LINCOLN- On Monday, the Nebraska Legislature advanced an amendment contained within the Transportation and Telecommunication Committee's LB683 that would require all Nebraska companies currently using Chinese-made technology on wireless towers to immediately remove the parts. Under the amendment, the punishment for refusing to do so will be millions of dollars lost in subsidies that are typically given to these companies to expand Nebraska's cellphone network.

According to Sen. Mike Jacobson, the reason for such an amendment is to protect our hundreds of intercontinental ballistic missiles, which largely reside underground in the western and central regions of the state. Jacobson cited a report issued by the Department of Defense as reason for the amendment, which stated that it wouldn't be a leap to assume that the equipment could be utilized to collect data on Nebraska's military installations, including Offutt Air Force Base.

"When you don't act in good faith," said Jacobson, it's time to take other action." State lawmakers have argued that Viaero Wireless, a cell company that utilizes Chinese technology, has been given ample time to remove the parts but has refused to do so. Viaero Wireless stated that the parts are very likely not being utilized to collect intelligence. However, Nebraska's Public Service Commission has identified over 18 Viaero cell towers using the Chinese equipment, with some residing quite close to major metropolitan areas.

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