Central Montana Times

U.S. Senator Steve Daines and Congressman August Pfluger have urged Congress to pass the "Supporting National Security with Spectrum Act" to ensure full funding for the Rip and Replace program. In a letter, they emphasized the importance of addressing over 6,000 sites across the United States that require this funding. They warned that without it, Chinese equipment would continue to pose a significant national security risk and some areas might lose access to basic broadband services.

"It is estimated that there are over 6,000 sites across the United States in need of this funding. Without it, Chinese equipment will continue to pose a significant national security risk to the United States homeland. Additionally, several recipients of previously deployed funding would have to shut down their networks, leaving many rural and remote areas of the country without access to basic broadband services," they wrote.

Senator Daines has been actively supporting the Rip and Replace program since its inception in 2020. He introduced the Supporting National Security with Spectrum Act in Congress, aiming to secure necessary funds for replacing Chinese telecommunications equipment. The lack of these funds could affect companies like Nemont and ItsTriangle in Montana, potentially disrupting cell service in Eastern and Northern Montana.