Policymakers will also back $3.2bn for an emergency broadband benefit for low-income Americans, senior congressional aides confirmed.
The COVID-19 relief bill, the second-largest economic stimulus in US history following a $2.3 trillion aid bill passed in March, invests $7bn to increase access to broadband, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer said in a statement. The low-income programme, they said, will “help millions of students, families and unemployed workers afford the broadband they need during the pandemic”.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) said in June it had formally designated China’s Huawei Technologies Co and ZTE Corp as threats, a declaration that bars US firms from tapping an $8.3bn government fund to buy equipment from the companies.
U.S. lawmakers back $1.9 billion to replace telecom equipment from China s Huawei, ZTE
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U.S. lawmakers back $1.9 billion to replace telecom equipment from China’s Huawei, ZTE
WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. lawmakers will back $1.9 billion to fund a program to remove telecom network equipment that the U.S. government says poses national security risks as part of a $900 billion COVID-19 relief bill, two sources briefed on the matter said on Sunday.
Lawmakers will also back $3.2 billion for an emergency broadband benefit for low-income Americans, senior congressional aides confirmed after Reuters first reported the planned broadband spending.
The COVID-19 relief bill invests $7 billion to increase access to broadband, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer said in a statement, adding the low-income program will “help millions of students, families and unemployed workers afford the broadband they need during the pandemic.”
U S to fund the removal of Chinese tech in its networks neowin.net - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from neowin.net Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
The Federal Communications Commission said in June it had formally designated China’s Huawei Technologies Co and ZTE Corp as threats, a declaration that bars U.S. firms from tapping an $8.3 billion government fund to purchase equipment from the companies.
Earlier this month, the FCC finalized rules that require carriers with ZTE or Huawei equipment to “rip and replace” that equipment but is awaiting funding from Congress.
Huawei said earlier this month it was disappointed in the FCC’s decision “to force removal of our products from telecommunications networks. This overreach puts U.S. citizens at risk in the largely underserved rural areas – during a pandemic – when reliable communication is essential.”
US Lawmakers Back $1.9 Billion To Replace Chinese Telecom Equipment: Report US Lawmakers Back $1.9 Billion To Replace Chinese Telecom Equipment: Report The COVID-19 relief bill invests $7 billion to increase access to broadband, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer said in a statement.
Lawmakers will also back $3.2 billion for an emergency broadband benefit for low-income Americans.
Washington:
U.S. lawmakers will back $1.9 billion to fund a program to remove telecom network equipment that the U.S. government says poses national security risks as part of a $900 billion COVID-19 relief bill, two sources briefed on the matter said on Sunday.