Pallone, Walden to FCC: Aid Companies on 'Rip and Replace'

Act (HR-4998). Lawmakers are working to appropriate $1.6 billion-$1.8 billion to implement the law (see 2009140062). "Some small and rural communications providers would not otherwise be able to afford these upgrades,” Pallone and Walden wrote FCC Chairman Ajit Pai. Support for HR-4998 funding is "bipartisan and bicameral. ... In the meantime, carriers are moving forward to remove their suspect equipment and need guidance." The lawmakers want the FCC list equipment and software that would be eligible for reimbursement and reassure companies they won't jeopardize eligibility for that funding if they buy replacements now. Pai “strongly agrees with the letter’s goal of ensuring that our nation’s communications networks are secure,” an FCC spokesperson emailed. The commission "has taken significant action to protect against threats to our communications networks, including prohibiting” use of USF money “to purchase or support equipment or services from companies posing a national security threat.” The spokesperson noted Pai’s plans for a Dec. 10 vote on an order to set up a reimbursement program (see 2011190059). Competitive Carriers Association CEO Steve Berry wants the agency to begin noncontroversial steps to help companies that qualify for the money.