Cybersecurity Policy Report, Defense Bill Would Fund Effort to Replace Chinese Telecom Gear, (Dec 9, 2024)

By Lynn Stanton

The text of the final bicameral negotiated version of the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 released by the House and Senate Armed Services committees on Saturday would authorize the use of spectrum auction revenues to bridge the shortfall in funding for the FCC’s “rip-and-replace” program intended to remove, replace, and dispose of equipment and services deemed to be a national security threat to communications networks.

The NDAA bill calls for the FCC to license spectrum in the AWS-3 bands within 18 days of the enactment of the legislation. It would establish a Spectrum Auction Trust Fund, which would receive 50% of the AWS-3 auction proceeds up to $3.3 billion, of which $3.08 billion would be used for the rip-and-replace program, more formally known as the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Reimbursement Program.

The bill also includes a provision requiring the Department of Defense to arrange a study on whether to establish a uniformed service dedicated to cyber operations (see separate story).

In a news release celebrating the success of her advocacy for the rip-and-replace program, Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee Chair Maria Cantwell (D., Wash.) said, “For American households, without funding to ‘rip and replace’ this equipment, many providers may be forced to cut off service to residents. And as many rural providers are often the sole providers in their region, local residents and any travelers through that area would be unable to contact 911 in case of an emergency, causing significant public safety issues. In Washington state, there are 63 sites across the state in urgent need of network replacement.”

NATE President and Chief Executive Officer Todd Schlekeway said, “NATE applauds the inclusion of $3.08 Billion for the FCC’s Rip and Replace Program in the NDAA. Fully funding this program is essential to removing Chinese components from our nation’s wireless communications systems. It is imperative to take this step to ensure the security of our broadband infrastructure. This will mitigate the real threat to our national security posed by insecure networks and devices. By including this language, Congress is fully leveraging the rip and replace program to protect Internet users, and it will lead to NATE member contractor companies on the front lines conducting this rip and replace deployment work.”

Competitive Carriers Association President and CEO Tim Donovan said, “I am pleased to see the inclusion of funding for the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Program in the text of the FY 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) released today. This funding is desperately needed to fulfill the mandate to remove and replace covered equipment and services while maintaining connectivity for tens of millions of Americans.”

Mr. Donovan added, “CCA supports and urges Congress to swiftly pass this important legislation and send it to the President for enactment.”

News: FederalLegislation DataSecurity