The U.S. House of Representatives is set to vote on an annual defence bill next week, allocating over $3 billion to remove Huawei and ZTE equipment from American wireless networks. The initiative addresses security risks posed by these Chinese telecom firms and forms part of Washington’s broader efforts to protect critical infrastructure.
The 1,800-page legislation, unveiled on Saturday, contains additional measures targeting China, including mandates for a report on China’s attempts to bypass U.S. national security rules and an intelligence review of its biotechnology capabilities.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) estimates the cost of removing and replacing the insecure equipment to be $4.98 billion. However, Congress has so far allocated only $1.9 billion, creating a $3.08 billion funding gap. FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel warned last week that insufficient funding threatens rural networks and emergency services like 911. “This shortfall risks disconnecting rural consumers and endangering public safety,” she stated.
Since 2019, Congress has required U.S. telecom carriers receiving federal subsidies to eliminate Chinese equipment from their networks. Earlier this year, the White House requested $3.1 billion to address the issue. Senator Maria Cantwell announced that funds for the programme, along with $500 million for regional tech hubs, will be raised through a one-time spectrum auction.
Competitive Carriers Association CEO Tim Donovan called the funding “desperately needed,” emphasising the importance of maintaining connectivity for millions of Americans while enhancing national security. The defence bill’s provisions mark a significant step in ensuring safer communication networks.
