President & CEO Steven K. Berry: “It is very disappointing that the remaining $3.08 billion shortfall in funding for the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Reimbursement Program (Program) was not included as part of the 2023 Consolidated Appropriations Act. Many eligible small and rural carriers began work over two years ago, or are frozen without sufficient funding to begin work, to remove and replace covered equipment to answer Congress’s national security mandate to address the threat posed by Chinese equipment. Full funding is desperately needed for this work to be completed. Without adequate funding, not only their customers, but also the millions that roam on their networks each year, risk losing service. This is unacceptable in today’s day and age.
This issue remains a key bipartisan priority for national security, and the conversation is far from over. CCA is astutely focused on ensuring the Program is fully funded as soon as possible, and we look forward to working with the 118th Congress on this critical issue for competitive carriers and consumers across the country.
While I am grateful that the Act will also ensure that FCC spectrum auction authority does not expire, it is unfortunate that it does not include bipartisan work to further extend auction authority, including considering crucial mid-band spectrum for wireless use, while fully funding the Rip and Replace shortfall. I am thankful for the many members of Congress and their staff for long hours crafting the compromise framework. With the March deadline less than 80 days away, this work must continue with urgency.”
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