FCC still considers Huawei, ZTE, threats to U.S. national security
The political party controlling the White House and, eventually, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) may have changed, but the perception of Huawei and ZTE within the FCC hasn’t. The commission, via its Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau, last week listed the two Chinese communications technology suppliers among five companies it considers threats to the national security of the U.S.
Hytera Communications Corp., Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology Co., and Dahua Technology Co. compose the remainder of the list. The FCC is required to create and maintain such a list consistent by the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act of 2019. The act, among other things, forbids the use of federal subsidies to buy equipment or services from companies on the list. The act also created a fund to reimburse network operators for the expense of removing and replacing communications equipment or services from companies on the list.
"This list is a big step toward restoring trust in our communications networks," said Acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel. "Americans are relying on our networks more than ever to work, go to school, or access healthcare, and we need to trust that these communications are safe and secure. 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 Act parallels FCC efforts under former Chairman Ajit Pai to prevent U.S. government funds from being spent on gear from Huawei and ZTE (see “FCC rules USF money can’t be spent on Huawei, ZTE equipment”).
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Stephen Hardy | Editorial Director and Associate Publisher, Lightwave
Stephen Hardy is editorial director and associate publisher of Lightwave and Broadband Technology Report, part of the Lighting & Technology Group at Endeavor Business Media. Stephen is responsible for establishing and executing editorial strategy across the both brands’ websites, email newsletters, events, and other information products. He has covered the fiber-optics space for more than 20 years, and communications and technology for more than 35 years. During his tenure, Lightwave has received awards from Folio: and the American Society of Business Press Editors (ASBPE) for editorial excellence. Prior to joining Lightwave in 1997, Stephen worked for Telecommunications magazine and the Journal of Electronic Defense.
Stephen has moderated panels at numerous events, including the Optica Executive Forum, ECOC, and SCTE Cable-Tec Expo. He also is program director for the Lightwave Innovation Reviews and the Diamond Technology Reviews.
He has written numerous articles in all aspects of optical communications and fiber-optic networks, including fiber to the home (FTTH), PON, optical components, DWDM, fiber cables, packet optical transport, optical transceivers, lasers, fiber optic testing, and more.
You can connect with Stephen on LinkedIn as well as Twitter.