Sinema seeks to strengthen wireless networks and protect Arizonan’s privacy

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - Arizona Senator Kyrsten Sinema and several bipartisan group of colleagues pleaded with their colleagues on strengthening the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Reimbursement Program.

In a press release, by strengthening the program, this will protect Arizona families, small businesses, and critical infrastructure from unsafe broadband connections.

Furthermore, these unsafe broadband connections will put national security and privacy at risk.

“Strengthening the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Reimbursement Program is critical to protecting Arizonans’ privacy and shielding Arizona businesses from bad actors taking advantage of unsecured internet connections,” said Sinema.

For context, the Federal Communications Commission’s Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Reimbursement Program allows telecommunication providers to remove equipment that may allow foreign interference.

Currently, the program faces a potential downfall, leaving wireless networks vulnerable to disruption by bad actors.

However, Sinema and her colleagues seek to strengthen the program, allowing the removal, disposal, and replacement of potentially compromised network equipment.

The potentially compromised equipment, in turn, could leave American wireless networks vulnerable to espionage and disruption.

In terms of Arizona's critical infrastructure, which includes power plants, military bases, police stations and fire houses, they should not be at risk by using suspected technology that could potentially be compromised by foreign governments.

Nevertheless, by removing the suspect technology, this will protect Arizona families and small businesses from having their personal information and privacy accessed by bad actors.