The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has reiterated to Congress that more cash is needed if smaller broadband providers are to be compensat

FCC: US telcos a long way off, several billions short of removing Chinese kit

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2024-07-11 17:30:20

The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has reiterated to Congress that more cash is needed if smaller broadband providers are to be compensated for removing Chinese telecoms kit deemed a security risk.

FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel joined the chair of the Senate Commerce Committee Maria Cantwell in warning that the $3 billion which the Spectrum and National Security Act would provide is needed for broadband providers to replace equipment supplied by Chinese companies.

A report [PDF] published earlier this month found that 40 percent of Rip and Replace program participants lack the funding to complete the work. With most of these located in rural areas, the current shortfall in funding "disproportionally threatens service to rural communities," the report claims.

"While Congress provided $1.9 billion to operate the Rip and Replace program, this latest report by the FCC makes clear that this amount is not enough to secure our networks; particularly those from providers in small and rural areas," Rosenworcel said in a statement.