Tom Lenard and I are very excited that the FCC has begun and inquiry into reverse auctions as a means to distribute universal service. Though it is very far from being realized, just asking the question is a bold step in the face of the political economy realities of the universal service system. In addition, the questions of auction design and rules are very delicate and subtle. Despite all the political and practical hurdles, this is a worthy discussion to be having as we ponder how to get rural America high quality, low cost, advanced communications systems.