FCC eyes tougher rules on Chinese telcos

The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) outlined plans to explore a ban on China’s three major telecoms operators running data centres in the US, as part of ongoing efforts to address national security concerns. It stated it tentatively concluded national security concerns exist with companies on its so-called Covered List including China Telecom, China Unicom and China Mobile interconnecting with domestic operators, and is seeking comment on whether to issue a ban. The Covered List identifies telecoms and other equipment deemed an unacceptable risk to US national security, banning its authorisation, importation and sale. Specifically, the FCC said it was looking into taking action to address national security risks of companies interconnecting with equipment, PoPs and data centres owned or operated by the Chinese players. Companies with installed equipment from companies on the Covered List, including vendors Huawei and ZTE, could also face tougher rules. It will take the issue to a vote scheduled for its Open Meeting on 30 April. Device testing Also on the agenda for the meeting is a proposal to ban all Chinese labs from testing electronic devices, including smartphones, cameras and computers, for use in the US. FCC wants test labs and telecoms certification bodies to submit a list of foreign employees involved in the testing and certification of devices, as well as implement a reporting process for potential violations and national security concerns. The proposal follows moves by the FCC in December 2025 to ban the import of new models of Chinese drones, and import of new Chinese-made consumer routers last month. The post FCC eyes tougher rules on Chinese telcos appeared first on Mobile World Live .