FCC Proposes Periodic Reviews of International Telecommunications Authorizations

The Federal Communications Commission proposed new rules that would require, for the first time, companies with existing authorizations to provide international telecommunications services to and from the US to file renewal applications at the FCC. The proposed rules aim to enable up-to-date review of international Section 214 authorizations to fully take into account rapidly changing national security, law enforcement, and other considerations. To stay ahead of evolving threats, the FCC proposed a framework allowing a careful review of foreign-owned authorization holders as part of a renewal process involving close consultation with our national security, law enforcement, and other colleagues in the Executive Branch, as is the FCC’s current practice for review of applications for international Section 214 authorizations with foreign ownership. The FCC seeks comment on the proposals detailed in the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking adopted. At the same time, the FCC adopted an Order to begin a one-time collection of information from international Section 214 authorization holders.