US telecoms watchdog now accepting public’s comments on Huawei and ZTE security-risk bans
- Public has until February 3 to comment on FCC’s move to ban US rural wireless providers from tapping US$8.5 billion fund to buy from Chinese suppliers
- US digging in heels to keep China’s telecoms out of the race for global 5G tech dominance
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has begun accepting public comments on its decision that Chinese companies Huawei Technologies and ZTE pose national security risks to the United States.
Interested parties have until February 3 to give feedback on a November vote that could ban America’s rural wireless providers from buying telecoms equipment from the companies with money from a US government fund worth US$8.5 billion.
At the end of the one-month period, the agency will review the comments and make a final decision.
The FCC’s latest move reflects the US government’s continuing determination to block any Chinese telecommunication equipment maker from having a role in developing America’s 5G networks as the two countries’ race to globally dominate the superfast next-generation technology heats up.
The Trump administration in May put Huawei on a blacklist barring the company from doing business with US tech companies. The Commerce department has since delayed the start of the ban three times to reduce the repercussions for US companies that have continued to sell to Huawei. The prohibition is now slated to take effect on February 16.
A Huawei spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request seeking comment.