A group of House Energy and Commerce Committee members are urging the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to examine fifth-generation (5G) infrastructure and technology security.
Chairman Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ), Ranking Member Greg Walden (R-OR), Communications and Technology Subcommittee Chairman Mike Doyle (D-PA) and Communications and Technology Subcommittee Ranking Member Bob Latta (R-OH) wrote to FCC Chairman Ajit Pai as part of the newly rechartered Communications Security, Reliability and Operability Council (CSRIC), CRSRIC VII.
“The ubiquitous deployment of broadband, including next generation technologies such as 5G, is a priority as we work to ensure every American has access to affordable, reliable, and high-speed internet,” the legislators wrote. “As our U.S. network operators, from the largest to the smallest, gear up for significant infrastructure buildout for 5G and other advanced technologies, security should be a critical consideration, and associated rules and regulations should be as clear as possible.”
The legislators maintain intelligence and defense agencies have expressed concern companies controlled by foreign governments are increasingly manufacturing critical equipment in the nation’s communications infrastructure. Those companies, they added, could have an incentive, or even an obligation, to use their network equipment to engage in espionage against American interests and national security.
“Although 5G security is apparently not an explicit focus of CSRIC VII, you have the opportunity to expand to additional issues as you so choose,” the lawmakers concluded. “We believe that policymakers and industry alike would benefit greatly from a thoughtful, careful consideration of these important issues by the FCC and CSRIC. We hope you will consider this as you select members and determine the next steps for CSRIC VII.”