David Bridges
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is preparing to cast a significant vote regarding new regulations aimed at prohibiting the use of Chinese technology in undersea cables. This information comes directly from a press release issued by FCC Chairman Brendan Carr. The proposed regulations will specifically target any company listed by the FCC as posing “an unacceptable risk to the national security of the United States,” thereby enhancing the safety and integrity of American telecommunications.
In addition to the outright “prohibition of ‘covered’ equipment,” the FCC’s new regulations will severely restrict the capacity of Chinese companies to obtain licenses for constructing or operating cables that link to the United States. These undersea cables, often referred to as submarine cables, are vital components of internet infrastructure and are perceived by the FCC as potential vulnerabilities for foreign espionage. By eliminating or significantly curtailing the influence of Chinese firms, the FCC aims to bolster American cable providers while undermining entities viewed as threats to national security.
During the first term of President Donald Trump, the FCC implemented parallel strategies to restrict mobile carriers from utilizing Chinese equipment within the United States. Trump enacted legislation mandating carriers to “rip and replace” outdated infrastructure associated with Huawei and ZTE, with the FCC facilitating funding to support such initiatives. However, the forthcoming regulations concerning undersea cables are being proposed by a commission that operates under very different circumstances and leadership.
As it stands, the FCC comprises only three commissioners, a notable reduction from the usual five. Under the leadership of Brendan Carr, the commission has adopted a notably more aggressive stance in regulating the telecommunications sector, raising concerns about potential violations of the First Amendment. Carr has indicated intentions to scrutinize companies regarding their Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion policies and has pledged to reject any mergers involving firms that maintain these policies.
The FCC is anticipated to conduct a vote on the new regulations on August 7. These measures not only align with previous actions taken by the FCC but can also be rationalized as essential for securing American infrastructure, particularly in the aftermath of the extensive “Salt Typhoon” cyberattack that impacted U.S. carriers and other entities last year.
Daniel Mercer
