The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) continues to back open radio access network (RAN) standards as a way for U.S. operators to circumvent network equipment from China-based vendors like Huawei and ZTE, though funding needed for rip-and-replace programs to support these open RAN efforts remains a challenge.

FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel touted that notion during a speech at this week’s Center for Strategic and International Studies event, noting the ability for open RAN technology to provide operators with greater access to more secure networking equipment.

“This effort is now underway, though completion by carriers depends, in part, on further funds from Congress for the reimbursement program – and that is key," Rosenworcel said. "When we set up this reimbursement program, we also made clear this was an opportunity for carriers to transition to open radio access network systems. In the long run, these systems can help diversify the technology in our networks and grow the market for more secure 5G equipment.”

The U.S. has earmarked billions of dollars to be used to help rip-and-replace existing network infrastructure from China-based vendors, including RAN equipment. The FCC had previously reported America’s wireless network infrastructure included at least 24,000 pieces of Huawei or ZTE equipment spanning about 8,400 locations.

However, there remains ongoing debate over how those billions are being dispersed.

Rosenworcel also said the FCC was looking to partner with the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and the $1.5 billion that agency received as part of the recently signed CHIPS and Science Act of 2022 to further boost the reimbursement program.

“My hope is we can align their efforts with what we have learned in our existing reimbursement program about real-world deployment and the importance of systems integration,” Rosenworcel said.

Rosenworcel also touted the FCC’s recently implemented bans on the purchase and use of networking equipment from China-based vendors by U.S. telecom operators.

“This is a big deal,” Rosenworcel said, adding “our action covers the base station equipment that goes into our networks, the phones, cameras, and Wi-Fi routers that go into our homes, and even re-branded or white label equipment that is developed in the marketplace.”

Huawei’s current rotating chairman Eric Xu recently stated the vendor expects the U.S. moves will be the “new normal.”

The Chairwoman also stated the FCC is looking at IoT equipment security, including “how commercial labeling efforts can help improve security” for IoT devices and services.

“It’s a strategy to deter, defend, and develop: deter bad actors, defend against untrusted vendors, and develop a market for trustworthy innovation,” Rosenworcel explained. “By doing this, we are working to help improve communications security at home and shine as an example for the rest of the world.”