US FCC considers new restrictions on Chinese telecom firms

Washington D.C. The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has indicated it may block three major Chinese telecommunications companies from operating data centers within the United States. Additionally, a proposal to prohibit US telecom companies from establishing direct network connections with these Chinese firms is under consideration.

In its preliminary findings, the FCC has determined that companies on the "Covered List" could pose a risk to national security. This list includes China Mobile, China Telecom, and China Unicom.

The regulatory body is studying measures to prevent US companies from connecting to "points of presence" located at data centers and internet exchange points operated by these Chinese entities. Furthermore, the FCC has kept open the option of barring subsidiaries of these listed companies from providing telecommunications services in the US.

The commission has also signaled that it may restrict connections to networks utilizing equipment from companies such as Huawei and ZTE. The FCC is scheduled to hold an initial vote on this proposal during its meeting on April 30.