FCC 'Best Practices' PN Details Chinese Network Gear Disposal

The FCC released best practices for the disposal of Huawei and ZTE gear removed as part of the rip and replace program, in a notice listed in Friday’s Daily Digest. These include "procedures to effectuate equipment removal, data destruction, media sanitization, storage, transportation, physical destruction and recycling, and also cover the selection of certified data sanitization services, equipment destruction services, and electronic waste (e-waste) recycling services,” the Wireline Bureau public notice said: While voluntary, these practices will help companies meet their disposal obligations efficiently, while also ensuring the safe and secure removal and disposal of covered communications equipment and services that pose a national security threat.” Carriers “can employ alternative compliance measures, but risk the Commission subsequently finding that such measures are not in compliance with section 1.50004(j) of its rules,” the PN said. The Rural Wireless Association raised concerns some of its members are already in the process of disposing of gear, staff said. The FCC will keep in mind these providers “could not have known the best practices” in the PN and will “take this into account when evaluating compliance,” the bureau said. Choice of vendor is optional, but the notice recommends using a “U.S. disposal company” registered with the State Department’s Directorate of Defense Trade Controls.