Latest from 5G/6G & Fixed Wireless Access/Mobile Evolution

ID 246538744 © Rafael Henrique | Dreamstime.com
dreamstime_s_246538744
ID 330442853 | 5g Spectrum © Andrey Lebedev | Dreamstime.com
dreamstime_s_330442853
Photo 159793206 | 5g © Khwaneigq | Dreamstime.com
ID 113671240 © Zhi Qi | Dreamstime.com
6764a30f08dac107a82e3edc Dreamstime S 113671240

National Defense Authorization Act Passes Senate

Dec. 19, 2024
The NDAA, once signed into law, has consequences for telecom, and is being praised by the wireless industry.

The U.S. Senate has passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which means that once signed into law, $3.08 billion in “Rip-and-Replace” funds carriers have been waiting on, will be available—welcome news particularly for smaller carriers unable to financially support the program on their own.

The “Rip-and-Replace” program is a federal government initiative that asks telecom companies to remove Chinese equipment from their infrastructure due to cybersecurity risks.

The passing of the bill was met with cheer in the industry.

“The Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) is pleased to see the Senate and House pass the National Defense Authorization Act with provisions that would fully fund the Federal Communication Commission's Rip and Replace program,” said Dave Stehlin, CEO of the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA).

“I've experienced, firsthand, how state-owned covered entities operate on the global stage, threatening the security of our networks,” he continued. “The security of our information communications technology networks is of paramount importance, and we will continue to work with operators and manufacturers to ensure that our networks are deployed with trusted vendors.”

Stehlin called attention to recent cyberattacks against telecom that put into full perspective the need for increased precaution.

“Ensuring the security and resiliency of U.S. communications networks remains a primary goal for TIA. By fully funding this program, Congress is demonstrating their support of carriers nationwide as they continue their efforts to remove untrustworthy equipment. The recent high-profile and significant intrusions across ICT networks demonstrates that more must be done to secure our critical communications infrastructure.  We urge the President to sign this important legislation.”

Spectrum is in the bill, too

To fund Rip-and-Replace, the NDAA also includes a provision authorizing the FCC to conduct an AWS-3 spectrum auction.

The spectrum licenses would be auctioned by the FCC.

About the Author

Joe Gillard | Executive Editor

Joe Gillard is a media professional with over 10 years of experience writing, editing, and managing the editorial process across a spectrum of innovative industries. Joe strives to deliver the best possible editorial product by focusing on the needs of the audience, utilizing the data available, and collaborating with a talented team.