FCC investigates Huawei, Chinese firms evading US ban

The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has started a major investigation into Chinese companies on its "Covered List." This list includes Huawei, ZTE, and China Telecom. The US government believes these companies have ties to the Chinese Communist Party. In 2022, President Biden's administration banned the sale of their communications and surveillance equipment to protect national security. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr said the agency suspects some companies on the Covered List are still operating in the US. He indicated that these companies might think the ban does not apply to certain activities. Carr accused them of trying to bypass FCC rules by operating privately or without regulation. This investigation is the first key project from the new Council for National Security established by Carr at the FCC. The council aims to lessen the US telecom sector's dependence on foreign adversaries, reduce the risk of cyberattacks and espionage, and help the US compete with China in technology. The FCC plans to collect information about businesses on the Covered List. This includes details on their activities in the US and any companies helping them. The FCC has pledged to close any loopholes that allow these foreign companies to avoid compliance with US rules.