Category: FCC

China Telecom Pushes Back Against US Order to Shut Down

News Analysis China Telecom’s conflict with American regulators illustrates the need for tougher laws against companies linked to China’s military and intelligence industries. China Telecom argued in court on Nov. 15 against a U.S. government order to shut down its operations in the United States. The October order cited national security concerns, saying China Telecom…


Republicans Express Alarm Over Biden’s FCC Nominee

President Joe Biden’s nominee to head the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Gigi Sohn, has raised concern among Republicans concerning her strong partisan background and associations. GOP leaders have expressed disagreement as Sohn previously led a liberal group called Public Knowledge. Some conservatives fear her leadership could target broadcasters over their politics. Federal Election Commission (FEC)…


Biden Signs Law Tightening Restrictions on Huawei, ZTE, to Protect US Telecom Systems

President Joe Biden on Thursday signed into law the “Secure Equipment Act of 2021” to protect U.S. telecommunication systems by restricting companies that pose a national security threat—such as Chinese state-backed firms Huawei and ZTE—from receiving new equipment licenses from U.S. regulators. The measure, H.R. 3919, was approved unanimously by the Senate on Oct. 28 and earlier…


Senate Passes Bill to Further Restrict Huawei, ZTE, Foreign Threats From US Telecom Network

The Senate on Thursday voted unanimously to pass a bill that would prevent companies deemed as security threats—such as Chinese state-backed firms Huawei and ZTE—from being granted new equipment licenses from U.S. regulators. Specifically, the Secure Equipment Act of 2021 would prohibit the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) from both reviewing and issuing new equipment licenses to companies on…


FCC Votes to Terminate China Telecom’s Operations in US Over National Security Concerns

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on Oct. 26 voted unanimously to bar a leading Chinese state-owned telecommunication firm’s U.S. arm from operating in the country. China Telecom Americas, a subsidiary of China Telecom, now has 60 days to discontinue services after having operated in the United States for two decades. The FCC voted 4-0 to…


FCC Votes to Terminate China Telecom’s Operations in US Amid National Security Concerns

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on Oct. 26 voted unanimously to bar a leading Chinese state-owned telecommunication firm’s U.S. arm from operating in the country. China Telecom Americas, a subsidiary of China Telecom, now has 60 days to discontinue services after having operated in the United States for two decades. The FCC voted 4-0 to…


Senators Urge FCC to Address Surveillance Threats to US Telecom Networks

WASHINGTON—A group of five U.S. senators urged the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on Wednesday to address surveillance threats posed by foreign firms providing services to U.S. telecommunications providers. The previously unreported letter, led by Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and also signed by Sens. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), and Ed…


US Sets Start Date for Fund to ‘Rip and Replace’ Huawei and ZTE Network Equipment

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on Sept. 27 announced the start date for a $1.9 billion program to repay U.S. telecom carriers to “rip and replace” network equipment manufactured by Huawei, ZTE, and other China-based companies designated as national security threats. Carriers will be able to apply for the funds beginning on Oct. 29 through…


Court Demands FCC Reconsider Its Wireless Safety Standards

Smartphones, and the wireless frequency that runs them, have revolutionized the way we live. But are they as safe as we are told? A federal court ruled that regulators must reconsider the nation’s wireless safety standard due to extensive evidence of harm. Since 1996—back when cellphones were rare and brick-sized—the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) deemed…


US FCC Approves SpaceX Satellite Deployment Plan

WASHINGTON—The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) said on Tuesday it had voted to approve a SpaceX plan to deploy some Starlink satellites at a lower earth orbit than planned as part of its push to offer space-based broadband internet. Elon Musk’s SpaceX had asked the FCC for approval to fly 2,824 satellites at a lower…