Industry Urges Caution on Revised Secure Equipment Rules

Industry groups urged the FCC to act with caution on rules for secure telecom gear in U.S. networks, in comments posted through Wednesday in docket 21-232 (see 2110190072). “The record shows industry support for a narrow, targeted action based on an extensive factual record to block Covered Entities from U.S. markets,” the Telecommunications Industry Association said. Rules should be based on the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act and not Section 302 of the Communications Act, TIA said: “The record further highlights the costs of retroactively revoking existing equipment authorizations from Covered Entities, and while this action may have some benefits, the FCC must be cautious to ensure that the substantial costs do not outweigh the benefits to the public.” CTA also raised concerns. “While the NPRM is rightly aimed at reducing security threats from certain potential threats or bad actors, addressing network security through the equipment authorization process as the FCC has proposed could create implementation and compliance challenges for all participants,” the group said: “This is particularly the case for proposals to revoke existing authorizations and make changes to the Supplier Declaration of Conformity process, which will affect far more than the Covered List entities.” Adding “security requirements to product authorization approvals will create more issues than it will solve,” said the Mobile & Wireless Forum: “The current responsibilities of the FCC Lab are extensive without the addition of cybersecurity responsibility.” Others mostly supported FCC proposals. “Prohibiting the authorization of equipment on the Covered List is an appropriate regulatory response by the Commission following the Congressional determination that such equipment poses an unacceptable risk,” said Motorola Solutions.