Ajit Pai, chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, has released a proposal to prohibit the use of the $8.5 billion Universal Service Fund in procuring services from firms that pose national security vulnerabilities.
FCC said Monday the proposed rule aims to protect U.S. communications networks and corresponding supply chains from national security threats.
“The money in the Universal Service Fund comes from fees paid by the American people, and I believe that the FCC has the responsibility to ensure that this money is not spent on equipment or services that pose a threat to national security,” Pai said.
FCC will hold a meeting on April 17 wherein a vote regarding the proposal is scheduled to take place.
