Although President Biden is expected to sign the bill into law this year, rip and replace funding for telecom equipment should be available in January or February.
The U.S. Senate passed the 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) today, including a crucial $3.08 billion funding provision to fully support the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Rip and Replace program. President Joe Biden is expected to sign the bill into law, marking a significant milestone in securing the nation’s telecommunications infrastructure from potential threats posed by Chinese equipment.
The Rip and Replace program, launched in 2021, reimburses smaller telecom providers for replacing Huawei and ZTE equipment in their networks. However, a $3 billion funding shortfall has left operators struggling to meet mandated deadlines and maintain services. The additional funding in the NDAA aims to resolve this issue, enabling providers to remove and replace untrusted equipment without jeopardizing rural connectivity or national security.
NATE leads praise for congressional action
NATE: The Communications Infrastructure Contractors Association was among the first to applaud Congress for including Rip and Replace funding in the NDAA.
“NATE commends members of the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives for voting to pass the NDAA today, which includes $3.08 billion for the FCC’s Rip and Replace Program,” said Todd Schlekeway, NATE’s President and CEO. “Today’s actions will ultimately help secure our nation’s critical communications infrastructure and networks from Chinese threats and provide an infusion of funding for NATE member contractor companies who will be on the front lines of deployment conducting much of this vital work.”
Schlekeway also highlighted the importance of collaboration in achieving this outcome. “I would also like to thank our trade association coalition partners for coalescing around this issue as a top advocacy priority over the last year and the Congressional staff members who met with NATE on many occasions to discuss the urgent nature of securing this Rip and Replace funding.”
Wireless Infrastructure Association welcomes funding but calls for more spectrum action
The Wireless Infrastructure Association (WIA) also welcomed the funding provision. Patrick Halley, WIA President and CEO, expressed gratitude for including Rip and Replace funding while emphasizing the need for additional spectrum-related legislation.
“We’re happy to see Rip and Replace fully funded in the NDAA to make good on the payments promised to carriers for this essential national security effort,” Halley said.
“While granting limited spectrum auction authority was necessary to get this done, it is critical to our nation’s economic growth and security for Congress to pass a bill in the New Year providing a comprehensive spectrum pipeline with a long-term extension of auction authority.”
Competitive Carriers Association celebrates bipartisan support
Tim Donovan, President and CEO of the Competitive Carriers Association (CCA), expressed relief and gratitude, calling the funding “desperately needed.”
“This funding has been desperately needed to meet the national security mandate created by Congress and fulfills Congress’s commitment to small and rural telecommunications carriers and the communities they serve,” Donovan said. “We are grateful to the members of Congress and their staffs who have tirelessly championed this initiative in a bipartisan manner to get us to this point.”
Donovan underscored the importance of funding for maintaining rural connectivity and pledged to work closely with the FCC to implement the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Reimbursement Program efficiently.
A critical step toward national security
While the funding represents a major victory for smaller telecom providers and national security, it is only one piece of the puzzle. Outgoing FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel has warned that the ongoing funding shortfall poses a risk to rural connectivity and national security. She praised the NDAA’s provisions as a step in the right direction and reiterated the FCC’s commitment to holding all telecom networks accountable for cybersecurity.
As the industry awaits the President’s signature, associations, carriers, and contractors are preparing for the monumental task ahead—ensuring the secure and reliable operation of the nation’s telecommunications infrastructure.
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