UPDATE The Competitive Carriers Association (CCA) praised Rep. August Pfluger (R-TX) for leading the introduction of the “Supporting National Security with Spectrum Act” in the House. The measure is companion legislation to a Senate counterpart. Both bills would fully fund the FCC’s program to reimburse small telecoms that remove, dispose of and replace untrusted network gear from Chinese companies Huawei and ZTE. The Rip & Replace program has a more than $3 billion shortfall, Inside Towers has reported.
CCA President/CEO Tim Donovan said the “critical” legislation “adds to the growing momentum in Congress” to address the shortfall. “Congress must prioritize fully funding the Rip and Replace Program which is key to securing our nation’s telecommunications networks against foreign interference – including those serving rural areas, military bases, airports, and other areas of strategic importance. Absent full funding provided by Congress, tens of millions of Americans face network failures, complete loss of connectivity, and jeopardized access to emergency services,” he said.
By Leslie Stimson, Inside Towers Washington Bureau Chief
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