The more than 181 requests for cost reimbursement under the Supply Chain Reimbursement Program, which were presented by telecommunications companies that have developed plans to remove and replace equipment in their networks that pose a national security problem, total around $5.6Bn, compared to the $1.895Bn initial feed for the aforementioned fund to cover reimbursements.
This was pointed out by Jessica Rosenworcel (President of the Federal Communications Commission -FCC-) in the request to increase funding for the Reimbursement Fund made to the US Congress last Friday, February 4, 2022.
The Supply Chain Reimbursement Program was created by the US Congress under the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act of 2019 (Donald Trump was still President of the USA).
“Last year Congress created a first-of-its kind program for the FCC to reimburse service providers for their efforts to increase the security of our nations communications networks,” said Chairwoman Rosenworcel. “We’ve received over 181 applications from carriers who have developed plans to remove and replace equipment in their networks that pose a national security threat. While we have more work to do to review these applications, I look forward to working with Congress to ensure that there is enough funding available for this program to advance Congress’s security goals and ensure that the U.S. will continue to lead the way on 5G security.”
The Supply Chain Reimbursement Program will reimburse providers of advanced communications services for costs reasonably incurred for removing, replacing, and disposing of communications equipment and services produced or provided by Huawei Technologies Company and ZTE Corporation. The Commission opened the filing window for the program on October 29, 2021, and the window closed on January 28, 2022.
Image over the headline.- Jessica Rosenworcel (President of the Federal Communications Commission -FCC-).© FCC
Related Eastwind links (Spanish edition):
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Related Eastwind links (English edition):
China’s economy proves resilient to Trump’s protectionist measures
Trump’s commercial war against China.- Zhong Shan urges “pause on the brink of a precipice”
