Eighteen wireless carriers and stakeholders urged Congress to fully fund the Rip & Replace Reimbursement Program. The FCC recently completed reviewing applications and found the shortfall between the $1.9 billion Congress allocated and what’s needed is more than originally thought — $3.08 billion, Inside Towers reported.
In a letter to House and Senate Leadership last Thursday, the carriers and stakeholders stressed the need to be paid the full amount to remove and replace untrusted network gear from Huawei and ZTE. Competitive Carriers Association President/CEO Steve Berry urged Congress to provide additional resources to ensure success of the reimbursement program.
“The letter signatories are exactly correct – for the Reimbursement Program to be a success, sufficient resources must be made available. The FCC has prorated available funds as directed by law, leaving affected carriers in a hole they may never be able to climb out of,” said CCA President/CEO Steve Berry.
He said removing the untrusted gear is not only a national security issue, but an important consumer issue as well. “Failure to make up for the funding shortfall threatens the availability of advanced communications to residents and visitors in large parts of the country, especially in rural areas – an outcome that no one wants to see,” said Berry. “I strongly encourage Congress to act immediately to help secure support to fully fund the program and provide the FCC with the necessary funds to address the current shortfall. Time is of the essence, and CCA stands ready to assist in any way we can.”
By Leslie Stimson, Inside Towers Washington Bureau Chief
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