Concerned that equipment supplied by China could compromise national security, Nebraska lawmakers have called for the immediate removal of those elements from cell towers across the state (see related story further up in this newsletter.) As WOWT-TV reports, an investigation in 2019 discovered that Viaero Wireless operates at least 18 towers that contain Huawei components. The amendment proposed by Nebraska politicians has reactivated that concern.
Although federal “Rip & Release” funds are available, the demand for funding cannot stretch to honor every request for action. The Nebraska proposal would strip subsidies from carriers who do not take speedy, proactive measures to start removing the Chinese technology. Rural carriers in particular could find themselves short on funding as they move to comply with Nebraska’s request.
As WOWT-TV notes, the Department of Defense has said that it is not unreasonable to think that Chinese spyware within the Huawei equipment could compromise U.S. military installations. Nebraska hosts both Offutt Air Force Base and hidden ICBM’s, prompting legislators to make sure that no foreign nation has access to restricted information.
Since earlier concerns have gone unheeded, Nebraska lawmakers are taking steps to mandate that the cell towers are free of Chinese influences. “When you don’t act in good faith, it’s time to take other action,” confirmed State Senator Mike Jacobson.
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