Statement by CCA President & CEO Tim Donovan on FCC Chairwoman Rosenworcel’s Update to Congress on Rip and Replace
Washington, D.C., – Competitive Carriers Association President and CEO Tim Donovan made the following statement:
Chairwoman Rosenworcel’s letter to Congress last Wednesday reiterates the urgent need to address the $3.08 billion shortfall in the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Program. As Rosenworcel noted, 50% of Program participants cannot complete required work without additional government support, 72% flag the funding gap as a barrier to progress, and 85% of project extension requests have been tied to the lack of adequate funding.
The lack of necessary funding, as detailed in the letter, is alarming and far-reaching. Participants in the Program who are the sole communications provider for rural and remote areas have already shut down portions of their networks, depriving communities of connectivity and essential services, including 9-1-1 and emergency services. Additionally, lack of full funding poses grave risks to U.S. national security, as insecure foreign-made communications equipment remains operational. Congress must prioritize full funding of Rip and Replace before the end of the 118th Congress. The stakes are too high to delay.
For more information about CCA and its policy priorities, please visit ccamobile.org.
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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.
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