Pai Proposes FCC Prohibit Use of USF Money to Buy From Suppliers Posing Security Threat

FCC Chairman Ajit Pai said he will circulate an order for the Nov. 19 commissioners’ meeting that would bar providers from using USF support to buy from suppliers deemed a threat to national security. Pai will also propose that the FCC seek comment on a process to remove and replace such equipment from USF-funded networks.

“We simply can’t take a risk when it comes our networks and hope for the best,” Pai blogged Monday. “My plan calls first for an assessment to find out exactly how much equipment from Huawei and another Chinese company, ZTE, is in these networks, followed by financial assistance to these carriers to help them transition to more trusted vendors."

Commissioners approved a supply chain NPRM 5-0 in April 2018. Smaller carriers have had concerns since some use cheap equipment from Chinese vendors. Huawei and ZTE didn't comment.

The announcement comes as the World Radiocommunication Conference starts in Egypt.