FCC to consider proposal to modify risky equipment removal reimbursement rules

The U.S. Federal Communications Commission is set to hold its first meeting of the new presidential administration in the week of Feb. 15, and it will consider an item that proposes to modify rules that aim to help communications providers secure U.S. communications networks.

The commission is currently split 2-2 along party lines, though President Joe Biden is expected to nominate a third Democrat to the commission in the near future.

The agenda for the commission's Feb. 17 meeting was announced by FCC Acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel.

In addition to hearing a series of presentations on a range of agency projects, the commission will vote on a further notice of proposed rulemaking aimed at modifying rules to facilitate the removal of equipment from foreign suppliers in communications networks that is deemed insecure. For instance, the FCC formally designated Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd. and ZTE Corp. as national security threats on June 30, 2020.

The move came after former President Donald Trump signed a bill into law in March 2020, known as the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act, aimed at helping U.S. network providers remove equipment made by foreign suppliers believed to pose a threat. Portions of the law were updated as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, and now the FCC needs to implement those changes.

For instance, the original law had directed the FCC to set up a $1 billion reimbursement program to help smaller communications providers — such as those with 2 million or fewer customers — to remove prohibited equipment from their networks and replace it with equipment believed to be more secure. The 2021 law, however, enlarges the fund to almost $1.90 billion and covers smaller providers with up to 10 million subscribers.

One component of the further notice of proposed rulemaking would seek comment on a proposal to modify rules for the reimbursement program to allow recipients to use funds to remove, replace or dispose of equipment or services acquired on or before June 30, 2020.

	Government
	Feb. 17	The National Telecommunications and Information Administration will host a webinar to "engage the public and stakeholders with information to accelerate broadband connectivity, improve digital inclusion, strengthen policies and support local priorities."
	Feb. 17	The Federal Communications Commission will host its monthly open meeting.
	Feb. 17	A subcommittee of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce will host a hearing titled "Connecting America: Broadband Solutions to Pandemic Problems."
	Feb. 18	The House Committee on Financial Services will hold a hearing titled "Game Stopped? Who Wins and Loses When Short Sellers, Social Media, and Retail Investors Collide."
	Industry, legal and think tank events
	Feb. 16	FCC Commissioner Nathan Simington will give a virtual address to the Free State Foundation.

Stories of note:

With TikTok deal shelved, Walmart must double down on reaching Gen Z – analysts

Big tech needs 'next big thing' amid pandemic, economic uncertainties - analysts

Wireless infrastructure CEO expects 5G capex deferment after huge C-band spend

CBS shatters in-game Super Bowl ad revenue mark with $545M total

Some external links may require a subscription. Links are current as of publication time, and we are not responsible if those links are unavailable later.