Central Montana Times

U.S. Senator Steve Daines has introduced an amendment to the foreign aid emergency funding bill aimed at preventing cell service loss in rural Montana communities. The proposed amendment seeks to fully fund the "Rip and Replace" program, which aims to remove Chinese components from the United States' wireless communications systems.

"Wireless security is national security," emphasized Senator Daines, highlighting the critical importance of safeguarding the country's wireless networks. He further stressed, "To that end, removing Chinese telecom equipment from our wireless networks is a matter of national security." Senator Daines underlined the significance of providing rural providers with the necessary resources to remove compromised equipment, stating, "Rural providers must have the resources and ability to remove compromised equipment."

The amendment comes as a response to the looming threat of service blackouts and potential closures of companies, particularly in eastern Montana, if the Rip and Replace program is not fully funded. Senator Daines pointed out the risk posed to wireless systems without adequate support, noting, "Without it, our wireless systems are at severe risk." He also highlighted the impact on Montanans in eastern Montana, stating, "This service is also critical for many Montanans in eastern Montana who could lose 911 and cell service."

The Rip and Replace program, established in 2020, requires an additional $3 billion to complete its mission of removing Chinese components from the wireless communications systems in the U.S. The continued use of Chinese telecommunications equipment is a major national security concern, especially in areas that serve military bases. To address this issue, 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 were recently returned to the Commission.