Update to FCC’s Covered List: The Commission Identifies Three New Companies as National Security Risks

Last Friday, the FCC expanded its list of companies it believes pose a risk to U.S. national security. The new additions include equipment and services from three companies: Russia's AO Kaspersky Lab, China Telecom (Americas), and China Mobile International USA Inc.

Since March of 2021, the Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau has maintained a list of companies (often called the Covered List") it believes pose threats to national security pursuant to Section 2 of the Secure Networks Act. The latest additions to the Covered List are part of an ongoing effort to clamp down on risks associated with foreign government-controlled companies.

Today's action is the latest in the FCC's ongoing efforts, as part of the greater whole-of-government approach, to strengthen America's communications networks against national security threats, including examining the foreign ownership of telecommunications companies providing service in the United States and revoking the authorization to operate where necessary," said FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel.

With last Friday's additions, the Covered List now contains eight companies, which means money from federal subsidies, including the FCC's Universal Service Fund, may not be used to purchase, rent, lease, or maintain any of these companies' (or their affiliates' or subsidiaries') products or services.

To view the Covered List in full, visit: List of Equipment and Services Covered By Section 2 of The Secure Networks Act | Federal Communications Commission (fcc.gov).