Executive Branch Recommendation to FCC to Terminate and Revoke China Telecom

[ipfd320]

National Telecommunications and Information Administration
United States Department of Commerce

Executive Branch Recommendation to Federal Communications Commission to Terminate and Revoke China Telecom (Americas) Section 214 International Authorization
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 09, 2020
News Media Contact:
NTIA, Office of Public Affairs, (202) 482-7002, press@ntia.gov
https://www.ntia.doc.gov/press-release/2020/executive-branch-recommendation-federal-communications-commission-terminate-and



Today, NTIA has filed on behalf of the Executive Branch of the United States Government a recommendation that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) terminate and revoke the Section 214 international authorizations of China Telecom (Americas) Corporation (China Telecom) to provide international voice traffic between the United States and foreign countries. For purposes of this recommendation, the Executive Branch represents agreement among the Departments of Justice (DOJ), Homeland Security (DHS), Defense (DoD), State, Commerce, and the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR).

After extensive review and consultation, the Executive Branch agencies concluded that China Telecom’s Section 214 international authorizations (ITC-214-20010613-00346; ITC-214-20020716-00371; ITC-T/C-20070725-00285) pose a substantial and unacceptable national security and law enforcement risk associated with China Telecom’s continued access to U.S. telecommunications infrastructure. In the current environment, the national security and law enforcement risks cannot be mitigated.


About NTIA
NTIA, part of the U.S. Department of Commerce, is the Executive Branch agency that advises the President on telecommunications and information policy issues. NTIA’s programs and policymaking focus largely on expanding broadband Internet access and adoption in America, expanding the use of spectrum by all users, advancing public safety communications, and ensuring that the Internet remains an engine for innovation and economic growth.