Senator and a group of bipartisan colleagues urged Senate leaders of both parties to bolster a critical program that strengthens national security and protects Arizonans and small businesses from unsafe broadband connections
WASHINGTON – Arizona senior Senator Kyrsten Sinema and a bipartisan group of colleagues urged Senate leaders of both parties to strengthen the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Reimbursement Program protecting Arizona families, small businesses, and critical infrastructure from unsecure broadband connections that put national security and their privacy at risk.
“Strengthening the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Reimbursement Program is critical to protecting Arizonans’ privacy and shielding Arizona businesses from bad actors taking advantage of unsecured internet connections,” said Sinema.
The Federal Communications Commission’s Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Reimbursement Program allows small telecommunications providers to remove network equipment that may allow foreign interference.
Currently, the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Reimbursement Program faces a potential shortfall, leaving wireless networks – especially in rural areas – vulnerable to disruption from bad actors. Sinema is seeking to strengthen investments in this program that will allow the removal, disposal, and replacement of potentially compromised network equipment which can leave American wireless networks vulnerable to espionage and disruption.
Arizona’s critical infrastructure – including power plants, military bases, police stations, and fire houses – should not be at risk by using potentially suspect technology that could be compromised by foreign governments. Removing this suspect technology protects Arizona families and small businesses from having their personal information and privacy accessed by bad actors.
Click HERE to read Sinema’s bipartisan letter.