The White House unveiled policy principles from President Donald Trump on how to securely roll out the advanced 5G wireless networks, emphasizing leadership from the free market and wary of “high-risk vendors,” meaning China’s Huawei and ZTE.
“Malicious actors are already seeking to exploit 5G technology,” Trump writes in the short policy document. “This is a target-rich environment for those with nefarious motives due to the number and types of devices it will connect and the large volume of data that those devices will transmit.”
In a related note, the President signed into law earlier this week the Secure 5G and Beyond Act, a bipartisan measure that mandates the administration solidify its 5G security strategy. Specifically, S. 893, the “Secure 5G and Beyond Act of 2020,” requires the President to develop a strategy to: (1) ensure the security of next generation mobile telecommunications systems and infrastructure in the United States; and (2) assist allies and strategic partners in maximizing the security of next generation mobile telecommunications systems and infrastructure.
House Energy & Commerce Committee leaders applauded the signing, suggesting it was even more important given the pandemic. “The bill signed into law by the President is critical to ensuring that all Americans can access broadband and that our networks are secure and trusted,” said Energy and Commerce Committee chairman Frank Pallone (D-NJ), Ranking Member Greg Walden (R-OR), Communications Subcommittee Chairman Mike Doyle (D-PA) and Subcommittee Ranking Member Bob Latta (R-OH). “The need for connectivity is even more critical now that millions of Americans are teleworking and learning from home in response to the coronavirus pandemic.”
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