US House of Representatives to Vote on Funds for Chinese Telecom Equipment Removal
US Congress Plans Funding for Telecom Equipment Removal
The US Congress is gearing up for a critical vote on a defense bill that proposes more than $3 billion for US telecom companies tasked with removing potentially insecure Chinese telecom equipment from their networks.
Details of the Legislative Move
The US House of Representatives aims to address significant security risks associated with Chinese telecom companies in the US, specifically targeting equipment from Huawei and ZTE. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) estimates that replacing this equipment will cost approximately $4.98 billion. Previously, the House allocated only $1.9 billion for the rip and replace initiative.
Calls for Urgent Action
FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel reiterated the need for immediate funding, highlighting a $3.08 billion shortfall that threatens both national security and the connectivity for consumers in rural areas. Without additional funds, some networks may shut down, impacting vital services like 911.
Future Outlook
Congress mandated the FCC in 2019 to enforce the removal of Chinese telecom equipment from networks benefiting from federal subsidies. The White House has also requested $3.1 billion in funding for the program in 2023. In a related effort, Maria Cantwell, chair of the Senate Commerce Committee, announced that funding will be sourced from a one-time spectrum auction conducted by the FCC.
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