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[tmc] Many types of broadband equipment now are covered by a waiver of ‘Buy American’ rules associated with the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 “broadband stimulus” program operated by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration.

Many equipment categories, including routers, switches, transport gear, access equipment, customer premises equipment and billing or operations support systems are exempted from the ‘Buy American’ rules.

But note that fiber optic cables, coaxial cables and cell towers are not granted an automatic waiver. Applicants wishing to use optical or coaxial cables or tower gear not made in the United States will have to apply for specific waivers to do so.

The blanket waiver will be reassuring for most applicants and obviously for most equipment and software suppliers.

Key Waivers Granted for Broadband Stimulus ‘Buy American’ Rules