Federal Communications Commission	DA 26-316


Before the
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20554


In the Matter of

Protecting Against National Security Threats to the Communications Supply Chain Through FCC Programs
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WC Docket No. 18-89

ORDER

Adopted:  March 31, 2026	Released:  March 31, 2026

By the Chief, Wireline Competition Bureau:

1. In this Order, the Wireline Competition Bureau (Bureau) addresses the Petitions filed by Waxahachie ISD and WorldCell Solutions, Inc. (WorldCell) requesting an extension of their removal, replacement, and disposal (RRD) terms under the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Reimbursement Program (Reimbursement Program or Program).1  Waxahachie ISD asks to extend its RRD term deadline from May 8, 2026 to August 8, 2026 and WorldCell asks to extend its RRD term deadline from May 8, 2026 to August 31, 2026.
2. The Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act of 2019 (Secure Networks Act) authorizes the Commission to grant “individual” extension requests on a case-by-case basis to Program recipients for a period of time of up to six months. 47 U.S.C. § 1603(d)(6)(C).
  To grant an individual extension, the Commission must find 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.” 47 CFR § 1.50004(h)(2).
  In order to ensure prompt removal, replacement, and disposal in accordance with the goals of the Secure Networks Act, requests for an extension will only be granted where the Program recipient demonstrates the delay is due to factors beyond its control.  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, 14355-56, para. 173 (2020) (2020 Supply Chain Order).
 
3. As the Bureau has explained, term extension requests must demonstrate the specific obstacles faced by the recipient; how those obstacles, through no fault of the recipient, affected the recipient’s ability to meet its term deadline; steps taken by the recipient to mitigate the impacts of the obstacles; and how the recipient expects to meet a future deadline if an extension is granted. See, e.g., Streamlined Resolution of Requests Under the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Reimbursement Program, WC Docket No. 18-89, Public Notice, 40 FCC Rcd 1323, 1324 (WCB 2025) (February 2025 Extension Public Notice).
  Requests must include thorough explanations and documentary support where appropriate (e.g., documentation from a vendor as evidence of supply chain delays, details on the specific impact of weather, documentation of permitting delays). Id.
  Providing adequate explanation and support is particularly imperative to meet the required showing now that recipients have been granted full funding.  In addition, much time has passed since the initial funding allocation in 2022, and all active Priority 1 recipients should have already made significant progress toward completing their projects by May 8, 2026. See Wireline Competition Bureau Reminds Priority 1 Rip-and-Replace Program Recipients of Their May 8, 2026 Removal, Replacement, and Disposal Deadline, WC Docket No. 18-89, Public Notice, DA 26-14 (WCB Jan. 6, 2026); Enforcement Bureau and Wireline Competition Bureau Joint Enforcement Advisory for Rip-and-Replace Program; Including Enhanced Oversight Mechanisms, WC Docket No. 18-189, Public Notice, DA 26-252, at 2 (EB/WCB Mar. 18, 2026) (EB/WCB Enforcement Advisory); February 2025 Extension Public Notice at 1324).
  Extension requests that do not include the necessary level of detail will be denied. EB/WCB Enforcement Advisory at 2.

4. We find that Waxahachie ISD has failed to adequately and specifically demonstrate why it is unable to complete the permanent RRD of covered equipment and services in its network due to factors beyond its control, and we therefore deny its request without prejudice.  Waxahachie ISD’s request consists of a single sentence, which states:  “We are requesting an RRD extension due to global RAM (memory) shortages, which is leading to extended server lead times and higher pricing.” Waxahachie ISD Extension Request at 1.
  That is insufficient and lacks detail to support the nature of the asserted supply chain issues, how and to what extent they prevent Waxahachie ISD from being able to finish its RRD work by the current deadline, what steps it has taken to mitigate the effect of the asserted supply chain issues, and whether it would be able to complete its RRD work if a four-month extension were granted.  Furthermore, Waxahachie ISD fails to explain how “higher pricing” would render it “unable to complete” the necessary RRD work.  
5. WorldCell similarly has failed to adequately and specifically demonstrate why it is unable to complete the permanent RRD of covered equipment and services in its network due to factors beyond its control.  We therefore deny its request without prejudice.  WorldCell states that its project plan has “undergone a thorough re-evaluation due to the availability of a second round of funding and some unexpected challenges related to our vendor.  Specifically, these challenges involve network configurations, software updates, integration with legacy systems, and certain hardware delivery issues.” WorldCell Extension Request at 1.
  It therefore “request[s] additional time to ensure all project requirements can be satisfied effectively.” Id.

6. WorldCell’s general statements do not provide sufficient detail for the Bureau to evaluate whether an extension is justified.  For example, WorldCell does not provide detail and support regarding the “challenges” it has faced, how they are outside WorldCell’s control, and what steps WorldCell has taken to mitigate delays.  Only with such a detailed showing would the Bureau be able to fully evaluate WorldCell’s request.  Additionally, the allocation of additional funding cannot itself constitute the basis for an extension.
7. Accordingly, IT IS ORDERED that, pursuant to section 4(i)-(j) of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, 47 U.S.C. § 154(i)-(j), and sections 0.204, 0.291, and 1.50004(h)(2) of the Commission’s rules, 47 CFR §§ 0.204, 0.291, 1.50004(h)(2), the Petitions for Extension of Time filed by Waxahachie ISD and WorldCell are DENIED WITHOUT PREJUDICE.

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 




Joseph S. Calascione 
Chief 
Wireline Competition Bureau

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