FCC, USAID Agree to Cooperate On International 5G Deployment and Security

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The FCC signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the U.S. Agency for International Development Wednesday to promote secure and open 5G networks in the developing world. 

“As the United States and the world move ahead with next-generation, 5G wireless services, we must ensure these networks are both open and secure,” said FCC Chairman Ajit Pai. “American leadership is already helping to shape the global deployment of 5G and this agreement will ensure that our agencies’ respective expertise are leveraged to ensure the best results for both the American people and communities around the world. As Chairman, I’ve met with my counterparts from other countries and industry stakeholders and I know that our international partners look to us for 5G leadership in terms of technology, best practices, public policy, and establishing international standards.”  

Under its 5G FAST Plan, the FCC is making spectrum available for 5G, updating infrastructure policy, and modernizing outdated regulations. The Commission also carries this work forward internationally, and coordinates closely with agency and international partners to promote competition, innovation, harmonization, and investment in broadband services and facilities. These efforts support the U.S. economy by ensuring a competitive framework for evolving communications networks and services, according to the agency.  

The FCC and its federal partners have made strides on network security. The Commission has prohibited the use of the Universal Service Fund to buy equipment or services from any company that poses a national security threat to U.S. communications networks or the communications supply chain; the ban includes Chinese government-controlled telecom companies that provide telecommunications services in the U.S. or have sought authority to do so. 

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