Starks Wants FCC to Do More on Network Security

FCC Commissioner Geoffrey Starks told the Competitive Carriers Association in Providence, Rhode Island, he met with CCA members before a keynote Tuesday to discuss security of network equipment from Huawei and other Chinese equipment makers (see 1909180031). “The two things that I heard most distinctly were the need for certainty and the need for us in the federal government to drive the solution,” Starks said of the meeting with CCA executives. “Folks are not entitled to a certain outcome, but clearly it is imperative that we have your input.” Security is a “national problem,” he said. “It requires a national solution.” The U.S. might be able to address security by quarantining some equipment in parts of the network, Starks said. It's more likely all equipment from “suspect manufacturers” will have to be removed, he said. "Nokia and Ericsson have said that they are willing to create products and financing options geared toward smaller carriers that need to replace Chinese equipment,” he said: “They also claim that they have handled similar replacement efforts with minimal customer disruption.” Starks said Congress should fund removal. Starks told us he sees “bipartisan consensus” on security issues, citing commissioners' 5-0 vote in May to revoke the license of Chinese government-owned provider China Mobile. “All of us are thinking hard about these national security issues,” he said. “I’m kind of leading the way a little bit. … It’s something I’m going to keep talking about.” Starks said he has been discussing the issues with staff for Chairman Ajit Pai.