FCC proposes ban on equipment authorizations for devices deemed to pose a threat to national security

 

June 17, 2021 – U.S. Federal Communications Commission proposes rules that would prohibit all future authorizations for communications equipment deemed to pose a national security risk.

The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) seeks comment on the proposal to prohibit all future authorizations of communications equipment that has been determined to pose an unacceptable risk to U.S. national security, as identified on the “Covered List” published by the Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau. This proposal will prohibit authorization of listed equipment through either the FCC’s Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity (SDoC) or Certification authorization methods.

Furthermore, the FCC seeks comments on whether it should revoke prior authorizations for any equipment on the “Covered List” and if so by what procedures should be used.

As of this writing, the “Covered List” includes Huawei Technologies Company, ZTE Corporation, Hytera Communications Corporation, Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology Company, and Dahua Technology Company.

REF:

Press Release:
https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-373363A1.pdf

FCC EDOCS:
https://www.fcc.gov/document/equipment-authorization-and-competitive-bidding-supply-chain-nprm

ET Docket No. 21-232 and EA Docket No. 21-233:

https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DA-21-622A1.pdf

“Covered List”
https://www.fcc.gov/supplychain/coveredlist