FCC Commissioners Voice Worries on Threats From China
FCC commissioners expressed concerns about the threat from Chinese equipment makers Huawei and ZTE (see 1902140060), in news conferences after their monthly meeting Thursday. “I don’t think you can separate China from China companies,” said Commissioner Mike O’Rielly. “It’s incredibly…
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problematic and I’ve raised it regarding the ITU, with the equipment, what they’re doing in standard-setting bodies … their desire to capture a number of countries in trade.” The FCC has limited authority on trade, he said. Commissioner Brendan Carr said he “started speaking recently in a broad sense about our values that we want instilled in a 5G network.” It’s “no longer enough for us to be first to 5G, we need to make sure our networks are secure,” Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel said. The FCC “has got to finish the proceeding it started last year to make clear to every carrier, big and small, what kind of equipment they can put in their networks.” It's reviewing what it might do to counter security threats to U.S. communications networks or the communications supply chain (see 1812210032). The FCC should require certification that 5G devices meet security standards, she said: “There is so much more that we can do.” Secretary of State Mike Pompeo last week warned European countries against technology from Huawei in their networks. FCC Chairman Ajit Pai said he shares Pompeo’s and the administration’s overall concerns “about the importance of the security of America’s communications network” and that’s why the FCC acted on the security NPRM last year. The FCC is working with other parts of the government and other stakeholders “to make sure that we have all the facts,” he said. “As to what the ultimate outcome of that proceeding will be, I obviously can’t forecast.” Discussing Lifeline, Pai said the FCC remains focused on curbing waste, fraud and abuse, so support can target low-income consumers who need help. He declined to say whether a proposed reseller ban is dead after a court shot down the agency's ban on resellers receiving enhanced tribal support, and on whether changes are needed to rollout of a national verifier of consumer eligibility. Rosenworcel said the court reversal signals the agency should “turn around” and “get it right” by creating opportunities for the needy, including through continued reseller participation.