US extends Huawei and ZTE clampdown with list of suspect telecoms gear – but government must help small carriers, says Democrat
- Federal Communications Commission has begun drawing up list of telecoms equipment deemed to pose a security risk
- Regulator is seeking funds to help small US carriers replace their Huawei gear
The US Federal Communications Commission has begun the process of drawing up a list of telecommunications equipment deemed to pose a security risk as the agency continued efforts to limit the reach of Huawei Technologies and ZTE.
The FCC earlier labelled the Chinese companies as posing a security risk and said US subsidies cannot be spent on their equipment.
With a 5-0 vote Thursday, the agency asked for public comment on how a list of equipment should be drawn up. The list is to include gear and services from Huawei and ZTE, and also to rely on recommendations from security agencies, according to legislation signed into law by President Donald Trump in March.
“Today’s decision is another step by this commission toward eliminating untrustworthy equipment,” said Geoffrey Starks, an FCC Democratic commissioner. “But we need a broader and more cohesive plan to develop and support alternatives.”
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UK bans Huawei from 5G network after US sanctions
He called on Congress to provide funds for small providers that may need to remove Huawei equipment. In the US, Huawei equipment is used mainly by small rural carriers who say it is reliable and inexpensive.
The Trump administration has pressed allies not to allow Huawei gear into next-generation fast 5G networks being built. Officials say Huawei’s network equipment could be used for spying – an allegation the company has contested.
On Tuesday the British government banned the Shenzhen-based company from its 5G networks.
Huawei revenue rises 13.1 per cent in first half of 2020
In April the FCC threatened to bar three Chinese communications companies unless they could show they were independent from the Beijing government.
The agency named China Telecom Americas, China Unicom Americas, Pacific Networks and its subsidiary ComNet. That proceeding continues.
