On Monday, April 13, 2020, the Wireline Competition Bureau (“Bureau”) released a Public Notice seeking comment on how the recently enacted Secure and Trusted Communications Act (“Secure Networks Act”) applies to proposals under consideration in the Supply Chain rulemaking and proceedings (WC Docket No. 18-89).
Specifically, Section 4 of the Secure Networks Act directs the Commission to establish a reimbursement program for “providers of advanced communication service” replacing covered communications equipment or services. The Act limits program eligibility to providers with two million or fewer customers and restricts funding to the permanent replacement of covered equipment and services obtained before August 14, 2018, so long as the equipment and services replaced are identified as “covered.” The Act also directs the Commission on how to structure the reimbursement and replacement processes for providers. The Bureau seeks comment on whether the Commission should modify the reimbursement program as proposed in the Supply Chain FNPRM to implement these new statutory requirements, as well as the requirements on the reimbursement process, timeline, and replacement equipment and services.
- Comments will be due 15 days after publication in the Federal Register.
- Reply comments will be due 30 days after publication in the Federal Register.
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