Federal Communications Commission DA 21-1507 DA 21-1507 Released: December 3, 2021 WIRELINE COMPETITION BUREAU UPDATES FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS FOR THE SECURE AND TRUSTED COMMUNICATIONS NETWORKS REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAM WC Docket No. 18-89 By this Public Notice, the Wireline Competition Bureau announces that it has published an updated version of responses to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Reimbursement Program (Reimbursement Program). Specifically, the updated FAQs address how the Federal Communications Commission will handle allocations among affiliated Reimbursement Program participants, whether third-party network equipment that is not compatible with replacement equipment can be reimbursable, and provide additional explanation for several other pending questions. The updated FAQs and other important documents related to the Reimbursement Program are available on the FCC’s website at https://www.fcc.gov/supplychain. We encourage applicants to regularly consult the Supply Chain webpage for updates related to the Reimbursement Program. Interested parties should also review the Finalized Reimbursement Process Public Notice, available at https://www.fcc.gov/supplychain, for additional information about the Reimbursement Program application and filing process. Questions specific to the Reimbursement Program or application process should be directed to the Reimbursement Program Fund Administrator Help Desk at SCRPFundAdmin@fcc.gov or at (202) 418-7540. For further information regarding this Public Notice, please contact supplychain@fcc.gov. As directed by the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act of 2019 (Secure Networks Act), as amended, the Federal Communications Commission established the $1.9 billion Reimbursement Program to reimburse providers of advanced communications services with ten million or fewer customers for costs incurred in the removal, replacement, and disposal of covered communications equipment or services from their networks that pose a national security risk. Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act of 2019, Pub. L. No. 116-124, § 4(a)-(c), 134 Stat. 158 (2020) (codified as amended at 47 U.S.C. §§ 1601–1609) (Secure Networks Act). The Commission implemented the Secure Networks Act on December 10, 2020. Protecting Against National Security Threats to the Communications Supply Chain Through FCC Programs, WC Docket No. 18-89, Second Report and Order, 35 FCC Rcd 7821 (2020). On July 13, 2021, the Commission amended its rules, consistent with amendments to the Secure Networks Act included in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021. Protecting Against National Security Threats to the Communications Supply Chain Through FCC Programs, WC Docket No. 18-89, Third Report and Order, FCC 21-86, 2021 WL 3024271, at 49-51, Appx. A (Jul. 13, 2021) (2021 Supply Chain Order). The window to file applications to participate in the Reimbursement Program opened on Friday, October 29, 2021 and will close on Friday, January 14, 2022 at 11:59 PM ET. See Wireline Competition Bureau Announces Application Filing Window for the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Reimbursement Program – Filing Window Opens October 29, 2021, DA 21-1207 (WCB rel. Sept. 27, 2021). - FCC - 2