• February 10, 2022

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The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced it has received over 181 applications for the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Reimbursement Program, also known as the Rip and Replace program, since the filing window closed in January of 2022. After initial review, the estimated cost of the removal and replacement of equipment that pose as a national security threat has reached $5.6 billion, a drastic difference compared to the $1.9 billion currently allocated for funding.

The Rip and Replace Program was created to provide funding to qualifying providers for the removal, replacement, and disposal of existing Huawei, ZTE, and other equipment covered by the program that are deemed a national security risk. Congress originally allotted $1.9 billion to carry out this effort after running an initial data collection process with approximately 51 different companies. This process was designed to help determine cost estimates for the scope of this project.

After over 181 applications were submitted from carriers who have developed plans to remove and replace equipment in their networks, the FCC has announced that requests for funding have exceeded their preliminary estimates, reaching $5.6 billion. FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel notified congress of the demand and stated she, “look[s] 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.”

Congress has not devoted the funds yet, as the application review process is still underway. Follow along for updates as they’re released at the FCC’s website.

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Sources:

fiercewireless.com/wireless/costs-rip-and-replace-huawei-zte-gear-soar-56-billion

docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-379974A1.pdf

rcrwireless.com/20220207/policy/fcc-5-6-billion-requested-for-network-rip-and-replace-program

theverge.com/2022/2/4/22918611/rip-and-replace-hauwei-zte-fcc-cell-network-securty