FCC Chairwoman Rosenworcel Notifies Congress of Demand for Rip and Replace Program

Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel notified Congress that providers have initially requested approximately $5.6 billion from the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Reimbursement Program to cover the costs of removing, replacing, and disposing of insecure equipment and services in US networks. “We’ve received over 181 applications from carriers who have developed plans to remove and replace equipment in their networks that pose a national security threat," said Rosenworcel. "I look forward to working with Congress to ensure that there is enough funding available for this program to advance Congress’s security goals and ensure that the US will continue to lead the way on 5G security.” The Supply Chain Reimbursement Program will reimburse providers of advanced communications services for costs reasonably incurred for removing, replacing, and disposing of communications equipment and services produced or provided by Huawei Technologies Company and ZTE Corporation.