FCC Bars Shady Foreigners from Testing Our Telecom Toys
Published Date: 7/16/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
The FCC wants to make sure the gear that connects us all is safe and trustworthy by tightening rules on who can test and approve telecom equipment. They’re thinking about blocking more companies tied to foreign adversaries and pushing for more testing in the U.S. or friendly countries. If you’re a testing lab or equipment maker, get ready for new rules and possible changes soon!
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 2 mixed.
Possible Ban on Firms Tied to Foreign Adversaries
If you run a testing lab or make telecom equipment, the FCC is asking whether to extend bans to entities that are subject to the jurisdiction of a foreign adversary or to apply a presumption-of-prohibition to a larger class of entities. The proposal could block some companies from participating in the FCC equipment authorization program.
Expand Prohibited-Entity Lists
The FCC is considering expanding the group of prohibited entities by adding several additional federal agency or statute-based lists. If adopted, being listed on those added federal lists could prevent a company from receiving equipment authorization.
Push for U.S. or Allied Testing Locations
The FCC is seeking ways to encourage more equipment-authorization testing to occur at test labs within the United States or allied countries. That could increase demand for domestic or allied-country test labs and change where manufacturers must send equipment for testing.
Post-Market Surveillance for Equipment Compliance
The FCC is asking for comment on post-market surveillance procedures to ensure compliance with prohibitions on authorized equipment. If adopted, manufacturers and labs could face ongoing monitoring or enforcement actions after equipment is already on the market.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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