The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced its intention to prevent Huawei, ZTE, and other Chinese telecom companies, which it deems threats to U.S. national security, from participating in the certification process of wireless equipment in the United States. This measure is part of a broader effort to secure telecommunications infrastructure against perceived security threats. The FCC plans to hold a vote on a bipartisan proposal later this month, which would ensure that the bodies and labs responsible for certifying wireless devices in the U.S. are not influenced by companies with security concerns.
Last week, the FCC took a definitive step by denying Huawei’s test lab the ability to participate in the equipment authorization program. This move aligns with the new proposal which seeks to permanently prohibit Huawei and other companies on the FCC’s security risk list from any involvement in this critical certification process. This action will also provide the FCC and its national security partners with the tools needed to protect the integrity of the equipment authorization process against persistent and evolving security and supply chain threats.
In 2019, the FCC had already started tightening restrictions on companies like Huawei and ZTE by placing them on a U.S. export control list, which limited most U.S. suppliers from shipping goods and technology to these entities unless they received specific licenses. Furthermore, in November 2022, the FCC banned approvals of new telecommunications and video surveillance equipment from not only Huawei and ZTE but also from other companies like Hytera Communications, Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology, and Zhejiang Dahua Technology Co., citing national security concerns.
The FCC’s ongoing actions, including the latest proposal, are part of a concerted effort to safeguard U.S. communication networks from external threats. FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel emphasized the importance of ensuring that the equipment authorization program and those entrusted with administering it are up to the challenge posed by security threats. This proactive stance reflects a growing vigilance and tightening of regulations surrounding telecommunications equipment and its certification process in the United States, aiming to strengthen national security in an increasingly digital world.
