FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 
WASHINGTON 
O FFICE OF 
T H E C H AIRMAN 
The Honorable Maxine Waters 
U.S. House of Representatives 
222 1 Rayburn I louse Office Building 
Washington, D.C. 205 15 
Dear Congresswoman Waters: 
March 26, 20 15 
Thank you for contacting me to express your 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. J appreciate hearing your views, and your letter wi ll 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 rulcmaking in history and ts 
based on months of listening to the views of policymakers outside the Commission, industry and 
public interest represeutatives. 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 prioritintion, 
blocking. and throttling of legal content, along wnh a general conduct rule that can be used to 
stop new and novel threats to the Internet as they develop. Importantly, anJ 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 
service<;; . 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. l 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 avo id major issues like rate regulation, 
Page 2 - The Honorable Maxine Waters 
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 
mobi le 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 any ~·unher 
ass1stance. 
~incerely,-/;i/­
~er 
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 
WASHINGTON 
OFFICE OF 
THE CHAIRMAN 
The Honorable Earl Blumenauer 
U.S. House of Representatives 
1111 Longworth House Office Building 
Washington, D.C. 20515 
Dear Congressman Blumenauer: 
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. 
Based on the input of all these stakeholders, the FCC adopted the strongest possible open 
Internet prott:ctions. 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 with the 
approach you support in your letter, these rules apply to both fixed and mobile broadband 
Internet access services. For the tirst time, mobile connections will be subject to the same 
bright-line bans on paid prioritization, blocking, and throttling, that apply to fixed broadband 
st:rvices. 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. 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 llonorable Earl Blumenauer 
tariffing. and network unbundling, which wou ld 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 mi ll 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 this matter. Please let me know if I can be of any further 
assistance. 
Sincere!), 
F E DERAL COMMUNICATIONS C O M MISSI ON 
WASHINGTON 
OFFICE OF 
THE CHAIRMAN 
The Honorable Sam Farr 
U.S. Ilouse 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 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. T 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 'Aith 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 thi~ 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 ection 706 of the Telecommunications Act. I refer to this 
application ofTitle (J 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 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 mi ll 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 this matter. Please let me know if I can be of an} further 
assistance. 
Tom Wheeler 
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 
WASHINGTON 
OFFICE OF 
T H E C H AI RMAN 
The I Ionorable Michael M. Honda 
U. . llouse of Representatives 
1713 Longworth House Office Building 
Washington, D.C. 205 15 
Dear Congressman I Ionda: 
March 26, 2015 
Thank you for your letters of December 18, 20 14 and February 3, 20 15 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 fa ir; 
and our broadband networks must be open. On February 26, 20 15, 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. Utili zing 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, 
whi le ensuring there is also a referee in place to keep things fa ir 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 refer to this 
application ofTitle II as ''modernized" because we have used the forbearance authori ty 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 avo id major issues like rate regulation, 
Page 2- The llonorable Michael M. Honda 
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 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 any further 
assistance. 
Sincerely. 
Tom Wheeler 
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS C O MMI SS ION 
WASHIN G TON 
OFFICE OF 
THE CHAIRMAN 
The I Ionorable Barbara Lee 
U .. House of Representatives 
2267 Rayburn House Office Building 
Washington, D.C. 20515 
Dear Congresswoman Lee: 
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 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 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 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 1ixed 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 Il 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- The Honorable Barbara Lee 
tariffing, and network unbundling, which would not be appropri ate for the broadband Internet 
access industry, and is des igned to preserve incentives for continued investment in broadband 
networks. 
The FCC's new rules, grounded in strong Title II authority and applied to both tixed 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 thi s matter. Please lel me know if I can be of any fu rther 
assistance. 
;;·-Jt~(_ 
Tom Wheeler 
FEDERA L COMMUNICATIONS C OM MI SSION 
WASHINGTON 
OF"FICE OF 
THE C HAIRM A N 
The I Ionorable John Lewis 
U.S. House of Representatives 
343 Cannon House 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 
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 prioriti1.ation, 
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. Imp011antly, and consistent with the 
approach you support in your letter, these ru les 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. 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 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 n 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 irmovators for years to come. 
I appreciate your interest in this matter. Please let me know i Cl can be of any further 
assistance. 
incerely. 
Tom Wheeler 
FEDERAL COM MUNICATIONS C O MMISSION 
WASHINGTON 
OFFICE OF 
THE CHAIR M AN 
The I Ionorable Zoe Lofgren 
U.S. House of Representatives 
1401 Longworth House Office Building 
Washington, D.C. 20515 
Dear Congresswoman Lofgren: 
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 pia} 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 ll 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 suppott 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 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 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 If authority and applied to both fixed and 
mobile connt!ctions, 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 kn\)W if l can be of an) l"unher 
a sistance. 
Sincerdy. 
Tom Wheeler 
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 
W ASHINGTON 
OFFICE OF 
THE CH.O. IR MA N 
The Honorable Betty McCollum 
U. . House of Representatives 
1714 Longworth House Office Building 
Washington, D.C. 20515 
Dear Congresswoman McCollum: 
March 26, 2015 
Thank you for your letters ofDecember 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 ) our 
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 tie 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, we established bright-line ru les 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 ti:-.ed 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. 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 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 Title II authority and applied to both tixcd and 
mobile connections, carry 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 know if I can be of any further 
assistance. 
Tom Wheeler 
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COM MISSIO N 
WASHINGTON 
OFFICE OF 
THE CHAIRMAN 
The Honorable Raul M. Grijalva 
U.S. House of Representatives 
1511 Longworth !louse Office Building 
Washington, D.C. 20515 
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. 1 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 st rongest 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 ll of the 
Communications Act, combined with ection 706 of the Telecommunications Act. I 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 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 fhe I lonorable Raul 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 ne\\< 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 
assistance. 
Sincerely, 
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 
WASHINGTON 
OFFICE OF' 
T HE C HAIRM AN 
The llonorable Keith Ellison 
U.S. Ilouse of Representatives 
2244 Rayburn House Office Building 
Washington, D.C. 20515 
Dear Congressman Ellison: 
March 26, 2015 
Thank you for your letters ofDecember 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, mdustry 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 ofTitle li of the 
Communications Act, combined with Sectiou 706 of the Telecommunications Act. 1 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 llonorable 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 authority and applied to both fixed and 
mobile connections, carry the suppo11 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 any further 
assistance. 
Sincerely, 
I 
~ 
Tom Wheeler 
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 
WASHINGTON 
OFFICE OF 
THE CHAIRM AN 
The Honorable Jan chakowsky 
U.S. House of Representatives 
2367 Rayburn House Office Building 
Washington, D.C. 205 15 
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 fa ir; 
and our broadband networks must be open. On February 26, 20 15, the l·ederal Communications 
Commission (FCC) voted to approve new rules designed to preserve the Internet as an open 
platform for innovation, investment, and free expression. Utili zing 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 lire. 
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 wi th 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 wi ll 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 ofTitle II of the 
Communications Act, combined with Section 706 of the Telecommunication~ 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 I lonorablc Jan Schakowsk) 
tarif(ing, 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 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. Pka-;e let me h.now if I can be of an)' further 
assistance. 
Tom Wheeler 
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 
WASHINGTON 
OFFICE OF 
THE CHA I R M AN 
The Honorable Louise M . Slaughter 
U.S. House of Representatives 
2469 Rayburn House Office Building 
Washington, D.C. 20515 
Dear Congresswoman Slaughter: 
March 26, 201 5 
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 Jl 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 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 wi th 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 0f 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- The I Ionorable Louise M. Slaughter 
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 ne\o\> rules, grounded in strong fitk 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 any further 
assistance. 
Tom Wheeler 
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 
W ASH I NGTON 
OFFICE OF 
THE: C H AI RM A N 
The Honorable Niki Tsongas 
U.S. House 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, 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. 
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 ofTitle II of the 
Communications Act, combined with ection 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 - 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 strong Title II authority and applied to both 1ixed and 
mobilt! connections, carry the support 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 let me know if 1 can be of any ftuther 
assistance. 
Tom Wheeler 
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS C O MM ISSION 
WASHINGTON 
OFFICE OF 
THE CHAIRMAN 
The Honorable Tim Ryan 
U.S. House of Representatives 
1421 Longworth House Office Building 
Washington, D.C. 20515 
Dear Congressman Ryan: 
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 ofpolicymakers 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 of Title IT of the 
Communications Act, combined with Section 706 of the Telecommunications Act. 1 refer to this 
application of Title IT 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 Tim Ryan 
tariffing, and network unbundling, which would not be appropriate for the broadband Internet 
access industry, and is designed to preserve ine~ntives for continued investment in broadband 
networks. 
The I'CC's new rules, grounded in strong Title II authorit) and applied to both fixed and 
mobile conne<.:tions, 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 any fu rther 
assistance. 
Tom Wheeler