126 Ajit Pai Chairman Federal Communications Commission 445 12th Street S.W. Washington, D.C. 20554 Dear Chairman Pai: February 16, 2017 We write today to recommend Mr. Brent Christensen for a position on the Broadband Deployment Advisory Committee (BOAC). Mr. Christensen's 20 years of experience in the rural telecommunications industry give him a valuable perspective on how to accelerate the deployment of broadband, and he would be a strong addition to the BDAC. As President and CEO of the Minnesota Telecom Alliance (MT A), Mr. Christensen advocates on behalf of 45 small , medium and large companies that provide advanced telecommunications services to Minnesota's metropolitan and rural communities. These member companies invest over $152 million annuall y in new and upgraded capital equipment and continually work to bring high-speed internet access to previously unserved areas in Minnesota. Mr. Chri stensen works directly with MTA member companies expanding broadband access and knows firsthand the barriers preventing additional investments in rural broadband deployment. In addition to his role advocating for the broadband industry in Minnesota, Mr. Christensen has experience managing the family-owned Christensen Communications Company where he provides strategic planning on broadband deployment. Mr. Christensen personally installed service for the company' s first broadband subscriber and has successfully brought high-speed broadband access to residents and businesses throughout South Central Minnesota. Mr. Christensen is dedicated to finding solutions to ensure that all Americans have access to quality broadband and we strongly recommend him for the BDAC. Thank you for your consideration of his application. A \L\~ ~obuchar ~States Senator Sincerely, 6i( {2;'"'" Erik Paulsen Member of Congress Tom Emmer Member of Congress