US carriers ask FCC for $5.6 billion to replace Huawei and ZTE equipment
The price of removing Chinese equipment from US wireless networks is likely to be more expensive than the government anticipates. According to Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel, US carriers have requested about $5.6 billion in reimbursement for ““Their existing Huawei and ZTE infrastructure.
While we still have a lot of work to do to review these applications, I look forward to working with Congress to ensure that there is sufficient funding for this program to advance Congress’ security goals. and ensure that the United States will continue to lead # 5G Guard.
– Jessica Rosenworcel (@JRosenworcelFCC) February 4, 2022
, the FCC voted unanimously to ban US carriers from using the General Service Fund to subsidize the cost of purchasing network equipment from companies deemed a “national security threat”. The first two companies the agency added to the list were Huawei and ZTE. In 2020, former President Donald Trump signed require suppliers to replace equipment from two manufacturers.
That same year, the FCC to reimburse smaller telecom operators for replacing equipment deemed by law to pose a national security risk. At the time, the agency estimated the shipping cost would be higher to obey the order, and then it was set aside to cover reimbursements.
“While we have a lot of work to do to review these applications, I look forward to working with Congress to ensure that there is sufficient funding for this program to advance Congressional security goals.” and ensure that the US will continue to lead in 5G security,” said Rosenworcel.
U.S. carriers submitted 181 applications to the FCC for funding assistance before the application deadline closed on January 28, 2022. As far as everything goes, the agency only had enough money to grant it. about a third of the total requests they receive.
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