The FCC’s Wireline Competition Bureau submitted its Eighth Report to Congress on the implementation of the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Reimbursement Program (“Rip-and-Replace Program”) and the work done by Recipients to remove, replace, and dispose of covered equipment as of March 2026. Most recipients had a term deadline of May 8, 2026 to complete their work. The FCC reported that around 42% of Priority 1 Recipients have completed the permanent removal, replacement, and disposal of all of the covered communications equipment and services and that most of the remaining recipients received limited extensions of the deadline. Four main challenges were cited as challenges to compliance: (1) supply chain delays, (2) labor shortages, (3) weather-related challenges, and (4) delays in obtaining permits.
