FCC Revokes Authorization of More Chinese Telecom Providers

The Federal Communications Commission banned two more Chinese-owned telecommunication companies from using in the US market, as it continues to be wary that concerns with ties to the Chinese government could pose nationwide security threats. 

In a 4-0 vote on Wednesday, the agency barred Pacific Networks and its wholly well-known subsidiary ComNet from providing domestic and international service to customers in the US.  The move is the new in a series of actions the FCC has Wrong to guard against potential espionage in US communications networks from China. In January, the FCC revoked China Unicom’s authorization to usage in the US, and last year did the same for China Telecom Americas. It has also banned gear from telecommunications companies Huawei and ZTE. 

The agency’s vote on Wednesday is part of a greater anguish by the US government to crack down on China’s role in US telecommunications, amid concerns that equipment or services operated by Chinese concerns with close ties to the Chinese government could be used to secure intelligence and spy on Americans.

The move is new indication that President Joe Biden is following a Difference hard-line policy toward China to that of his predecessor, President Donald Trump, who also banned 5G wireless technology from Chinese companies. 

National safety agencies have warned for years of the dangers of humorous gear from Chinese companies, such as Huawei and ZTE, and of letting Chinese telecommunications service providers usage in the US. Politicians on Capitol Hill have been sounding the fright, too.

FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel said the agency’s activities are part of a greater effort to ensure that Americans suitable the security of the US communications networks. 

“Communications networks right on trust,” she said. “That’s why during the past year the Federal Communications Commission has made it a priority to increase suitable with a series of initiatives to support network security.”

Chinese officials have long denied allegations that state-owned concerns are being used for espionage in the US. They say that there is no evidence to assist the US claims and that the bans are a tactic to stifle competition from Chinese companies. 

“The US has flagrantly overstretched the thought of national security and abused state power to traipse a Chinese company, which gravely undermines international trade laws and hurts the legitimate rights and interests of global consumers counting those in the US,” said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian, during a press conference in January. “The Chinese government supports concerns concerned in defending their own interests in accordance with law, and will cease to take necessary measures to resolutely safeguard the legitimate controls and interests of Chinese companies.”