Securing Global Networks: TIA Testifies on Infrastructure Resilience and Supply Chain Trust
The House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Communications and Technology recently held a hearing titled “Global Networks at Risk: Securing the Future of Telecommunications Infrastructure.” David Stehlin, CEO of the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA), testified alongside experts from the satellite, cybersecurity, and intelligence communities.
In his opening remarks, Stehlin emphasized TIA’s leadership in developing standards that support secure, interoperable, and resilient information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure. He highlighted the growing vulnerability of subsea cables and the urgent need to bolster resilience—and pointed to threats from state-owned foreign entities like Huawei, which erode trust and destabilize global markets. He also introduced SCS 9001, TIA’s supply chain security standard, developed in coordination with U.S. and allied governments.
Subsea Cable Resilience and Strategic Policy Reform
Representative Buddy Carter (R-GA) asked why subsea cable redundancy is critical to national security. Stehlin explained that avoiding single points of failure is essential to ensure continuity in the event of an attack. To accelerate approvals for new cable infrastructure, he recommended that the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA)—rather than the Department of Justice (DoJ)—lead the Team Telecom review process.
When asked how Congress could further improve the permitting process, Stehlin proposed a trusted partner framework to fast-track approvals for entities with established records of success. On the investment side, he supported 25-year FCC license terms for subsea cable projects, noting that long-term licenses are needed to justify the industry’s typical seven-year return-on-investment horizon.
Other members of the Subcommittee—Chairman Brett Guthrie (R-KY) and Representatives Russ Fulcher (R-ID), Tom Kean (R-NJ), Greg Landsman (D-OH), Bob Latta (R-OH), and Jay Obernolte (R-CA)—raised concerns about infrastructure vulnerability, foreign interference, and deterrence. In response, Stehlin emphasized the importance of deterring adversaries such as China and Russia by making clear that attacks on critical infrastructure will carry consequences.
Representative Nanette Barragán (D-CA) asked about cybersecurity vulnerabilities at U.S. ports. Stehlin stressed the importance of a unified national strategy, noting that speaking with one voice enables faster response and continuous improvement. He recommended expanding the number of repair ships and landing points and increasing coordination with allied nations to ensure the use of trusted equipment.
Can Satellites Ensure ICT Resilience?
Representative Bob Latta (R-OH) asked whether satellites can support large-scale data traffic in the event of a subsea cable disruption. Stehlin explained that while satellites contribute to network redundancy, they can’t match the bandwidth capacity or low latency of fiber optic cables. He reaffirmed that subsea infrastructure remains the backbone of global communications.
Representative Thomas Kean (R-NJ) asked how the U.S. can counter China’s growing influence in the satellite industry. Stehlin warned that if the U.S. fails to engage, China may exploit the vacuum to shape international satellite policy to its strategic advantage.
From Rip and Replace to BEAD
Representative Russ Fulcher (R-ID) raised concerns about rural Internet Service Providers (ISPs) lacking robust cybersecurity capabilities. Stehlin cited Idaho as a model for using Rip and Replace funds to remove untrusted equipment. He also highlighted the importance of the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program in bolstering rural network resilience. When asked about incident reporting, Stehlin called for a single, streamlined process to reduce complexity.
Chairman Richard Hudson (R-NC) asked how secure networks relate to national defense. Stehlin explained that military and critical domestic systems increasingly depend on commercial ICT infrastructure. Without close public-private coordination, those systems risk relying on untrusted or vulnerable technologies. Ensuring that both civilian and defense systems are built on secure, U.S.-based ICT infrastructure is essential to national security.
Ranking Member Frank Pallone (D-NJ) asked what capabilities must be built into telecom networks to defend against cyber threats. Stehlin stressed the strategic importance of the vendor ecosystem, explaining that infrastructure integrity depends on sourcing from trusted suppliers. While the U.S. works to expand access to Western technologies, adversaries like China continue offering incentives to foreign governments to adopt untrusted alternatives—gaining influence over critical systems. Stehlin argued that rebuilding domestic R&D is essential to counter these efforts, reduce foreign dependency, and secure the communications supply chain over the long term.
Securing Networks with TIA’s SCS 9001
Representative Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) asked how companies earn TIA’s SCS 9001 certification, which boosts credibility with service providers, governments, and critical infrastructure operators. Stehlin explained that certified companies must verify hardware and software integrity, demonstrating that their products are secure and trustworthy.
Ranking Member Doris Matsui (D-CA) asked how to help consumers make informed technology decisions and how standards defend against cyber threats. Stehlin reiterated that standards like SCS 9001 are critical to infrastructure security. By evaluating both hardware and software—particularly open-source components—SCS 9001 helps ensure products are sourced from trusted organizations across both public and private networks.
Reinforcing the Domestic ICT Supply Chain
Representative Russell Fry (R-SC) asked about the resiliency of the U.S. supply chain. Stehlin pointed to a lack of strategic investment in ICT, particularly in semiconductor development. He emphasized the need to reverse offshore manufacturing trends and recommended using federal tax credits to spur domestic R&D.
Chairman Richard Hudson (R-NC) asked what policy actions are essential to support communications infrastructure without compromising supply chain security. Stehlin reiterated the importance of reshoring critical ICT components—especially semiconductors—and called for sustained investment to ensure manufacturing processes are secure and verifiable end to end.
Representative David Joyce (R-OH) asked what steps TIA member organizations are taking to strengthen supply chain resilience. Stehlin highlighted a continued focus on secure product development and warned that companies like Huawei continue to undercut trusted vendors. He reaffirmed the need to rebuild domestic infrastructure and reestablish a trusted, reliable vendor base.
Representative Thomas Kean (R-NJ) asked how to maintain U.S. leadership in ICT innovation and job creation. Stehlin advocated rewarding companies that demonstrate trust and transparency while discouraging reliance on untrusted vendors. In a follow-up, Kean asked about safeguards for previously trusted suppliers. Stehlin recommended ongoing trust verification through regular certification cycles.
Representative Bob Latta (R-OH) asked whether U.S.- or allied-made routers are preferable. Stehlin affirmed the importance of trusted sourcing, noting that even products from friendly countries must be evaluated based on supplier history and product integrity.
Representative Darren Soto (D-FL) asked how to build on recent gains in domestic manufacturing. Stehlin described reshoring as a multi-decade effort, with chip production at its core. Although capital investment remains steady, he cautioned that it’s often among the first cuts during a recession—and warned that tariffs will raise prices and reduce the number of networks built.
Driving Policy Alignment and Innovation Investment
Vice Chairman Rick Allen (R-GA) asked how to streamline cyber incident reporting and what role the FCC’s Council for National Security and CISA could play. Stehlin highlighted the importance of clear, consistent messaging from government to industry and recommended benchmarking to track progress and drive continuous improvement.
Representative Nanette Barragán (D-CA) asked whether repealing the CHIPS Act would be beneficial. Stehlin said it would not, citing the ongoing need for capital investment and a stronger domestic talent pipeline.
Representative Debbie Dingell (D-MI) asked what Congress can do to better align innovation with national security. Stehlin urged lawmakers to expand research and development tax credits and increase federal support for domestic R&D.
Representative Troy Carter (D-LA) asked how the OpenRAN approach promotes competition. Stehlin explained that OpenRAN allows operators to source wireless network components from multiple vendors, increasing supplier diversity and encouraging market competition without compromising interoperability.
Representative Debbie Dingell (D-MI) asked about the importance of early investment in next-generation wireless technologies. Stehlin noted that while 6G development is underway, the successful deployment of 5G remains a prerequisite. Early investment supports near-term implementation while laying the foundation for long-term innovation.
Watch the archived hearing: David Stehlin’s testimony before the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology is available to stream here.
