The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has started integrating into its supply chain rulemaking proceeding provisions of the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act in an effort to safeguard the country’s communications infrastructure from security threats.
FCC said Thursday that it has met its obligation under the Secure Networks Act, which was enacted in March, by implementing in November 2019 a measure that prohibits the use of Universal Service Fund to buy or maintain any communications equipment or services from companies that pose a national security threat.
The commission also announced a Second Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to seek feedback from the public on plans to implement portions of the Secure Networks Act. These include proposals with regard to the creation and maintenance of a list of covered communications services and equipment and a ban on the use of USF and other federal subsidies for products placed on the list.
FCC declared Huawei and ZTE as national security threats in late June. The designation prohibits organizations from using the $8.3 billion fund to buy, maintain, modify or support any services or equipment provided by the two companies.
