Secure Networks Require Full Funding of Rip-and-Replace Program: CCA
Competitive Carriers Association President Steve Berry and others from the group raised concerns about a shortfall in funding to cover the cost of ripping and replacing Huawei and ZTE gear in wireless networks. The FCC reported applicants requested $5.6 billion,…
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nearly three times the $1.9 billion allocated (see 2202040066). CCA “cautioned” that a “proration approach contemplated” by the FCC “would not accomplish the goals of removing untrusted equipment and services while maintaining service in rural areas,” said a filing posted Friday in docket 18-89. Some CCA members have “proactively replaced covered equipment, investing significant funds into securing their networks," the group said: “For many small carriers in particular, the financial burden to cover the remaining two-thirds of completing the program could prove financially ruinous, resulting in reduced provision of service or shuttering a business entirely. Many carriers may simply opt out of participating, leaving a great deal of insecure equipment left in the nation’s communications networks.” CCA and other groups last week urged the House and Senate Appropriations committees to give the FCC additional funding for the program, created under the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act (see 2203030074).