These Carriers Get First Rip & Replace Reimbursement Priority

By Leslie Stimson, Inside Towers Washington Bureau Chief

UPDATE A total of 85 entities are considered “first priority” in the FCC’s Rip & Replace reimbursement program. Several providers filed multiple applications. Congress initially allocated $1.9 billion to reimburse carriers for removing untrusted gear from Huawei and ZTE from their networks. To fund all “reasonable and supported” cost estimates within the first prioritization group and cover administrative expenses, the reimbursement program will require $4.7 billion, reflecting a current shortfall of $2.8 billion, FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel told Congress, Inside Towers reported. Continue Reading