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CCA Testifies on 5G Supply Chain Security
March 4, 2020
Washington, DC – Today, Competitive Carriers Association (“CCA”) President & CEO Steven K. Berry testified before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation (“Committee”) in a hearing entitled, “5G Supply Chain Security: Threats and Solutions.” Berry thanked the Committee for holding the hearing and for passing the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act, which provides much-needed guidance, and importantly, resources to replace covered network elements.
In testimony, Berry said, “I thank the Committee for holding this important hearing and for its leadership in passing the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act. CCA members care deeply about national security, and the legislation provides certainty regarding actions small carriers must take to modify their existing networks, and importantly, establishes a fund to ensure there are resources available. There is no question – replacing existing network equipment is a monumental task, especially for small carriers, and CCA strongly supports a ‘replace-then-rip’ structure to ensure that the millions of consumers in rural areas do not lose connectivity during the transition, especially to critical 9-1-1 and other public safety services.”
“The challenge of securing networks does not end here. As we enter the 5G era, there are new opportunities for all carriers to build security into networks from the ground up. To support secure networks going forward, policymakers must continue to provide clear guidance and information to all carriers, ensure secure, trusted equipment is available, and explore new innovations without mandating technologies. I appreciate the opportunity to participate in today’s hearing and look forward to continued work with the Committee to provide secure communications services for all Americans.”
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Washington, D.C. – Competitive Carriers Association (CCA) members from across the country convened in Washington, D.C. on February 12 for an annual advocacy fly-in event. CCA’s Capitol Hill Day serves as an opportunity for rural, regional, and nationwide wireless and communications industry leaders to unite and advocate for policies that will strengthen competition, promote innovation, and improve connectivity for the benefit of all consumers. CCA was pleased to welcome Vice Chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, Congressman John Joyce (R-PA), as keynote speaker. CCA members met directly with lawmakers and key Congressional staff to discuss how Congress can support competitive carriers in the 119 th Congress. CCA members stressed the critical importance of preserving the Universal Service Fund (USF) for expanding and maintaining networks to serve high-cost areas, and for reliable 5G coverage data mapping that accurately reflects consumers’ mobile experiences. Members also urged Congress to prioritize spectrum access in rural America by reinstating the FCC’s auction authority and developing a long-term spectrum strategy including identifying underutilized bands for commercial use and optimizing the efficiency of existing spectrum resources. Members also highlighted the need for infrastructure reform to overcome deployment barriers, advocating for streamlined federal permitting and siting policies, clear federal guidance on network security while ensuring compliance burdens are manageable for smaller carriers, and tax policies that encourage investment in connectivity, including R&D tax credits and tax exemptions for broadband funding programs and spectrum licenses. “CCA is an extremely effective advocacy organization and represents our members’ collective voices in performing the important work of deploying our nation’s critical communications networks,” said Maureen McCabe Moore, SVP and Chief Customer Experience Officer, GCI Communications Corp., and Chair of the Board, CCA. “We seek to shape policies that promote fairness, drive innovation, and ensure that every American has access to cutting-edge connectivity.” Tim Donovan, CCA’s President and CEO, added, “Our advocacy efforts are only possible because of the dedication and engagement of our members, who work tirelessly to expand connectivity across the country. Together, we are ensuring that all Americans, regardless of location, can stay connected in today’s digital world.” 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.
Washington, D.C. – Competitive Carriers Association President and CEO Tim Donovan made the following statement: “CCA congratulates Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) on being named Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Senator Cruz has been dedicated to fostering growth, innovation, and U.S. leadership in the telecommunications marketplace, including in rural America. We look forward to continued collaboration with him and the entire Commerce Committee to preserve and expand connectivity nationwide for all Americans.” 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.