Washington:
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on Friday designated 5 Chinese businesses as posing a threat to national safety below a 2019 law aimed at defending U.S. communications networks.
The FCC mentioned the businesses incorporated Huawei Technologies Co, ZTE Corp, Hytera Communications Corp, Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology Co and Dahua Technology Co.
A 2019 law calls for the FCC to recognize businesses creating telecommunications gear and services “that have been found to pose an unacceptable risk to U.S. national security.”
Acting FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel mentioned in a statement: “This list provides meaningful guidance that will ensure that as next-generation networks are built across the country, they do not repeat the mistakes of the past or use equipment or services that will pose a threat to U.S. national security or the security and safety of Americans.”
The 2019 law made use of criteria from a defense authorization bill that previously identified the 5 Chinese businesses. In August 2020, the U.S. government issued regulations barring agencies from purchasing goods or services from any of the 5 Chinese businesses.
In 2019, the United States placed Huawei, Hikvision and other firms on its financial blacklist.
Last year, the FCC designated Huawei and ZTE as a national safety threat to communications networks – a declaration barring U.S. firms from tapping an $8.3 billion government fund to buy gear from the businesses.
In February, Huawei challenged the declaration in a petition filed with the Fifth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. Huawei declined to comment on Friday on the new FCC designation. The other 4 businesses did not comment or could not be reached for comment.
The FCC in December finalized guidelines requiring carriers with ZTE or Huawei gear to “rip and replace” that gear. It made a reimbursement system for that work, and U.S. lawmakers in December authorized $1.9 billion to fund the system.
()