Building a secure 5G network without nationalization

[Commentary] When the outgoing Federal Communications Commission (FCC) cyber experts met with the Trump FCC and National Security Council (NSC) transition teams, they expressly informed them that a FCC retreat from ongoing cybersecurity activities would have dire consequences for 5G and the future of the nation’s critical communications infrastructure.

Nevertheless, the Trump administration ignored cyber concerns in the selection of the new chairman. Immediately upon taking office, the chairman rescinded the Obama FCC’s requirement that any new 5G technology must have built-in cybersecurity standards in order to operate in the United States. It was a little noticed and highly significant repeal of a historic FCC action: the Obama FCC had for the first time in history required that cybersecurity be a priority rather than an afterthought in planning for a new network. The industry opposed the idea, and the Trump FCC bowed to their wishes, cancelling an ongoing proceeding on the topic. So, now the White House awakens to the consequences of the FCC’s actions: worsening vulnerabilities to cyber threats in the next-generation wireless network.

The responsibility for the cybersecurity of the network must be a priority, rather than an afterthought. When the Obama FCC left office, the United States led the world in 5G. Whether a nationalized network would allow the U.S. to recover its leadership is doubtful.

[Tom Wheeler served as the 31st Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission from 2013-2017.]