Washington, D.C. – Today, Competitive Carriers Association President and CEO Tim Donovan testified before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, & Transportation Subcommittee on Communications, Media, & Broadband, in a hearing titled “Communications Networks Safety and Security.”  CCA commends the Subcommittee for holding the hearing and for its work on the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Reimbursement Program, also known as “Rip and Replace.” This funding shortfall not only threatens connectivity in rural America, but also seriously compromises national security. CCA also emphasizes the importance of network security and the challenges faced, in particular, by smaller providers. “CCA is committed to working with all stakeholders to accomplish the challenging task of securing U.S. networks while maintaining communications services for millions of consumers in rural America,” said Donovan in his written testimony. “Strengthening our communications networks to ensure that all consumers have access to the latest fixed and mobile broadband services is critical to our national security, disaster preparedness and response, and economic growth. To that end, Congress must immediately fill the $3.08 billion funding gap for the Rip & Replace Program and support increased cooperation and partnership between federal partners and carriers to protect and defend our networks.” For more information about CCA and its policy priorities, please visit ccamobile.org . ### About Competitive Carriers Association Competitive Carriers Association (CCA) is the leading association for competitive communications service providers and stakeholders across the United States. Members range from small, rural carriers serving fewer than 5,000 customers to regional and nationwide providers serving millions, as well as vendors and suppliers delivering products and services throughout the communications ecosystem.