FCC Acts to Protect National Security in Communications Supply Chain

The Federal Communications Commission adopted an Order that incorporates changes to the FCC's rules consistent with the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, which appropriated $1.895 billion for the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Reimbursement Program. The Order is another step in ongoing FCC action to protect the communications networks from those who would harm the United States. Key changes include:

• Modifying the equipment and services eligible for the Reimbursement Program to include all communications equipment and services produced or provided by Huawei Technologies Company or ZTE Corporation
• Establishing June 30, 2020 as the new date by which covered communications equipment and services must have been obtained to be eligible for Reimbursement Program funds
• Enacting the prioritization scheme expressly provided for in the Consolidated Appropriations Act if demand for Reimbursement Program funding exceeds the $1.895 billion appropriated by Congress
• Clarifying some Reimbursement Program requirements to assist eligible providers as they prepare to seek reimbursement for expenses related to removing, replacing, and disposing of covered communications equipment or services