Small carriers have more time to submit applications to the FCC for the Rip and Replace Reimbursement Program. The FCC established the $1.9 billion program to reimburse providers of advanced communications services with 10 million or fewer customers. The money is targeted for reasonable costs incurred in the removal, replacement, and disposal of covered communications equipment or services from their networks that pose a national security risk. The previous deadline to submit Form 5640 was January 14. The new deadline is January 28, 2022, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern.
The 14-day extension is a response to pleas from the Rural Wireless Association and NTCA – The Rural Broadband Association. They cited multiple labor hours dedicated to an application, limited workforce resources, and the impact of the “quickly spreading” COVID-19 Omicron variant in their extension request. They asserted: “collecting the necessary cell site data, filling out the numerous entries in the location, equipment, and cost estimate excel sheets, and attaching necessary documentation is a massive undertaking that requires substantial work.”
The Competitive Carriers Association submitted a letter supporting the request, and no one opposed that, according to the FCC.
The associations initially sought a 30-day extension, but the Wireline Competition Bureau said that could “unduly delay” implementation of the Rip & Replace Reimbursement Program. A 14-day extension is more appropriate, the Bureau said. Applicants must use the agency’s online portal to apply.
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