Central Montana Times

U.S. Senator Steve Daines has introduced the “Supporting National Security with Spectrum Act” in a bid to prevent the potential loss of cell service in many of Montana’s rural communities. The bill aims to fully fund the “Rip and Replace” program, which is crucial for removing Chinese components from wireless communications systems.

Speaking on the importance of the bill, Senator Daines emphasized the critical need for resources to remove compromised equipment, highlighting the national security risks involved. He stated, "Rural providers must have the resources and ability to remove compromised equipment, and without it, there is a serious national security risk. This service is also critical for many Montanans in eastern Montana that could lose 911 and cell service. We must get this done before it’s too late."

The Rip and Replace program, established in 2020, requires an additional $3 billion to complete its mission of eliminating Chinese components from wireless communications systems. The utilization of Chinese telecommunications equipment poses a significant national security threat, particularly in areas that support military bases.

The “Supporting National Security with Spectrum Act” proposes to fully fund the Rip and Replace program by mandating the Federal Communications Commission to re-auction certain spectrum licenses that have recently been returned to the Commission. Failure to secure adequate funding for the program could lead to service blackouts and the potential closure of companies, especially in rural communities.

Senator Daines' initiative underscores the urgency of addressing the national security concerns associated with Chinese components in wireless communications systems, with a specific focus on safeguarding cell service in rural areas such as eastern Montana.