Washington: The U.S. House of Representatives is poised to vote on a defense bill allocating over $3 billion to remove Chinese telecom equipment from American networks, addressing pressing national security concerns.
The 1,800-page bill, expected to be voted on next week, includes funding to help U.S. telecom companies replace equipment made by Huawei and ZTE. These measures are part of Washington’s broader strategy to safeguard U.S. networks from foreign interference.
Funding Shortfalls
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has estimated that removing insecure equipment would cost $4.98 billion. However, Congress has previously allocated only $1.9 billion, leaving a $3.08 billion funding gap. FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel has called on lawmakers to address this shortfall, warning that without additional funding, rural carriers may face operational shutdowns, potentially affecting 911 services and connectivity in underserved areas.
Rosenworcel stated, “This funding shortfall puts both our national security and the connectivity of rural consumers at risk.”
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Broader Provisions
The bill also mandates a report on China’s attempts to bypass U.S. security regulations and an intelligence assessment of China’s biotechnology capabilities. These measures reflect growing bipartisan concerns over China’s influence on critical infrastructure.
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Industry and Legislative Support
Competitive Carriers Association CEO Tim Donovan welcomed the announcement, emphasizing the urgency of maintaining connectivity for millions of Americans while ensuring compliance with security mandates.
In 2019, Congress directed the FCC to ensure U.S. carriers receiving federal subsidies purge their networks of Chinese-made telecom equipment. In 2023, the White House requested $3.1 billion for the program. Senate Commerce Committee Chair Maria Cantwell noted that a one-time spectrum auction for advanced wireless technology would generate the funds required to meet these goals, including $500 million earmarked for regional tech hubs.
The initiative underscores Washington’s commitment to fortifying national security while addressing the digital divide in rural areas.
