Rip-and-Replace or Bust: The 2025 NDAA’s Pricey Telecom Overhaul
The 2025 National Defense Authorization Act includes funding for the FCC’s Rip-and-Replace program, finally giving small telecoms the cash they need to swap out Chinese equipment. With $3.08 billion now secured, it’s time for network makeovers and goodbye to Huawei and ZTE. Who knew cybersecurity could be so fashionable?
Hot Take:
Looks like the US government is finally playing a game of Whac-A-Mole with Chinese telecom equipment, while also ensuring our Department of Defense gadgets don’t get possessed by some foreign spyware poltergeists. And just when you thought AI couldn’t get more bureaucratic, here comes the AI Security Center to make sure our robots aren’t plotting world domination. Somebody get these initiatives a cape because they’re out here saving the day!
Key Points:
- NDAA 2025 funds the FCC’s Rip-and-Replace program to remove Chinese telecom equipment.
- Small telecom firms require $5 billion, with additional funding approved via NDAA.
- The bill introduces initiatives to protect DoD devices from foreign spyware.
- Establishment of a cyber intelligence capability to aid military cyber operations.
- Launch of an AI Security Center to bolster secure AI adoption and guidance.