US Senate passes bill for additional rip and replace funding

The US Senate has voted in favor of a bill that looks set to provide an additional $3 billion to telecom companies in funding for the rip and replace program. This was included as part of the $895 billion National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that was passed by the US Senate on December 18. The Senate's decision has been praised by the telecoms industry, including FCC chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel.

"The ‘rip-and-replace’ program addresses the critical need to remove vulnerable and insecure equipment from US networks,” said Rosenworcel. “Full funding will not only help protect our nation’s communications infrastructure but also ensure that rural communities who rely on these networks maintain vital connectivity.

"I want to thank the House and the Senate for allocating the full amount required to protect our nation’s communications networks, and for recognizing that the FCC’s spectrum auction authority can play an important national security role. I call on Congress to restore it in full.”