FCC estimates it’ll cost $1.8B to remove Huawei, ZTE equipment from US networks

The Federal Communications Commission on Friday said it could cost an estimated $1.8 billion to remove and replace Huawei and ZTE equipment from US telecommunications networks that receive federal funds.

In February, the FCC began collecting data from US carriers that are using network gear from Huawei and ZTE, to help it reimburse smaller and rural carriers for those costs. US President Donald Trump signed legislation in March that stops carriers from using government funds to buy network equipment from Huawei and ZTE. 

“By identifying the presence of insecure equipment and services in our networks, we can now work to ensure that these networks—especially those of small and rural carriers—rely on infrastructure from trusted vendors,” said FCC Chairman Ajit Pa in a release, adding that he “once again strongly urges” Congress to  appropriate funding to reimburse carriers.

More to come.