Federal Communications Commission	DA 24-407

DA 24-407
Released:  April 30, 2024

STREAMLINED RESOLUTION OF REQUESTS UNDER THE SECURE AND TRUSTED COMMUNICATIONS NETWORKS REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAM

WC Docket No. 18-89

By this Public Notice, the Wireline Competition Bureau (Bureau) grants, pursuant to delegated authority, the following petitions requesting to extend certain deadlines under the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Reimbursement Program (Reimbursement Program).
As directed by the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act of 2019, as amended (Secure Networks Act), the Commission established the Reimbursement Program to reimburse providers of advanced communications service with ten million or fewer customers for reasonable costs incurred in the removal, replacement, and disposal of covered communications equipment or services from their networks that pose a national security risk, i.e., communications equipment or services produced or provided by Huawei Technologies Company (Huawei) or ZTE Corporation (ZTE), that were obtained by providers on or before June 30, 2020. 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).  The Commission adopted rules implementing 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 14284 (2020) (2020 Supply Chain Order).  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, 36 FCC Rcd 11958, 11959, para. 2 (2021) (2021 Supply Chain Order).  The Commission later clarified that, for purposes of the Reimbursement Program, covered communications equipment or services are limited to the communications equipment or services produced or provided by Huawei or ZTE that were obtained by providers on or before June 30, 2020.  See 2021 Supply Chain Order, 36 FCC Rcd at 11959, 11965, paras. 2 and 18; see also generally Protecting Against National Security Threats to the Communications Supply Chain Through FCC Programs – Huawei Designation, PS Docket No. 19-351, Order, 35 FCC Rcd 6604 (PSHSB 2020); Protecting Against National Security Threats to the Communications Supply Chain Through FCC Programs – ZTE Designation, PS Docket No. 19-352, Order, 35 FCC Rcd 6633 (PSHSB 2020).
  The Reimbursement Program is funded by a $1.9 billion congressional appropriation, Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, Pub. L. No. 116–260, § 906, 134 Stat. 1182 (2020) (CAA).  Section 906 provides that “[t]here is appropriated to the Federal Communications Commission, out of amounts in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, for fiscal year 2021, to remain available until expended— . . . (2) $1,900,000,000 to carry out the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act of 2019 (47 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.), of which $1,895,000,000 shall be used to carry out the program established under section 4 of that Act (47 U.S.C. 1603).”
 which is less than the $5.6 billion in collective funds requested by applicants to the program. See Wireline Competition Bureau Announces the Grant of Applications for the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Reimbursement Program, WC Docket No. 18-89, Public Notice, DA 22-774, at 1-2 (WCB July 18, 2022) (SCRP Granted Applications Public Notice) (explaining that “[e]ach applicant was required to include in its application estimates for the costs that it will reasonably incur for the permanent removal, replacement, and disposal of covered communications equipment and services” and identifying that, across all filed applications, applicants sought a total of “approximately $5.6 billion in gross program support”).
  Because demand exceeded available funding, the Secure Networks Act required the Bureau to implement a prioritization scheme where funding was allocated first to approved applicants with 2,000,000 or fewer customers (Priority 1 applicants). See 47 U.S.C. § 1603(d)(5)(C); 47 CFR § 1.50004(f)(1); SCRP Granted Applications Public Notice at 2-3.
  Because demand from Priority 1 applicants alone exceeded the congressional appropriation, Commission rules required that allocations to Priority 1 applicants be pro-rated on an equal basis. The Commission’s rules provide that “[i]f there is insufficient funding to fully fund all requests in a particular
prioritization category, then the [Bureau] will pro-rate the available funding among all eligible providers in that
prioritization category.”  47 CFR § 1.50004(f)(1); see also 47 U.S.C. § 1603(d)(5)(A) (“[T]he Commission shall
make reasonable efforts to ensure that reimbursement funds are distributed equitably among all applicants for
reimbursements under the Program according to the needs of the applicants, as identified by the applications of the
applicants.”).
  Consequently, recipients received funding allocations for approximately 39.5% of their reasonable and supported estimated costs for removing, replacing, and disposing of covered communications equipment and services. See 47 CFR § 1.50004(f)(1); see also SCRP Granted Applications Public Notice at 2-3.
 
Reimbursement Program recipients must complete the removal, replacement, and disposal of covered communications equipment and services within one year from the initial disbursement of funds to the recipient. 47 U.S.C. § 1603(d)(6)(A); 47 CFR § 1.50004(h). 
  Pursuant to section 4(d)(6)(C) of the Secure Networks Act, the Commission may grant recipients extensions of this term on an individual basis. See 47 U.S.C. § 1603(d)(6)(C).
  The Commission delegated authority to the Bureau to grant or deny individual petitions for an extension of a recipient’s term. See 47 U.S.C. § 1603(d)(6)(C); 47 CFR § 1.50004(h)(2) (“Individual extensions.  Prior to the expiration of the removal, replacement and disposal term, a Reimbursement Program recipient may petition the Wireline Competition Bureau for an extension of the term.  The Wireline Competition Bureau may grant an extension for up to six months after finding, that due to no fault of such recipient, such recipient is unable to complete the permanent removal, replacement, and disposal by the end of the term.  The Wireline Competition Bureau may grant more than one extension request to a recipient if circumstances warrant.”).
  The Bureau “may grant an extension for up to six months after finding, that due to no fault of such recipient, such recipient is unable to complete the permanent removal, replacement, and disposal by the end of the term” and “may grant more than one extension request to a recipient if circumstances warrant.” 47 CFR § 1.50004(h)(2); see also 2020 Supply Chain Order, 35 FCC Rcd at 14354-56, paras. 171, 173 and n.501.
  This can occur, for example, due to the lack of funding to fully reimburse recipients, which can require recipients to revise their plans in ways that cause them to need more time to remove, replace, and dispose of covered equipment, in addition to delays in receiving the necessary equipment to replace their covered equipment, which likewise can require a recipient to need more time to meet its obligations under the Reimbursement Program. See, e.g., Protecting Against National Security Threats to the Communications Supply Chain Through FCC Programs, WC Docket No. 18-89, Order, DA 23-875, para. 7 (WCB Sept. 22, 2023) (Stealth Extension Order) (granting an extension based on supply chain issues); Protecting Against National Security Threats to the Communications Supply Chain Through FCC Programs, WC Docket No. 18-89, Order, DA 23-938, paras. 12-16 (WCB Oct. 10, 2023) (WorldCell et al. Extension Order) (granting extensions based in both funding issues and supply chain issues); Protecting Against National Security Threats to the Communications Supply Chain Through FCC Programs, WC Docket No. 18-89, Order, DA 23-1016, paras. 12-16 (WCB Oct. 27, 2023) (Point/SI Wireless Extension Order) (granting extensions based on both funding issues and supply chain issues); Protecting Against National Security Threats to the Communications Supply Chain Through FCC Programs, WC Docket No. 18-89, Order, DA 23-1110, paras. 8-11 (WCB Nov. 28, 2023) (Triangle Telephone/Triangle Communication Extension Order) (granting extension of time requests by Triangle Telephone Cooperative Association Inc. and Triangle Communication System, Inc. based on supply chain issues); Protecting Against National Security Threats to the Communications Supply Chain Through FCC Programs, WC Docket No. 18-89, Order, DA 23-1196, para. 5 (WCB Dec. 21, 2023) (GigSky, Inc. Extension Order) (granting extension of time request by GigSky, Inc. based on funding issues).
  
The Bureau strongly encourages recipients that intend to file a petition for an extension to do so as promptly as possible after determining that their circumstances meet the standard for an extension established in the statute and the Commission’s implementing rules, and well in advance of the recipient’s deadline, so the Bureau is able to fully consider and grant or deny the petition before the recipient’s term expires.  We remind recipients that requests for term extensions should specify both the specific grounds for the request and the specific facts and circumstances on which the recipient relies in asserting those grounds.  Requests that lack adequate support may be denied or the recipient may be required to provide additional support, which could delay a decision on the request.
The lack of full funding will not necessarily be a sufficient showing for multiple extension requests, as recipients should continually make progress toward completing their projects by the end of their removal, replacement, and disposal term.  The Bureau will evaluate the sufficiency of each individual extension request at the time it is filed in determining whether to grant or deny it.  We emphasize that a recipient’s statutory obligation to complete the permanent removal, replacement, and disposal of covered communications equipment or services exists regardless of the amount of funding it may receive through the Reimbursement Program pursuant to the Secure Networks Act.  The Secure Networks Act and the Commission’s rules require each Reimbursement Program recipient to remove, replace, and dispose of “all” its covered equipment and services. 47 U.S.C. § 1603(e)(4)(A)(ii) (recipient must file a final certification to show removal, replacement, and disposal of “all” covered equipment and services); 47 CFR 1.50004(m)(1) (same); see also 47 U.S.C. § 1603(d)(4)(A)(i)(I) (applicant must certify it has a plan to remove “any” covered equipment and services); 47 CFR § 1.50004(a)(3)(i)(A) (same).  
  Similarly, the Reimbursement Program FAQs (at 21) state that “[p]roviders are expected to remove, replace, and dispose of all Huawei and/or ZTE communications equipment and services in their networks as of the date of the submission of the application even if they receive a prorated allocation from the Reimbursement Program due to funding constraints.”  https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DA-24-234A2.pdf.  Within 10 days following the expiration of the removal, replacement, and disposal term, a recipient must file a final certification with the Commission indicating whether it has fully complied with all terms and conditions of the Reimbursement Program.  47 U.S.C. § 1603(e)(4)(A); 47 CFR § 1.50004(m)(1).

Consistent with the Commission’s goal of streamlining its internal review processes, See Report on FCC Process Reform, GN Docket No. 14-25 (Staff Working Group, Feb. 14, 2014) (Process Reform Report).
 and further pursuant to our delegated authority, See 47 CFR §§ 0.91, 0.291, 1.50004(h)(2).
 we announced in our January 2024 Streamlined Resolution Public Notice that we would, with that Public Notice, begin issuing a Public Notice, as necessary but not more frequently than monthly, disposing of pending petitions which seek an extension of an applicants’ removal, replacement, and disposal terms, do not involve complicated and/or controversial issues, and can be addressed in a manner consistent with Commission and/or Bureau precedent. Streamlined Resolution of Requests Under the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Reimbursement Program, WC Docket No. 18-89, Public Notice, DA 24-88, at 3 (WCB Jan. 31, 2024) (January 2024 Streamlined Resolution Public Notice).  This approach further speeds the disposition of petitions seeking extension of the removal, replacement, and disposal term and to ensure the continued efficient administration of the Reimbursement Program, while at the same time fulfilling our obligation to thoroughly review the record before us.  Id.  Prior to issuance of the January 2024 Streamlined Resolution Public Notice, we had resolved petitions for extensions of recipients’ removal, replacement, and disposal terms in stand-alone orders addressing each petition.  The Bureau routinely resolves other matters in the manner of the January 2024 Streamlined Resolution Public Notice, as appropriate.  See, e.g., Streamlined Process for Resolving Requests for Review of Decisions by the Universal Service Administrative Company, CC Docket Nos. 96-45 and 02-6, WC Docket Nos. 02-60, 06-122, 08-71, 10-90, 11-42, and 14-58, Public Notice, 29 FCC Rcd 11094 (WCB 2014) (stating that the Bureau will resolve certain Universal Service Fund matters in a streamlined public notice).  
  Accordingly, we hereby grant the pending petitions listed below for an extension of a recipient’s term to remove, replace, and dispose of its covered equipment. To the extent the requests cited in this Public Notice seek extensions of time based on grounds other than funding issues and supply chain issues, this Public Notice does not address those grounds.  


Recipient – Board of Trustees, Northern Michigan University, SCRP0001040

Grounds for individual term extension – Board of Trustees, Northern Michigan University (NMU) requests a six-month extension of its deadline to remove, replace, and dispose of covered equipment and services in its network under 47 CFR § 1.50004(h)(2). See Board of Trustees, Northern Michigan University Request for Extension of Time, WC Docket No. 18-89 (filed Apr. 19, 2024).  
  NMU contends that its ability to complete the removal, replacement, and disposal of covered equipment and services by its current deadline has, through no fault of its own, been materially affected by the lack of full funding and supply chain issues.  NMU explains that it has split its project work into sequential phases based on the lack of full funding. Id. at 10-11.
  While NMU believes that this approach will allow it to replace the sites used by the largest number of its customers first within the available funding, NMU notes that this split approach has resulted in delays to its overall project timeline. Id.
  NMU anticipates still further delays as it has not yet secured other funding to complete the required work. Id.
  NMU also projects that it will take until December 2024 for it to complete its necessary replacement of one structurally compromised tower due to steel supply chain issues, and NMU expects that its required modifications to other towers will be delayed due to a lack of available and qualified vendors to perform the associated work. Id. at 8-9.
  The Bureau finds NMU’s showing persuasive and that its situation is consistent with the situation of other recipients that have been granted extensions on similar grounds of supply chain issues and lack of full funding, See, e.g., WorldCell et al. Extension Order at 5-7, paras. 11-15; Point/SI Wireless Extension Order at 5-6, paras. 12-14; GigSky Extension Order at 2, paras. 4-5; January 2024 Streamlined Resolution Public Notice at 5 (as to the lack of full funding); see Stealth Extension Order at 3-5, paras. 6-11; WorldCell et al. Extension Order at 7-8, paras. 16-19; Point/SI Wireless Extension Order at 6-7, paras. 15-18; Triangle Extension Order at 4-5, paras. 8-11; January 2024 Streamlined Resolution Public Notice at 4-5 (as to supply chain issues).  
 and accordingly grants the requested extension. 

New removal, replacement, and disposal term (RRD term) expiration date – NMU’s deadline to remove, replace, and dispose of covered equipment and services in its network under 47 CFR § 1.50004(h)(2) IS EXTENDED from July 20, 2024 to January 20, 2025.

Recipient – Bristol Bay Cellular Partnership, SCRP0001182

Grounds for individual term extension – Bristol Bay Cellular Partnership (Bristol Bay) requests a six-month extension of its deadline to remove, replace, and dispose of covered equipment and services in its network under 47 CFR § 1.50004(h)(2). See Request of Bristol Bay Cellular Partnership for Extension of Time, WC Docket No. 18-89 (filed Apr. 12, 2024).  
  Bristol Bay contends that its ability to complete the removal, replacement, and disposal of covered equipment and services by its current deadline has, through no fault of its own, been materially affected by the lack of full funding and supply chain issues.  As to the lack of funding, Bristol Bay states that the funding it received is not sufficient for it to replace its cellular core.  Bristol Bay explains that it has therefore been actively pursuing additional funding and has, in the meantime, utilized hosted core services as a temporary measure towards fulfilling its removal, replacement, and disposal obligations. See id. at 3-4. 
  In addition, Bristol Bay explains that supply chain issues and associated cost increases for logistics, air charters, and fuel have meaningfully increased and contributed to the delays it has experienced. See id.
  The Bureau finds Bristol Bay’s showing persuasive and that its situation is consistent with the situation of other recipients that have been granted extensions on similar grounds of supply chain issues and lack of full funding, See, e.g., WorldCell et al. Extension Order at 5-7, paras. 11-15; Point/SI Wireless Extension Order at 5-6, paras. 12-14; GigSky Extension Order at 2, paras. 4-5; January 2024 Streamlined Resolution Public Notice at 5 (as to the lack of full funding); see Stealth Extension Order at 3-5, paras. 6-11; WorldCell et al. Extension Order at 7-8, paras. 16-19; Point/SI Wireless Extension Order at 6-7, paras. 15-18; Triangle Extension Order at 4-5, paras. 8-11; January 2024 Streamlined Resolution Public Notice at 4-5 (as to supply chain issues).  
 and accordingly grants the requested extension.

New RRD term expiration date – Bristol Bay’s deadline to remove, replace, and dispose of covered equipment and services in its network under 47 CFR § 1.50004(h)(2) IS EXTENDED from April 25, 2024 to October 25, 2024.

Recipients – Commnet Wireless, LLC, SCRP0001026; SCRP0001027; SCRP0001028; SCRP0001029; and NTUA Wireless, LLC, SCRP0001024; SCRP0001025 (Commnet Wireless and NTUA filed their extension requests jointly).

Grounds for individual term extension – Commnet Wireless, LLC (Commnet Wireless), on behalf of itself and its affiliate, NTUA Wireless, LLC (NTUA),  requests an approximate six-month extension of its and NTUA’s deadlines to remove, replace, and dispose of covered equipment and services in their networks under 47 CFR § 1.50004(h)(2) as to each of the above-identified applications. See Request of Commnet Wireless, LLC, on behalf of itself and NTUA Wireless, LLC, for Extension of Time, WC Docket No. 18-89 (filed Apr. 12, 2024).
  Commnet Wireless contends that its and NTUA’s ability to complete the removal, replacement, and disposal of covered equipment and services by their current deadlines has, through no fault of their own, been materially affected by the lack of full funding.  Commnet Wireless explains that, with limited funding available, it and NTUA have had to undertake a lengthy and time-consuming process to reevaluate their plans and restructure the replacement strategy for covered equipment, and that this has resulted in delays and additional costs in completing their removal, replacement, and disposal work. See id. at 3, 7, 10-11, 14-15, 18-19 and 22-23.
  The Bureau finds Commnet Wireless’s showing for itself and NTUA persuasive and that their situation is consistent with the situation of other recipients that have been granted extensions on similar grounds, See, e.g., WorldCell et al. Extension Order at 5-7, paras. 11-15; Point/SI Wireless Extension Order at 5-6, paras. 12-14; GigSky Extension Order at 2, paras. 4-5; January 2024 Streamlined Resolution Public Notice at 5.
 and accordingly grants the requested extensions.

New RRD term expiration dates – Commnet Wireless’s deadline to remove, replace, and dispose of covered equipment and services in its network under 47 CFR § 1.50004(h)(2) IS EXTENDED as follows:

§ For File No. SCRP0001026, from July 15, 2024 to January 14, 2025;
§ For File No. SCRP0001027, from July 27, 2024 to January 26, 2025;
§ For File No. SCRP0001028, from July 28, 2024 to January 27, 2025; and
§ For File No. SCRP0001029, from July 28, 2024 to January 27, 2025.

NTUA Wireless’s deadline to remove, replace, and dispose of covered equipment and services in its network under 47 CFR § 1.50004(h)(2) IS EXTENDED as follows:

§ For File No. SCRP0001024, from August 4, 2024 to February 3, 2025; and
§ For File No. SCRP0001025, from August 5, 2024 to February 4, 2025.

Recipient – Mark Twain Communications Company, SCRP0001021

Grounds for individual term extension – Mark Twain Communications Company (Mark Twain) requests a six-month extension of its deadline to remove, replace, and dispose of covered equipment and services in its network under 47 CFR § 1.50004(h)(2). See Request of Mark Twain Communications Company for Extension of Time, WC Docket No. 18-89 (filed Apr. 12, 2024).  
  Mark Twain contends that its ability to complete the removal, replacement, and disposal of covered equipment and services by its current deadline has, through no fault of its own, been materially affected by supply chain issues and the lack of full funding.  As to supply chain issues, Mark Twain states that it is still waiting on shipments of necessary customer premises equipment  and core equipment, as shipments have continued to be delayed by its vendors. See id.
  Mark Twain further describes an associated lack of available vendors to perform disposal steps. See id.
  In addition, Mark Twain explains that the lack of funding has caused delays, particularly as vendors have been unwilling to negotiate costs in view of high demand. See id.
  Mark Twain describes how it has sought to mitigate these issues by diverting resources from other business functions and projects and that it is currently under financial strain. See id.
  The Bureau finds Mark Twain’s showing persuasive and that its situation is consistent with the situation of other recipients that have been granted extensions on similar grounds of supply chain issues and lack of full funding, See, e.g., WorldCell et al. Extension Order at 5-7, paras. 11-15; Point/SI Wireless Extension Order at 5-6, paras. 12-14; GigSky Extension Order at 2, paras. 4-5; January 2024 Streamlined Resolution Public Notice at 5 (as to the lack of full funding); see Stealth Extension Order at 3-5, paras. 6-11; WorldCell et al. Extension Order at 7-8, paras. 16-19; Point/SI Wireless Extension Order at 6-7, paras. 15-18; Triangle Extension Order at 4-5, paras. 8-11; January 2024 Streamlined Resolution Public Notice at 4-5 (as to supply chain issues).  
 and accordingly grants the requested extension.

New RRD term expiration date – Mark Twain’s deadline to remove, replace, and dispose of covered equipment and services in its network under 47 CFR § 1.50004(h)(2) IS EXTENDED from June 6, 2024 to December 6, 2024.

Recipient – Pine Belt Cellular, Inc., SCRP0001038

Grounds for individual term extension – Pine Belt Cellular, Inc. (Pine Belt) requests an approximate six-month extension of its deadline to remove, replace, and dispose of covered equipment and services in its network under 47 CFR § 1.50004(h)(2). See Request of Pine Belt Cellular, Inc. for Extension of Time, WC Docket No. 18-89, at 3-4 (filed Apr. 4, 2024). 
  Pine Belt contends that its ability to complete the removal, replacement, and disposal of covered equipment and services by its current deadline has, through no fault of its own, been materially affected by supply chain issues and the lack of full funding.  On supply chain issues, Pine Belt states that is has experienced significant delays involving key hardware components needed for its core network, including a delay of several months in obtaining necessary servers, and that these delays have been compounded by difficulties retaining skilled labor to perform work on its core and its radio access network. See id. at 2.
  In addition, Pine Belt explains that the lack of funding has delayed its progress in completing its removal, replacement and disposal obligations despite its efforts to mitigate this shortcoming by setting aside other business activities to focus on them. See id.
  Despite these reported impediments, Pine Belt emphasizes that it has been able to replace and retire 3G network components, though other network components are still in service. See id.
  The Bureau finds Pine Belt’s showing persuasive and that its situation is consistent with the situation of other recipients that have been granted extensions on similar grounds of supply chain issues and lack of full funding, See, e.g., WorldCell et al. Extension Order at 5-7, paras. 11-15; Point/SI Wireless Extension Order at 5-6, paras. 12-14; GigSky Extension Order at 2, paras. 4-5; January 2024 Streamlined Resolution Public Notice at 5 (as to the lack of full funding); see Stealth Extension Order at 3-5, paras. 6-11; WorldCell et al. Extension Order at 7-8, paras. 16-19; Point/SI Wireless Extension Order at 6-7, paras. 15-18; Triangle Extension Order at 4-5, paras. 8-11; January 2024 Streamlined Resolution Public Notice at 4-5 (as to supply chain issues).  
 and accordingly grants the requested extension. 

New RRD term expiration date – Pine Belt’s deadline to remove, replace, and dispose of covered equipment and services in its network under 47 CFR § 1.50004(h)(2) IS EXTENDED from July 18, 2024 to January 17, 2025.

Recipient – Plateau Telecommunications, Incorporated, SCRP0001112

Grounds for individual term extension – Plateau Telecommunications, Incorporated (Plateau Telecommunications) requests a six-month extension of its deadline to remove, replace, and dispose of covered equipment and services in its network under 47 CFR § 1.50004(h)(2). See Request of Plateau Telecommunications, Inc. for Extension of Time, WC Docket No. 18-89 (filed Apr. 19, 2024).
  Plateau Telecommunications contends that its ability to complete the removal, replacement, and disposal of covered equipment and services by its current deadline has, through no fault of its own, been materially affected by the lack of full funding and supply chain issues.  Plateau Telecommunications explains that it worked with external network engineering experts to reduce the operational footprint of its replacement network to reflect the limited funding available to it. Id. at 2.
  Plateau Telecommunications states that, as part of this work, it has experienced delays in developing its radio frequency design, involving extensive research and multiple redesigns, and that this work was only completed in October 2023, months later than originally planned. Id.
  Plateau Telecommunications also reports that it has experienced supply chain delays associated with its SIM card vendor, whose equipment is needed to transition to its new network. Id. at 3.
  Plateau Telecommunications now expects to receive the required SIM cards in June 2024, later than originally expected. Id.
  The Bureau finds Plateau Telecommunication's showing persuasive and that its situation is consistent with the situation of other recipients that have been granted extensions on similar grounds of supply chain issues and lack of full funding, See, e.g., WorldCell et al. Extension Order at 5-7, paras. 11-15; Point/SI Wireless Extension Order at 5-6, paras. 12-14; GigSky Extension Order at 2, paras. 4-5; January 2024 Streamlined Resolution Public Notice at 5 (as to the lack of full funding); see Stealth Extension Order at 3-5, paras. 6-11; WorldCell et al. Extension Order at 7-8, paras. 16-19; Point/SI Wireless Extension Order at 6-7, paras. 15-18; Triangle Extension Order at 4-5, paras. 8-11; January 2024 Streamlined Resolution Public Notice at 4-5 (as to supply chain issues).  
 and accordingly grants the requested extension. 

New RRD term expiration date – Plateau Telecommunications' deadline to remove, replace, and dispose of covered equipment and services in its network under 47 CFR § 1.50004(h)(2) IS EXTENDED from July 18, 2024 to January 18, 2025.

Recipient – Point Broadband Fiber Holding, LLC, SCRP0001128; SCRP0001129; SCRP0001130; SCRP0001131; SCRP0001132

Grounds for individual term extension – Point Broadband Fiber Holding, LLC (Point Broadband) requests a six-month extension of its deadline to remove, replace, and dispose of covered equipment and services in its network under 47 CFR § 1.50004(h)(2) as to each of the above-identified applications. See Request of Point Broadband Fiber Holding, LLC for Extension of Time, WC Docket No. 18-89 (filed April 4, 2024) (for application SCRP0001131) (Point Broadband SCRP0001131 Extension Request); see Request of Point Broadband Fiber Holding, LLC for Extension of Time, WC Docket No. 18-89 (filed April 5, 2024) (separately filed for each of applications SCRP0001128, SCRP0001129, SCRP0001130 and SCRP0001132).  This is Point Broadband’s first extension request as to application SCRP0001131 and second extension request as to each of applications SCRP0001128, SCRP0001129, SCRP0001130 and SCRP0001132.
  Point Broadband contends that its ability to complete the removal, replacement, and disposal of covered equipment and services by its current deadline has, through no fault of its own, been materially affected by the lack of full funding and supply chain issues.  As to the lack of funding,  Point Broadband explains that, as a small, rural operation, it lacks financial resources and that the funding shortfall has thus meaningfully delayed its project schedule and compliance timeline. See, e.g., Point Broadband SCRP0001131 Extension Request at 1.
  Point Broadband further reports that it is still experiencing delays associated with replacing almost 200 routers in its network that it previously explained were tied to supply chain issues. See id.; See also Point/SI Wireless Extension Order at 6 (citing Request of Point Broadband for Extension of Time, WC Docket No. 18-89 (filed Oct. 11, 2023)).
  The Bureau finds Point Broadband’s showing persuasive and that its situation is consistent with the situation of other recipients that have been granted extensions on similar grounds, See, e.g., WorldCell et al. Extension Order at 5-7, paras. 11-15; Point/SI Wireless Extension Order at 5-6, paras. 12-14; GigSky Extension Order at 2, paras. 4-5; January 2024 Streamlined Resolution Public Notice at 5 (as to the lack of full funding); see Stealth Extension Order at 3-5, paras. 6-11; WorldCell et al. Extension Order at 7-8, paras. 16-19; Point/SI Wireless Extension Order at 6-7, paras. 15-18; Triangle Extension Order at 4-5, paras. 8-11; January 2024 Streamlined Resolution Public Notice at 4-5 (as to supply chain issues).  
 and accordingly grants the requested extension. 

New RRD term expiration dates – Point Broadband’s deadline to remove, replace, and dispose of covered equipment and services in its network under 47 CFR § 1.50004(h)(2) IS EXTENDED as follows:

§ For File No. SCRP0001128, from May 10, 2024 to November 10, 2024.
§ For File No. SCRP0001129, from May 11, 2024 to November 11, 2024;
§ For File No. SCRP0001130, from May 13, 2024 to November 13, 2024; 
§ For File No. SCRP0001131, from April 29, 2024 to October 29, 2024; and
§ For File No. SCRP0001132, from May 13, 2024 to November 13, 2024.

Recipient – SI Wireless, LLC, SCRP0001013

Grounds for individual term extension – SI Wireless, LLC (SI Wireless) requests a second six-month extension of its deadline to remove, replace, and dispose of covered equipment and services in its network under 47 CFR § 1.50004(h)(2). See SI Wireless, LLC Request for Extension of Time, WC Docket No. 18-89 (filed Apr. 24, 2024).  SI Wireless previously was granted an extension in the Point/SI Wireless Extension Order at 5-7, paras. 12-18.  
  SI Wireless contends that its ability to complete the removal, replacement, and disposal of covered equipment and services by its current deadline has, through no fault of its own, been materially affected by supply chain issues and other issues. SI Wireless does raise the lack of full funding as one basis for an extension, but we do not find it necessary to address SI Wireless’s argument here, as the extension is justified on supply chain grounds.
  With regard to supply chain issues, SI Wireless states that it has continued to experience delays in obtaining replacement equipment, in some cases experiencing delays of 4-6 months. Id. at 2.
  It also asserts that equipment vendors have been focusing on their production of 5G equipment and have reduced or terminated their production of 4G LTE equipment, making it more difficult to access 4G-only LTE equipment. Id.
  SI Wireless states that these delays and have impeded SI Wireless’s ability to complete its removal, replacement, and disposal work by its current deadline.  The Bureau finds SI Wireless’s showing persuasive and that its situation is consistent with the situation of other recipients that have been granted extensions on similar grounds of supply chain issues, See, e.g., Stealth Extension Order at 3-5, paras. 6-11; WorldCell et al. Extension Order at 7-8, paras. 16-19; Point/SI Wireless Extension Order at 6-7, paras. 15-18; Triangle Extension Order at 4-5, paras. 8-11; January 2024 Streamlined Resolution Public Notice at 4-5 (as to supply chain issues).  
 and accordingly grants the requested extension. 

New RRD term expiration date – SI Wireless’s deadline to remove, replace, and dispose of covered equipment and services in its network under 47 CFR § 1.50004(h)(2) IS EXTENDED from May 24, 2024 to November 24, 2024.

Recipient – Southern Ohio Communication Services Inc., SCRP0001019

Grounds for individual term extension – Southern Ohio Communication Services Inc. (Southern Ohio) requests a six-month extension of its deadline to remove, replace, and dispose of covered equipment and services in its network under 47 CFR § 1.50004(h)(2). Request of Southern Ohio Communications Services Inc. for Extension of Time, WC Docket No. 18-89 (filed Apr. 2, 2024).
  Southern Ohio contends that its ability to complete the removal, replacement, and disposal of covered equipment and services by its current deadline has, through no fault of its own, been materially affected by the lack of full funding. Supplement to Request of Southern Ohio Communications Services Inc. for Extension of Time, WC Docket No. 18-89 (filed Apr. 10, 2024).
  Southern Ohio states that it is a small service provider in rural Ohio with limited access to outside financing options.  It asserts that the financial strain cause by the limited funding for the program led to a delay in ordering and receiving the remaining equipment needed to fully replace covered equipment in its network, of which over half the cost had to be financed by Southern Ohio independently due to lack of full funding.  It states that this delay negatively impacted Southern Ohio’s timeline and made it impossible to complete the removal, replacement, and disposal of all covered equipment within the one-year period.  The Bureau finds Southern Ohio’s showing persuasive and that its situation is consistent with the situation of other recipients that have been granted extensions on similar grounds of supply chain issues and lack of full funding, See, e.g., WorldCell et al. Extension Order at 5-7, paras. 11-15; Point/SI Wireless Extension Order at 5-6, paras. 12-14; GigSky Extension Order at 2, paras. 4-5; January 2024 Streamlined Resolution Public Notice at 5.


New RRD term expiration date – Southern Ohio’s deadline to remove, replace, and dispose of covered equipment and services in its network under 47 CFR § 1.50004(h)(2) IS EXTENDED from April 6, 2024 to October 6, 2024.


For additional information concerning this Public Notice, please contact Ty Covey in the Competition Policy Division, Wireline Competition Bureau, at ty.covey@fcc.gov
or (202) 418-1372.

- FCC -









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