The FCC needs more time to fix deficient applications from carriers seeking reimbursement for ripping untrusted gear from Huawei and ZTE out of their networks and replacing it. This means the agency won’t meet a June 15 deadline to verify a projected shortfall in the fund nor select which providers qualify for the money.
The law behind the Rip & Replace program requires the Commission to give applicants time to fix the deficiencies and provides a deadline extension, according to FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel. She told congressional leaders this week that many of the applications lack an “adequate” cost estimate “or sufficient supporting materials.”
“We expect to complete our review within a matter of weeks” once the updated applications have been filed, she said in a letter. Rosenworcel promised to provide a progress update and an expected completion date no later than June 15.
Congress allocated $1.9 billion to fund Rip & Replace reimbursements. The FCC initially projected it would need $5.6 billion, based on its early review of 181 applications from 96 applicants. To date, its gross cost estimate demand for the program has been reduced from $5.6 billion to $5.3 billion. Rosenworcel anticipates the final figure will drop further once personnel complete the application review.
By Leslie Stimson, Inside Towers Washington Bureau Chief
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