Nokia Disputes Arguments Against Draft National Security NPRM
Nokia said the FCC shouldn’t be swayed by early criticisms of a draft NPRM that would prevent using money in any USF program to buy equipment or services from companies that “pose a national security threat” to U.S. communications networks…
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or the communications supply chain. The NPRM is set for a vote at the April 17 commissioners’ meeting (see 1804090045). “There are parties that are promoting a narrative that the Commission is seeking to cast a wide net, to indiscriminately bar vendors that have a presence in, or manufacture in, certain geographies, such as China,” said a filing posted Tuesday in docket 18-89. “Essentially all” big technology and communications companies source some components in China, the Finnish equipment maker said. “Those who are against the Commission’s proposed action to secure our Nation’s infrastructure are using the fact that many companies share common countries of origin in their supply chains as a basis to suggest the draft order would therefore have sweeping effect and greatly limit equipment supplier options for carriers seeking USF support.” But the draft seems clear that’s not the case, Nokia said. “The Commission’s approach has less to do with country of origin as a basis of risk assessment and more to do with supplier trustworthiness.” The company said as rules are finalized, the agency should “make clear that identifying a company as a prohibited provider is an extraordinary act that the Commission expects would be used sparingly, and based on a review that takes into account the totality of the circumstances.” It said Monday that China Mobile had picked it to supply equipment for a regional optical transport network the Chinese carrier is building as part of its push toward 5G.