Jessica Rosenworcel, the chairwoman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), has proposed new rules under which the watchdog would periodically reassess and consider renewing existing authorisations for foreign-owned telecoms providers in the US. If approved, foreign-owned licence holders will need to undergo a periodic review and renewal process, which would involve close consultation with national security personnel. The proposal will be put to the vote at the FCC’s next monthly meeting on 20 April.
Chairwoman Rosenworcel commented: ‘Across the board, the FCC is taking clear and decisive action to address national security risks in our communications networks. That is why it is so important to have the agency regularly review foreign companies’ authorisations to provide telecommunications services in the United States. If a provider poses a threat that cannot be mitigated, we will take the steps necessary to remove their access to our networks.’
In recent years, the FCC has revoked the Section 214 operating authorities of four Chinese state-owned telecoms firms based on recommendations from national security agencies.