Wireless Industry Suggests Changes to FCC Supply Chain Forms

Wireless stakeholders asked the FCC for flexibility in the supply chain reimbursement program, in comments posted Thursday in docket 18-89 (see 2105240071). Adopt a technically neutral policy and remove questions about open radio access network or virtualization in its supply chain reimbursement program, said Nokia. It wants a “blanket 6-month extension” for deployment and the ability to “seek additional individualized extensions of time as part of the initial reimbursement application template.” The Rural Wireless Association said the filing window should be open for at least 60 days and the FCC should provide applicants with a template to enter required data. RWA asked for the 15-day cure period to only be used as a “final mechanism” and “tie it to deficiency notices for individual applicants.” Adtran supported keeping proprietary information confidential because it “constitutes trade secrets” and forms should include an information request. Manevir offered suggestions to clarify field descriptions on the form.