Legislation introduced in the U.S. Senate seeks to help safeguard American telecommunications networks against cyberthreats from untrusted foreign equipment suppliers.
The Ensuring Network Security Act would expand access to federal “rip and replace” funding for telecommunications providers and educational institutions. This refers to the removal and replacement of prohibited telecommunications equipment from dangerous sources.
“As we become increasingly interconnected – especially during this pandemic – it is vital our telecommunications networks are secured against adversaries like the Chinese government. We must have affordable and reliable telecommunications grids that can withstand national security and economic challenges,” Sen. Gary Peters (D-MI), one of the bill’s sponsors, said. “This bipartisan bill will further transition our nation away from relying on foreign telecommunications networks that may jeopardize our security – while incentivizing and encouraging domestic suppliers. In doing so, we can strengthen the network security for Michigan.”
Peters sponsored the bill along with Sen. Ron Johnson (R-WI).
“In our increasingly connected world, it is imperative that 100 percent of our communications networks are secure, and this bill will help accomplish that,” Johnson said.
The legislation would allow both telecommunications carriers that service between two to 10 million customers and public and private educational institutions to apply for this funding through the Federal Communications Commission.
“Bad actors would exploit any vulnerability in America’s communications networks to undermine our national security. So I want to commend Senator Johnson and Senator Peters for their leadership and work to secure our nation’s communications infrastructure,” FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr said. “Their legislation would help ensure that America has the world’s strongest and most secure 5G networks.”