The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is preparing to vote later this month on new measures to further restrict the use of telecommunications equipment manufactured by Chinese companies deemed a threat to U.S. national security. The move represents the latest escalation in Washington’s ongoing efforts to safeguard America’s communications infrastructure from potential foreign interference.
Strengthening the U.S. Telecom Supply Chain
The FCC, under the leadership of Chair Brendan Carr, will vote on October 28 to expand restrictions on Chinese-made telecom equipment. The proposed rules aim to prohibit authorization of devices containing components from companies already listed on the FCC’s “Covered List.” The vote will also give the agency the authority to revoke existing authorizations for such equipment in certain cases.
“The FCC will continue working to keep untrusted gear out of U.S. networks,” Carr said, emphasizing the need to close loopholes that allow restricted firms to sell equipment through indirect channels or under private arrangements.
Companies Affected by the FCC’s Covered List
The FCC’s Covered List already includes several major Chinese technology and telecommunications firms:
Huawei Technologies
ZTE Corporation
Hangzhou Hikvision
China Mobile
China Telecom
In March 2025, the FCC expanded its scrutiny to nine Chinese entities, including Hytera Communications, Dahua Technology Company, Pacifica Networks/ComNet, and China Unicom (Americas).
These companies are accused of maintaining ties to the Chinese government and military, raising fears that their equipment could be exploited for espionage or cyberattacks on U.S. infrastructure.
Addressing Security Gaps and Loopholes
Chairman Carr indicated that the upcoming vote will also introduce new compliance mechanisms to prevent Chinese firms from circumventing existing bans by conducting business “on a private or unregulated basis.”
Earlier this year, the FCC also initiated proceedings to withdraw recognition from seven test laboratories owned or controlled by the Chinese government, citing concerns that these entities could manipulate product testing to introduce compromised equipment into U.S. markets.
In May 2025, the Commission finalized rules to block Chinese-owned test labs from certifying electronic devices such as smartphones, computers, and cameras for use in the United States.
U.S. Strategy Against Chinese Tech Risks
The FCC’s action aligns with broader U.S. government efforts to reduce dependency on Chinese technology across critical sectors. This includes restrictions by the Department of Commerce on the export of advanced semiconductor technology to China and the Department of Defense’s blacklisting of Chinese firms linked to state intelligence.
Beijing has repeatedly criticized U.S. sanctions as politically motivated and accused Washington of weaponizing national security to suppress Chinese tech innovation.
TelecomLead.com News Desk
