Media Contact: 
Anne Veigle
anne.veigle@fcc.gov

For Immediate Release

FCC OPENS FILING WINDOW FOR SUPPLY CHAIN REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAM 
$1.9 Billion Program Will Reimburse Providers for Cost of Replacing Equipment and Services That Pose a National Security Threat

WASHINGTON, October 29, 2021—The Federal Communications Commission today opened the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Reimbursement Program filing window for providers of advanced communications service with 10 million or fewer customers to seek reimbursement for reasonable expenses incurred in removing, replacing, and disposing of Huawei and ZTE communications equipment and services.  

“Trust in our communications systems is fundamental, and to preserve that trust we need to identify threats and mitigate risk,” said Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel.  “Today we are doing just that by opening up a new program that will reimburse providers for the cost of replacing equipment and services that pose a threat to national security.  Removing insecure equipment from existing networks after installation is challenging.  This program is here to help.  We also want our communications companies to have the opportunity to use promising and innovative alternatives, like interoperable open radio access network solutions, as we build tomorrow’s networks.” 

To participate in the Reimbursement Program, eligible providers must file an FCC Form 5640 Application Request for Funding Allocation, which is available on the Reimbursement Program webpage, https://www.fcc.gov/supplychain. Applicants can now initiate, save, submit, and make changes to their applications until the filing window closes on January 14, 2022 at 11:59 PM Eastern time.  

The $1.9 billion Supply Chain Reimbursement Program was created by Congress in the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act to reimburse providers for reasonable expenses incurred in the removal, replacement, and disposal of covered communications equipment and services.

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Media Relations: (202) 418-0500 / ASL: (844) 432-2275 / Twitter: @FCC / www.fcc.gov 

This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action.  Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action.  See MCI v. FCC, 515 F.2d 385 (D.C. Cir. 1974).