Rosenworcel: 30 Providers Completed 'Rip and Replace', More Funding Still Needed

WASHINGTON, Dec. 4, 2024 – Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel urged Congress one more time last week to fund the "rip and replace" program, the informal name for Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act of 2019.

Rosenworcel said 30 providers have finished swapping out Chinese gear, but the program’s $3 billion shortfall is continuing to squeeze participants.

“Some participants in the Reimbursement Program have informed the Commission that they fear that they may need to shut down portions of their networks and withdraw from this process without completing the removal of insecure equipment,” Rosenworcel wrote in letters to lawmakers.