The FCC has released a notice of proposed rulemaking that seeks comment on a number of issues tied to safeguarding the equipment supply chain within the domestic communications sector. According to an FCC news release issued immediately after the vote to adopt the notice of proposed rulemaking, the “FCC’s proposal is intended to ensure that USF funds are not used in a way that undermines or poses a threat to our national security.” Among other things, the rulemaking seeks input on: (1) how best to implement the proposed prohibition on the use of USF support going forward; (2) what types of equipment and services should be covered by the proposed rule; (3) how the FCC should identify, and how USF recipients can learn, which suppliers are covered by the proposed rule; (4) the costs and benefits of the proposed rule; and (5) how best to enforce the proposed rule.
