110atnngre.s.s nf t}fe lttnite~ §tate.s lila.sqingtnn, mar 20515 The Honorable Ajit Pai Chairman Federal Communications Commission 445 12th Street SW Washington, DC 20554 Dear Chairman Pai, February 13, 2017 We write today to express our concerns with your decision to block Spot On, Boomerang Wireless, KonaTel, FreedomPop, AR Designs, Kajeet, Liberty, Northland Cable, and Wabash Independent Networks from participating in the Lifeline program for subsidized broadband Internet access. Millions of households across the country rely on having access to affordable Internet service. You have said yourself that you want to see universal broadband coverage in this country. Expanding Internet access will lead to more jobs in technology and new innovations. Your action will hurt those in our country that need the most help. The founder of Kajeet, one of the companies you blocked, said he is concerned about the poor children they serve. He said "We partner with school districts- 41 states and the District of Columbia- to provide educational broadband so that poor kids can do their homework." Mr. Chairman, your arbitrary decision will hurt poor children and widen the digital divide. The American people deserve better. By reversing the decision made by your predecessor, you are reducing, not expanding, Internet access. We ask that you reconsider the Commission's decision to remove the nine companies. We look forward to your response Sincerely, RON KIND Member of Congress PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER //~&-~ ~ESHOO Member of Congress Member of Congress ~~ Member of Congress (J:._g i NO f:l!!:.er of Congress --r~ PRAMILA JA YAPA Member of Congress !~!~ Member of Congress BARBARA LEE Member o Congress ~let- ZOE LOFGREN Member of Congress ~ jJ){. ru ··~ ~~ GRIJAL fi::j Member of Congress Member of Congress (4<:/P:~ TEDW. LIEU Member of Congress O~D HADLER ember of Congress Member of Congress J ~A INR-~ Member of Congress GREGORY W. MEEKS Member of Congress ~AI/~ Member of Congress ---~.-;-;-,~~ Member of Congress tU .. ,¥-- DARRENSOTO Member of Congress Member of Congress ~ '* A.-k ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON Member of Congress y vbt~.J. PETE VI CLOSK~ Me o ngress { _j - <&~£?· QQ