Reps. Frank Pallone, Jr., D-N.J., and Greg Walden, R-Ore., have called on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to help small carriers plan equipment replacement efforts to comply with the Secure and Trusted Communications Network Act.
In a Nov. 23rd letter, Pallone and Walden told FCC Chairman Ajit Pai the agency should create a list of systems, software and services that providers may adopt to replace telecom equipment deemed to pose national security risks.
Both House lawmakers emphasized the importance of providing financial support to small and rural communications firms that otherwise could not afford network modernization.
They said the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Reimbursement Program, which awaits appropriations from Congress, has garnered bicameral and bipartisan support.
“We urge you to take these specific, non-controversial actions as quickly as possible so these important efforts to secure our communications networks are not delayed,” the two lawmakers said in their letter to Pai.
Pallone and Walden serve as chairman and ranking member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, respectively.