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https://scmp.com/tech/big-tech/article/3075022/trump-signs-law-prevent-us-rural-telecom-carriers-using-huawei-zte Big Tech
Trump signs law to prevent US rural telecom carriers from using Huawei, ZTE network equipment
- The law requires the FCC to establish a program to assist small providers with the costs of removing prohibited equipment or services and replacing it
A 3D printed Huawei logo is placed on glass above a displayed US flag in this illustration taken January 29, 2019. Photo: Reuters
US President Donald Trump signed legislation on Thursday to bar telecom carriers from using US subsidies to purchase network equipment from Huawei Technologies, ZTE Corp and other companies deemed a national security threat.
The law also requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to establish a program to assist small providers with the costs of removing prohibited equipment or services from their networks and replacing it.
FCC Chairman Ajit Pai called on Congress to “to appropriate the necessary funding to reimburse carriers for replacing any network equipment or services found to be a national security threat.”
Huawei has opposed the measure and disputes that it poses a national security threat.
The Rural Wireless Association praised the measure that authorises US$1 billion but does not appropriate the funds. It marks “the first-step in securing necessary funding to replace rural carriers’ Huawei and ZTE equipment so that critical network infrastructure in rural areas continues to be available,” the association said.
The White House said the “reforms will help protect our nation’s vital communications network and also ensures the United States reaches its 5G potential.”
Steven Barry, who heads the Competitive Carriers Association, said at a congressional hearing this month that rural carriers were “essentially attempting to rebuild the aeroplane in mid-flight” by having to remove and replace network equipment.
Separately, France will authorise the use of some of Huawei’s equipment in the rollout of its 5G network, two sources close to the matter told Reuters, despite US calls to exclude the Chinese telecoms giant from the West’s next-generation communications.