U.S. Continues its Efforts to Remove Chinese Equipment from Networks

The US Federal Communications Commission began collecting information from operators about how much Huawei and ZTE equipment is currently in use in their networks. Operators were asked to report whether they own or employ equipment and services from the vendors and, if so, what these are.

They are also being asked for details of the original purchase and installation costs, along with estimates of how much it would cost to remove and replace it. Reporting is mandatory for operators which receive federal subsidies from the FCC’s Universal Service Fund and voluntary for those which do not. Responses are due by 22 April.

The US Senate advanced legislation which would establish a $1 billion fund to help small operators foot the bill of replacing network kit from companies deemed to be security threats, sending the measure to President Donald Trump for final approval. Terms of the act would also prohibit the FCC from subsidising the purchase of equipment from such companies. The regulator would be responsible for overseeing the fund and determining which companies are a danger to national security.

Cash to replace kit would only be available to operators with less than 2 million subscribers. If signed by the president, the legislation would effectively codify a policy previously adopted by the FCC blocking subsidy recipients from buying kit from Huawei and ZTE, and requiring replacement of existing gear.