FBA Files Reply Comments on FCC National Security and Communications Supply Chain Rules

September 29, 2026—The Fiber Broadband Association (FBA) released the following statement today after filing reply comments with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regarding its proceeding on the Covered List and equipment authorization program:

“FBA supports the Commission’s efforts to protect the communications supply chain from demonstrated national security threats while ensuring broadband providers can continue to obtain, update, and maintain the equipment necessary to operate reliable networks.

“As the Commission considers changes to its equipment authorization rules, FBA urges a consistent, risk-based approach that ties restrictions to demonstrated national security risks and resolves compliance at the equipment authorization stage. This approach would give manufacturers greater regulatory certainty while allowing broadband providers to rely on authoritative authorization records rather than independently reconstruct complex component and production information.

“FBA also urges the Commission not to impose universal hardware bill of materials (HBOM) or software bill of materials (SBOM) requirements. If the Commission moves forward with a more limited disclosure requirement, it should be confined to components and information that are material to the relevant Covered List determination. FBA also supports security updates, qualified substitutions, and other changes that do not materially increase the identified national security risk. Clear, authoritative implementation guidance and workable transition processes will help providers maintain deployed networks.

“FBA looks forward to continuing to work with the Commission and broadband stakeholders to strengthen communications supply chain security while ensuring manufacturers and providers have the clarity and flexibility needed to build, operate, and maintain secure and reliable broadband networks.”

Read the full comments here: FBA Reply Comments – Third FNPRM (Covered List) FINAL 09-28-2026