FCC Bars Shady Owners from Telecom Equipment Testing Labs
Published Date: 8/7/2025
Rule
Summary
The FCC is making sure that telecom testing groups and labs aren’t controlled by risky or banned companies. These groups must prove they’re clean and honest about who owns them, or they’ll lose their approval to test and certify equipment. This means safer gear for everyone, with new rules kicking in soon and strict checks on ownership.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 4 costs, 0 mixed.
Recognition Revoked for False or Missing Info
The FCC will not recognize, and will revoke existing recognition of, any TCB, test lab, or laboratory accreditation body that fails to provide, or that provides false or inaccurate, the required certification or information about equity or voting interests of 5% or greater.
Ban on Participation If Controlled by Prohibited Entities
The FCC prohibits recognition of any TCB, test lab, or laboratory accreditation body owned by, controlled by, or subject to the direction of a prohibited entity, and bars such entities from participating in the Commission's equipment authorization program, including the Supplier's Declaration of Conformity (SDoC) process.
Certification of No Prohibited Ownership
Recognized telecommunication certification bodies (TCBs), test labs, and laboratory accreditation bodies must certify to the FCC that they are not owned by, controlled by, or subject to the direction of a prohibited entity.
Expected Safer Equipment for the Public
The rule is described as ensuring telecom testing groups and labs aren’t controlled by risky or banned companies, which the FCC says means safer equipment for everyone as these entities must prove clean ownership and accuracy of ownership information.
Report Equity or Voting Interests ≥5%
TCBs, test labs, and laboratory accreditation bodies must report all equity or voting interests of 5% or greater by any entity to the Commission.
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