The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is set to take further action against Chinese telecommunications companies viewed as potential national security threats.
Later this month, the agency will vote on new measures designed to strengthen its existing restrictions on the import and sale of telecom equipment linked to these firms. The move marks the latest effort by Washington to curb Beijing’s access to U.S. communication networks.
The FCC has already designated companies such as Huawei Technologies, ZTE, Hangzhou Hikvision, China Mobile, and China Telecom on its “Covered List.”
This designation prevents the regulator from approving any new devices from these companies for importation or sale in the United States.
Now, under a proposal announced by FCC Chair Brendan Carr, the agency will decide on October 28 whether to expand its authority to block equipment that includes components from any of these firms.
The plan would also allow the FCC to halt sales of previously approved devices in certain cases.
“We will also tee up a number of questions about how to further improve the process and keep bad gear out of our networks,” Carr said in a statement.
Related story: US Begins Process to Block Chinese-Run Labs from Electronics Testing
Broader Review of Chinese Tech Firms
The proposed vote comes amid a broader U.S. review of Chinese telecommunications companies.
Earlier this year, the FCC announced that it was investigating nine firms listed on the Covered List, including Huawei, ZTE, Hytera Communications, Dahua Technology Company, Pacifica Networks/ComNet, and China Unicom (Americas).
The Chinese Embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the pending vote.
This is not the first time the FCC has taken action against Chinese firms. In recent years, the regulator has revoked licenses allowing some of them to provide telecommunications services in the United States, citing threats to national security.
Carr has warned that several of the companies may be seeking ways to “make an end run around those FCC prohibitions by continuing to do business in America on a private or ‘unregulated’ basis.”
Just last month, the FCC began proceedings to withdraw accreditation from seven testing laboratories under the control of the Chinese government.
The agency cited security risks as the reason for the move. In May, the FCC finalized rules barring those labs from certifying electronic devices—including smartphones, cameras, and computers—for use within the United States.
Read next: Oracle Reports Hackers Targeting Customers with Extortion Attempts