Bill Overview
Title: Protecting Communications Networks from Chinese Communist Party Espionage Act
Description: This bill requires the Federal Communications Commission to auction licenses for a specified portion of the electromagnetic spectrum for nonfederal use, shared federal and nonfederal use, or a combination of those uses, with proceeds going towards the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Reimbursement Program (a program that reimburses certain communications providers for replacing equipment deemed to be a threat to national security).
Sponsors: Sen. Lee, Mike [R-UT]
Target Audience
Population: People reliant on global telecommunications networks
Estimated Size: 350000000
- The bill targets the telecommunications sector, which includes providers of internet and phone services.
- These providers operate internationally. Thus, impacts on network suppliers and consumers may extend beyond US borders.
- Chinese telecommunications companies like Huawei and ZTE, previously accused of espionage, could be directly affected.
- The telecommunications industry is large and includes millions of workers globally.
- Consumers and businesses that rely on these networks are numerous and worldwide.
Reasoning
- The telecommunications sector is vast and diverse, encompassing both rural and urban areas, small companies, and large corporations. As such, individual impacts will vary based on location, role within the sector, and direct connection to affected equipment.
- The budget limitations mean that while large providers might see substantial benefits from reimbursement, smaller providers and workers may not notice significant changes initially.
- The policy might increase consumer trust in network security, which indirectly influences willingness to adopt new technologies, although changes in perception could take years to develop.
- International service providers might experience indirect effects if their partners in the US switch equipment, but direct effects are likely limited to those operating within or exchanging directly with US firms.
- Consumers in remote or underserved areas relying on potentially insecure networks might experience improvements in service and security over time as networks are upgraded.
Simulated Interviews
Network Engineer (Seattle, WA)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm glad there's more focus on network security. Our company has been dealing with compatibility issues due to upcoming replacements.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Small Business Owner (Rural Kansas)
Age: 30 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- As a small business owner, reliable and secure internet is crucial. Any improvement in service security would be beneficial.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Telecom Equipment Supplier (San Jose, CA)
Age: 52 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Switching out existing equipment is a hassle, but it's better to be safe. This reimbursement could make transitions smoother for our clients.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Graduate Student (Boston, MA)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's exciting to see policy pushing for more secure networks. This could open new research opportunities and markets for secure tech.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
Retired (Houston, TX)
Age: 63 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- As long as my data remains safe and calls are clear, I'm happy. More secure networks seem like a good thing overall.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Telecom Customer Support (Miami, FL)
Age: 39 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Better equipment could mean fewer complaints, which would make my job easier in the long run. But it'll take time to see these changes.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
High School Teacher (Little Rock, AR)
Age: 51 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- We need reliable and secure networks for teaching. If this upgrades infrastructure, it could help in the classroom.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
App Developer (New York, NY)
Age: 22 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Security is a selling point for apps. Changes in network security could help sell more apps.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
Factory Worker (Detroit, MI)
Age: 34 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The more secure our systems, the better we can manage production. It's about long-term efficiency and security.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Freelancer (Phoenix, AZ)
Age: 41 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm always interested in anything that can help ensure secure connections since most of my work relies on stable internet.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $150000000 (Low: $100000000, High: $200000000)
Year 2: $160000000 (Low: $110000000, High: $210000000)
Year 3: $170000000 (Low: $120000000, High: $220000000)
Year 5: $180000000 (Low: $130000000, High: $230000000)
Year 10: $200000000 (Low: $150000000, High: $250000000)
Year 100: $300000000 (Low: $250000000, High: $350000000)
Key Considerations
- Managing the auction process for licenses should be efficient to maximize revenue and ensure quality spectrum distribution.
- Telecom providers need clear guidance to participate in the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Reimbursement Program.
- Monitoring and ensuring compliance with the transitions are critical to national security goals.