Securing networks, data, and devices is one of the biggest challenges facing businesses and consumers today. The importance of robust cybersecurity protections has never been greater in light of revelations of large data breaches affecting public and private sector entities–large, small, and everything in between.
Through collaboration with industry, the Executive Branch has developed the voluntary NIST Cybersecurity Framework for Critical Infrastructure while Congress continues to develop cybersecurity policies and legislation to help protect American consumers and businesses. WTA, as a member of the CommSector Coordinating Council, works to make sure that the unique challenges facing small rural telecommunications providers and their customers are heard and considered in the process.
WTA has engaged with policymakers since the beginning of investigations by Congress and the Federal Communications Commission into the use of Chinese equipment in USF-supported networks. Of note, WTA has advocated that policymakers be careful not to degrade service in rural America and cause carriers to lose the gains made to bring communications services to those living in rural areas. WTA has advocated that any change not impact the Universal Service Fund (USF) and has also argued that carriers be reimbursed if they are required to remove and replace Chinese equipment. More recently, WTA has argued that any modernization of USF support should take into account the increasing costs imposed by cybersecurity challenges.
FCC’s Broadband Privacy & Data Security Proceeding
FCC’s NPRM on Data Breach Reporting Requirements – released January 6, 2023
- WTA comments on NPRM – filed February 23, 2023
- WTA reply comments – filed March 24, 2023
Government Accountability Office, Internet Privacy: Additional Federal Authority Could Enhance Consumer Protection and Provide Flexibility – released February 13, 2019
FCC’s Privacy and Data Security Report and Order – released November 2, 2016
FCC’s Privacy and Data Security NPRM – released April 1, 2016
- WTA comments – filed May 27, 2016
- WTA reply comments – filed July 6, 2016
Border Gateway Protocol Proceeding
FCC’s Border Gateway Protocol NPRM – published June 17, 2024
- WTA comments on NPRM – filed July 17, 2024
FCC’s Border Gateway Protocol Notice of Inquiry – adopted February 28, 2022
- WTA comments on NOI – filed April 11, 2022
Executive Branch and Regulatory Activity on Cybersecurity
Cyber Incident Reporting Critical Infrastructure Act
Statute text and background information from CISA
CISA’s Proposed Rule – published May 6, 2024
- WTA comments – filed June 14, 2024
The National Institute of Standards and Technology’s (NIST) Framework for Improving Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity and Roadmap – Released February 12, 2014
NIST Request for Information: Experience with the Framework for Improving Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity – Released August 26, 2014
- NIST Analysis of RFI Comments on Experience with the Cybersecurity Framework – Released December 5, 2014
The NIST Preliminary Cybersecurity Framework – Released October 22, 2013
- WTA comments on NIST’s Preliminary Cybersecurity Framework – Filed December 13, 2013
FCC’s Communications Security, Reliability, and Interoperability Council’s Risk Management and Best Practices Report – Released March 18, 2015
Supply Chain Security
Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act of 2019 – signed into law March 12, 2020
Industry letter to Senate leadership – sent May 8, 2024
Industry letter to House Communications Subcommittee – sent January 11, 2024
Industry letter to Senate Leadership – sent November 7, 2023
Industry letter to House Counterterrorism Subcommittee – sent March 9, 2023
Industry letter to Select Committee on Chinese Communist Party – sent February 28, 2023
Industry letter to Congress on funding shortfall – sent December 8, 2022
Industry letter to Congress on funding shortfall – sent March 3, 2022
Industry letter to Congress on funding – sent May 21, 2020
FCC’s Public Notice seeking comments on STCN Act’s impact of Huawei and ZTE designations – released March 13, 2020
- WTA comments on PN – filed March 27, 2020
FCC’s Public Notice seeking comment on Section 4 of the STCN Act – released April 13, 2020
- WTA comments on PN – filed May 20, 2020
FCC’s Report and Order, Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, and Order on Security of USF-Funded Networks – adopted November 22, 2019
- WTA comments on FNPRM – filed February 3, 2020
FCC’s Public Notice in response to 2019 NDAA – released October 26, 2018
- WTA comments on PN – filed November 16, 2018
FCC’s Notice of Proposed Rulemaking – adopted April 17, 2018
- WTA comments on NPRM– filed June 1, 2018
Executive Order 13873: Securing the Information and Communications Technology and Services Supply Chain – signed on May 15, 2019
