FCC Chairwoman Rosenworcel’s Response to Members of Congress Regarding Telecommunications Networks in the United States

Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel responded to a letter from a group of senators regarding the risks of foreign-managed service providers to US telecommunications networks. In her response, Roenworcel stated that she has made network security a top priority and is working with the Senator to ensure that the US assesses the risks posed by service providers outsourcing the administration of their networks to foreign entities. The FCC has published the first-ever list of communications and services that pose an unacceptable risk to national security, known as the Covered List. The agency has taken concrete action to defend against the threats and vulnerabilities identified, including prohibiting the authorization of telecommunications and video surveillance equipment for national security reasons, launching the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Reimbursement Program, and revoking the section 214 operating authorities of four Chinese state-owned carriers. The Chairwoman said that he has revitalized the Cybersecurity Forum for Independent and Executive Branch Regulators to enhance the security of critical infrastructure and has had the agency reach out to national security colleagues to coordinate on assessing whether foreign firms that provide services to telecommunications providers in the US pose a threat to national security.