Today’s telecom news includes announcements on TP-Link Systems, Federal Security Service (FSB), Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC), Teletalk, among others.
Texas Sues TP-Link Over Alleged Chinese Government Backdoor Access
On February 17, 2026, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a lawsuit against TP-Link Systems, alleging the company’s networking devices provide the Chinese government with backdoor access to American data. The suit claims TP-Link engaged in deceptive marketing by masking its ties to the People’s Republic of China and the Chinese Communist Party, despite the company’s recent efforts to rebrand as a U.S.-based entity headquartered in California. This legal action follows a 2025 investigation by the Federal Trade Commission and aligns with Governor Greg Abbott’s recent expansion of prohibited technologies for state agencies. While TP-Link maintains that its global operations are independent of the Chinese government, the lawsuit alleges that the company’s hardware remains vulnerable to exploitation by state-sponsored threat actors.
FSB UNPLUGGED: RUSSIA GRANTS SECURITY SERVICE POWER TO CUT OFF COMMUNICATIONS
The Russian State Duma has passed the final reading of a law granting the Federal Security Service (FSB) the authority to require telecom operators to disconnect communications. Under this legislation, operators will be legally shielded from liability for failing to fulfill service agreements when complying with these security directives. According to the bill’s explanatory note, the measure is specifically designed to bolster security in areas under the agency’s jurisdiction and enhance national counter-terrorism efforts. The law is set to take effect ten days after its official publication, pending the final signature of President Vladimir Putin.
Teletalk Granted Spectrum Despite Tk 5,500 Crore Debt
In a significant regulatory shift, the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) has decided to allocate new spectrum to the state-run operator Teletalk despite its staggering unpaid dues of approximately Tk 5,500 crore. These liabilities, accumulated over several years, primarily consist of unpaid 3G and 4G license fees, revenue-sharing arrears, and social obligation fund contributions. While private operators are typically subjected to strict compliance and legal action for financial defaults, the government has prioritized Teletalk’s expansion to facilitate state-led 5G readiness and improve rural connectivity. Consequently, critics and industry analysts argue that this “special treatment” creates an uneven playing field and undermines the BTRC’s regulatory authority over the telecommunications sector.
SHAFANA FAZAL