U.S. Moves to Secure Telecom Networks by Targeting Chinese Equipment

Congress allocates $3 billion to remove Huawei and ZTE gear as probes into TP-Link routers raise national security concerns.

Congress approved $3 billion to advance the 'Rip and Replace' program, aimed at removing Huawei and ZTE equipment from U.S. rural telecom networks.
The Commerce Department is investigating TP-Link routers, which dominate the U.S. retail market, for potential national security risks, with a possible sales ban under consideration.
Chinese state-linked hacking campaigns, including the 'Salt Typhoon' breach of major U.S. telecom providers, have heightened urgency for cybersecurity measures.
Experts warn that outdated and insecure equipment, including routers from both Chinese and U.S. manufacturers, exacerbates vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure.
The Biden administration's actions against Chinese telecom equipment are expected to continue under the incoming Trump administration, reflecting rare bipartisan alignment on cybersecurity policy.