Verizon Urges FCC to Move Cautiously on Banning Telecom Gear

Verizon advised the FCC to do more outreach to industry before banning more telecom gear components from the U.S. market. Representatives met with staff from the Office of Engineering and Technology, Public Safety Bureau and the Office of General Counsel, said a filing posted Friday in docket 21-232. “Verizon provided perspectives on its experience in securing its supply chain and complying with the evolving government requirements, including the FCC’s Covered List,” the filing said: “Verizon agrees with comments in the record recommending that any future additions to the Covered List be narrowly focused and aimed at addressing clear national security concerns.” Verizon urged the FCC to “review the impact on supply chains before banning particular component parts, including the availability of adequate alternatives that are substantially similar in functionality and cost and the impact to service providers and consumers.”