Media Contact:
Benjamin Arden (202) 418-0288
Benjamin.Arden@fcc.gov 
 
For Immediate Release



 



FCC Prohibits Subsidized Huawei and ZTE Gear From America’s Networks


WASHINGTON, DC, June 30, 2020—Today, the Federal Communications Commission formally determined that Huawei and ZTE pose a national security threat to the integrity of our communications networks and communications supply chain.  This decision means that funds from the FCC’s Universal Service Fund cannot be used to purchase, obtain, maintain, improve, modify, or otherwise support any equipment or services provided by Huawei or ZTE.

This designation is the latest step that the FCC has taken to secure America’s communications networks from the threats posed by Communist China and bad actors that might do its bidding.  Those efforts include prohibiting a company linked to Communist China from connecting to our communications networks, directing numerous other entities to show cause why their authority to remain connected to our networks should not be revoked, and launching a proceeding aimed at removing Huawei and ZTE gear from our communications networks.

“We cannot treat Huawei and ZTE as anything less than a threat to our collective security,” Commissioner Carr stated.  “Communist China intends to surveil persons within our borders and engage in large-scale, industrial espionage.  Nothing short of prohibiting subsidized Huawei and ZTE gear from our networks could address this serious national security threat.  After all, Chinese law does not meaningfully restrain the Communist regime given its authoritarian nature.
“America has turned the page on the weak and timid approach to Communist China of the past.  We are now showing the strength needed to address Communist China’s threats.  And our efforts will not stop here.  The FCC will continue to take whatever steps are necessary to secure America’s communications networks from bad actors that would do us harm,” Commissioner Carr added.
The FCC decisions can be found here and here.

###

Office of Commissioner Brendan Carr: (202) 418-2200
www.fcc.gov/about/leadership/brendan-carr