network unbundling, which would not be appropriate for the broadband Internet 
access industry, and is designed to preserve incentives for continued investment in broadband 
networks. 
The FCC's new rules, grounded in strong Title 1l authority and applied to both fixed and 
mobile connections, carry the support of millions of Americans, and are poised to keep the 
Internet open and free for consumers and innovators for years to come. 
I apprec iate your interest in thi s matter. Plea-;e let me kno~ if l can be of any further 
assistance. 
Tom Wheeler 
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMM I SSIO N 
WASHINGTON 
OFFICE OF 
T H E C H AI RMAN 
The Honorable Louise M. Slaughter 
U.S. Bouse of Representatives 
2469 Rayburn House Office Building 
Washington, D.C. 20515 
Dear Congresswoman Slaughter: 
March 26, 2015 
Thank you for your letters of December 18, 2014 and February 3, 2015 expressing 
support for strong Open Internet rules grounded in our authority under Title II of the 
Communications Act. You also expressed specific concern regarding the need for platform 
parity between fixed and mobile connections, owing the significant role mobile services play in 
providing Internet access across the digital divide. I appreciate hearing your views, and your 
letter will be included in the record. 
Over the past year, I have come to believe that there are three simple keys to our 
broadband future. Our broadband networks must be fast; our broadband networks must be fair; 
and our broadband networks must be open. On February 26, 2015, the Federal Communications 
Commission (FCC) voted to approve new rules designed to preserve the Internet as an open 
platform for innovation. investment, and free expression. Utilizing the combined authority of 
Title II of the Communications Act and ection 706 of the Telecommunications Act, these rules 
are rooted in long-standing regulatory principles, marketplace experience, and public input 
received over the last year. This Order represents the most open rulemaking in history and is 
based on months of listening to the views of policymakers outside the Commission, industry and 
public interest representatives, and millions of American consumers from all walks of life. 
Based on the input of all these stakeholders, the FCC adopted the strongest possible open 
Internet protections. Specifically, we established bright-line rules banning paid prioritization, 
blocking, and throttling of legal content, along with a general conduct rule that can be used to 
stop new and novel threats to the Internet as they develop. Importantly, and consistent with the 
approach you support in your letter, these rules apply to both fixed and mobile broadband 
Internet access services. For the first time, mobile connections will be subject to the same 
bright-line bans on paid prioritization, blocking, and throttling, that apply to fixed broadband 
services. The approach we take in this Order provides clear rules of the road for all stakeholders, 
while ensuring there is also a referee in place to keep things fair in the future. 
trong rules need to be grounded in strong authority. and these rules are grounded in the 
strongest authority the FCC can utilize: a modernized application of Title II of the 
Communications Act, combined with ection 706 of the Telecommunications Act. I refer to this 
application ofTitle II as "modernized'' because we have used the forbearance authority granted 
to us by Congress to ensure that we are not applying unreasonable conditions to these modern 
networks. In particular, the Order forbears from 27 provisions ofTitle II and more than 700 
FCC rules and regulations. This forbearance is targeted to avoid major issues like rate regulation, 
Page 2- The Honorable Louise M. Slaughter 
tarifling, and network unbundling, which would not be appropriate for the broadband Internet 
access industry, and is designed to preserve incentives for continued investment in broadband 
networks. 
The FCC's new rules. grounded in strong fitle II authority and applied to both fixed and 
mobile connections, carry the suppott of millions of Americans, and are poised to keep the 
Internet open and free for consumers and innovators for yt!ars to come. 
l appreciate your interest in this matter. Please let me know if I can he of any further 
assistance. 
Tom Wheeler 
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 
W ASHINGTON 
OFFICE OF 
THE CHAIRMAN 
The Honorable Niki Tsongas 
U.S. I louse of Representatives 
1607 Longworth House Office Building 
Washington, D.C. 20515 
Dear Congresswoman Tsongas: 
March 26, 2015 
Thank you for your letters ofDecember 15,2014, December 18,2014 and February 3, 
2015 expressing support for strong Open Internet rules grounded in our authority under Title II 
of the Communications Act. You also expressed specific concern regarding the need for 
platform parity between fixed and mobile connections, owing the significant role mobile services 
play in providing Internet access across the digital divide. I appreciate hearing your views, and 
your letter will be included in the record . 
Over the past year, l have come to believe that there are tluˇee simple keys to our 
broadband future. Our broadband networks must be fast; our broadband networks must be fair; 
and our broadband networks must be open. On February 26, 2015, the Federal Communications 
Commission (FCC) voted to approve new rules designed to preserve the Internet as an open 
platform for innovation, investment, and free expression. Utilizing the combined authority of 
Title II of the Communications Act and Section 706 of the Telecommunications Act, these rules 
are rooted in long-standing regulatory principles, marketplace experience, and public input 
received over the last year. This Order represents the most open rulemaking in history and is 
based on months of listening to the views of policymakers outside the Commission, industry and 
public interest representatives, and millions of American consumers from all walks of life. 
Based on the input of all these stakeholders, the FCC adopted the strongest poss ible open 
Internet protections. Specifically, we established bright-line rules banning paid prioritization, 
blocking, and throttling of legal content, along with a general conduct rul e that can be used to 
stop new and novel threats to the Internet as they develop. Importantly, and consistent with the 
approach you support in your letter, these rules apply to both fixed and mobile broadband 
Internet access services. For the first time, mobile connections will be subject to the same 
bright-line bans on paid prioritization, blocking, and throttling, that apply to fixed broadband 
services. The approach we take in this Order provides clear rules of the road for all stakeholders. 
while ensuring there is also a referee in place to keep things fair in the future . 
Strong rules need to be grounded in strong authority, and these rules are grounded in the 
strongest authority the FCC can utili ze: a modernized application ofTitle II of the 
Communications Act, combined with ection 706 of the Telecommunications Act. I refer to this 
application ofTitle II as "modernized" because we have used the forbearance authority granted 
to us by Congress to ensure that we are not applying unreasonable conditions to these modern 
networks. In particular, the Order forbears from 27 provisions of Title II and more than 700 
FCC rules and regulations. This forbearance is targeted to avoid major issues like rate regulation, 
Page 2- The Honorable Niki Tsongas 
tariffing, and network unbundling, which would not be appropriate for the broadband Internet 
access industry, and is designed to preserve incentives for continued investment in broadband 
networks. 
The FC'C's new rules, grounded in ~trong Title II authority and applied to both fixed and 
mobik connect10ns, carry the supp01t of millions of Americans, and are poised to keep the 
Internet open and free for consumers and mnovators for years to come. 
I appreciate your interest in this matter. Please kt me know if I can be of any further 
assistance. 
Tom Wheeler 
FEDERAL C O MMUNIC ATI O N S C O MMI SSIO N 
WASHINGTO N 
OFFICE OF 
THE CHAt RMAN 
The I Ionorable Tim Ryan 
U.S. House of Representatives 
1421 Longworth House Office Building 
Washington, D.C. 20515 
Dear Congressman Ryan: 
March 26, 2015 
Thank you for your letters of December 18,2014 and February 3, 2015 expressing 
support for strong Open Internet rules grounded in our authority under Title II of the 
Communications Act. You also expressed specific concern regarding the need for platform 
parity between fixed and mobile connections, owing the significant role mobile services play in 
providing Internet access across the digital divide. I appreciate hearing your views, and your 
letter will be included in the record. 
Over the past year, I have come to believe that there are three simple keys to our 
broadband future. Our broadband networks must be fast; our broadband networks must be fair; 
and our broadband networks must be open. On February 26, 2015, the Federal Communications 
Commission (FCC) voted to approve new rules designed to preserve the Internet as an open 
platform for innovation, investment, and free expression. Utilizing the combined authority of 
Title II of the Communications Act and Section 706 ofthe Telecommunications Act, these rules 
are rooted in long-standing regulatory principles, marketplace experience, and public input 
received over the last year. This Order represents the most open rulemaking in history and is 
based on months of listening to the views of policymakers outside the Commission, industry and 
public interest representatives, and millions of American consumers from all walks of life. 
Based on the input of all these stakeholders, the FCC adopted the strongest possible open 
Internet protections. Specifically, we established bright-line rules banning paid prioritization, 
blocking, and throttling of legal content, along with a general conduct rule that can be used to 
stop new and novel threats to the Internet as they develop. Importantly, and consistent with the 
approach you support in your letter, these rules apply to both fixed and mobile broadband 
Internet access services. For the first time, mobile connections will be subject to the same 
bright-line bans on paid prioritization, blockjng, and throttling, that apply to fixed broadband 
services. The approach we take in this Order provides clear rules of the road for all stakeholders, 
while ensuring there is also a referee in place to keep things fair in the future. 
Strong rules need to be grounded in strong authority, and these rules arc grounded in the 
strongest authority the FCC can utilize: a modernized application of Title II of the 
Communications Act, combined with Section 706 of the Telecommunications Act. I refer to this 
application of Title II as "modernized" because we have used the forbearance authority granted 
to us by Congress to ensure that we are not applying unreasonable conditions to these modem 
networks. In particular, the Order forbears from 27 provisions of Title II and more than 700 
FCC rules and regulations. This forbearance is targeted to avoid major issues like rate regulation, 
Page 2 The Honor~ble 1 im Ryan 
tariffing, and network unbundling, which would not be approprintc for the broadband Internet 
access industry, and is designed to preserve incentives for continued investment in broadband 
networks. 
The rCC's new rules, grounded in strong Title ll authority and applied to both fixed and 
mobile conne<.:tions, carry the support of millions of Americans, and arc poised to keep the 
Internet open and free for consumers and innovators for years to come. 
I appreciate your interest in this matter. Please let me know if l can be of any further 
assistance. 
Tom Wheeler