~ongrts~ of tbt Wntttb ~tatts ~oust of l\tprtstntatibts masbtngton, me 20515 The Honorable Tom Wheeler Chairman Federal Communications Commission 445 12th Street SW Washington, D.C. 20554 Dear Chairman Wheeler: October 6, 2016 We are writing in regards to the Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FNPRM) on business data services (BOS) issued by the Federal Communications Commission on May 2. Few things are as important in today's economy as supporting ongoing investment in high speed data infrastructure. Business broadband is a key component for our nation's economy and the source of tens of thousands of well-paying, middle class jobs around the country. Many services Americans consumers rely on daily, from connections for smart phones, to financial access at retailers and Automated Teller Machines, or to computer connections in the workplace, are built on top of BOS infrastructure. We are concerned that the Commission's proposed rulemaking will slow the rate of investment in BOS and harm the services that rely on this critical infrastructure and we urge the FCC adopt final rules that will not reduce investment or deter growing competition in BOS. Today, billions of dollars are being invested in BOS from a larger number of providers than ever before. Cable providers, competitive exchange carriers, wireless backhaul providers and other new entrants are increasing competition in business broadband services, giving small and large businesses greater options for their BOS needs. As the FCC finalizes its rulemaking, it is important the Commission consider all available data, including data provided by major cable operators. A failure to recognize the extent of competition, will likely result in regulations that will deter incumbent, recent, and future providers from investing in BOS, harming providers and consumers alike. We agree that competition is best. Federal telecommunications regulations should incentivize greater broadband investment and spur greater competition. Where competition exists, consumers are in charge and benefit from greater choice on price, quality, and service, while limiting the need for government regulation. Thank you for your attention to this important matter and we look forward to your prompt response. If you have questions, please do not hesitate to contact us. !uL Gene Green Sincerely, Bill Flores Member of Congress Member of Congress 828