FCC Locks Down Undersea Internet Cables Against Global Threats
Published Date: 10/27/2025
Rule
Summary
The FCC is updating the rules for companies that own and operate submarine internet cables to better protect U.S. communications from foreign threats. These companies must now file yearly reports, prove they have strong security plans, and avoid using risky equipment. The new rules kick in on November 26, 2025, and aim to keep our underwater internet safe without adding extra paperwork.
Analyzed Economic Effects
9 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 7 costs, 0 mixed.
Foreign-Adversary Grant Bar Presumption
The FCC presumes it will not grant a cable landing application filed after November 26, 2025 by any applicant that is owned by, controlled by, or subject to the jurisdiction or direction of a foreign adversary, any entity on the FCC's Covered List, or any entity whose Commission authorization was denied or revoked on national security or law enforcement grounds (including current and future affiliates). The rule's ownership test includes a "dominant minority" threshold of 10% or greater voting or equity interest.
Presumption Against Cable Landings in Adversary Countries
The FCC presumes denial of any application filed after November 26, 2025 that seeks to land a submarine cable in a foreign adversary country, unless the applicant can overcome the presumption with clear and convincing evidence. "Foreign adversary" follows Department of Commerce definitions and currently lists specified governments and persons in 15 CFR 791.4.
20-Year Character Disqualification Presumption
The FCC presumes an applicant lacks the character qualifications to hold a cable landing license if, within the last 20 years, the applicant materially violated the Cable Landing License Act, committed national security-related violations, made materially false statements related to national security, had adjudicated findings of false statements to U.S. agencies, or materially failed to comply with license terms. Applicants can try to overcome this presumption.
Annual Foreign Adversary Reporting
If your company is a submarine cable licensee that meets the rule's foreign-adversary criteria or whose cable lands in a foreign adversary country, you must file a yearly "Foreign Adversary Annual Report" about the licensee, cable ownership, and cable operations. This rule takes effect November 26, 2025.
IRU/Lease Ban That Enables Adversary SLTE Control
Cable landing licensees are prohibited from entering new, or extending existing, IRU (Indefeasible Rights of Use) or lease arrangements that would let an entity owned or controlled by a foreign adversary install, own, or manage Submarine Line Terminal Equipment (SLTE) on a U.S. landing. This prohibition is part of the adopted rules.
Streamlined Capacity Reporting Rules
The FCC eliminates the separate Cable Operator Report and instead requires licensees and common carriers to report domestic and international cable capacity through a single Capacity Holder Report filed by each filing entity. The rules also require certain SLTE information to be included in the Capacity Holder Report.
One-Time SLTE Information Collection
The Commission adopted a one-time information collection requiring licensees to identify who owns or operates Submarine Line Terminal Equipment (SLTE) on licensed cable systems and to disclose use of Covered List equipment or services. The One-Time Information Collection is indefinitely delayed and will become effective only when the Commission publishes a Federal Register notice announcing its effective date.
Security Plan Certification Requirement
Applicants and licensees must certify they have created, updated, and implemented a cybersecurity and physical security risk management plan and will take reasonable measures to protect submarine cable systems. Applicants must also certify that the cable will not use equipment or services on the FCC's Covered List.
Limit on Landing-Station Owner Licensing
The FCC codifies that a cable landing license is required for submarine cables that lie partially outside U.S. territorial waters, and it removes the requirement that entities that solely own (but do not control) a U.S. cable landing station must be applicants or licensees. This change reduces licensing obligations for pure landing-station owners.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-13518 — Prohibiting Importation and Marketing of Previously Authorized Covered Communications Equipment Added to the Covered List in 2024 or Earlier
Starting July 16, 2026, the FCC is banning the import and sale of certain communications gear that was once allowed but now poses security risks. This affects companies dealing with equipment added to the risky list in 2024 or earlier, stopping them from bringing in or marketing these products. The move helps protect U.S. safety without canceling past approvals, but it means businesses must adjust quickly to avoid losses.
2026-13593 — Information Collection Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission Under Delegated Authority
The FCC is checking in on some paperwork rules to make sure they’re useful and not too tricky, especially for small businesses. They want your thoughts on how to make these forms easier and better, with a deadline to share ideas by September 4, 2026. This review affects about 200 businesses and nonprofits, each spending around 2 hours on these forms.
2026-13601 — Information Collection Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission
The FCC is checking in to make sure its paperwork rules are clear and not too tough on businesses, nonprofits, and local governments. They want your thoughts on how to keep info collection useful but easy, especially for small businesses. You’ve got until September 4, 2026, to share your ideas—so don’t miss out on shaping the future of FCC forms!
2026-13220 — Information Collections Being Submitted for Review and Approval to Office of Management and Budget
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is asking the public and small businesses to share their thoughts on how to make paperwork easier and less time-consuming. They’re reviewing some info collection forms and want comments by July 31, 2026. This effort aims to cut down hassle, especially for small businesses with fewer than 25 employees, without costing extra money or time.
2026-13213 — Information Collection Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission
The FCC is checking in on its paperwork rules for businesses and governments managing cybersecurity and supply chain risks. They want your thoughts on how to make these forms easier and clearer, especially for small businesses. If you’re involved, get your comments in by August 31, 2026, to help shape the process without adding extra costs or hassle.
2026-13155 — Resilient Networks; Concerning Disruptions to Communications
The FCC is making it easier and faster for communication providers to report network problems during disasters. They’re cutting out extra paperwork, letting some providers skip reports, and adding new rules for public safety networks to keep everyone connected when it counts. These changes start June 30, 2026, helping emergency teams get better info without stressing out providers.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-19655 — Collection of Biometric Data From Aliens Upon Entry to and Departure From the United States
Starting December 26, 2025, anyone who isn’t a U.S. citizen will have to get their photo and other biometric info taken when they enter or leave the United States—no matter if they’re at an airport, land border, or seaport. This new rule replaces old pilot programs and expands where biometrics are collected. It affects travelers and could change how quickly you move through customs, so the government is also asking for feedback on the process and costs by November 26, 2025.
Next: 2025-19671 — Fair Credit Reporting Act; Preemption of State Laws
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau clarified that the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) mostly blocks state laws that conflict with national credit reporting rules. This update, effective October 28, 2025, keeps credit reporting consistent across the U.S., helping businesses and consumers avoid confusing local rules. If you deal with credit reports, this means smoother, clearer rules nationwide—no surprise fees or delays!