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On November 22, 2019, the Commission adopted a Report and Order, Order, and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, WC Docket No. 18-89, FCC 19-121 (Protecting Against National Security Threats to the Communications Supply Chain Through FCC Programs). The Report and Order prohibits future use of Universal Service Fund (USF) monies to purchase, maintain, improve, modify, obtain, or otherwise support any equipment or services produced or provided by a company that poses a national security threat to the integrity of communications networks or the communications supply chain.

It also initially designated two entities Huawei Technologies Company (Huawei) and ZTE Corporation (ZTE), along with their affiliates, subsidiaries, and parents as covered
companies posing such a national security threat. In the Further Notice, the Commission proposed to make the requirement to remove covered equipment and services from carriers’ networks contingent on the availability of a funded reimbursement program, to mitigate the impact on affected entities.

On September 30, 2021, the Commission provided guidance regarding the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Reimbursement Program disposal and verification requirements and revised the certifications contained in FCC Form 5640.