FCC Moves to Expel Hong Kong Telecom (HKT) from US Networks Over National Security Concerns

The Federal Communications Commission has issued an “Order to Show Cause” to Hong Kong Telecom (HKT), directing the company to explain why the FCC should not begin revocation proceedings to remove HKT from U.S. telecommunications networks. The move centers on national security concerns and new rules aimed at companies with ties to foreign adversaries.

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr framed the action as part of the agency’s effort to prevent entities controlled by the Chinese Communist Party from connecting to U.S. networks. HKT is a major telecom operator in Hong Kong and a subsidiary of PCCW; about 18% of PCCW is owned by China Unicom, a state-owned Chinese carrier, which the FCC flagged in its 30-page order.

Key points:

• Order to Show Cause initiates formal questioning of HKT’s role in U.S. networks and could lead to revocation proceedings.
• The FCC is applying new certification and disclosure requirements to entities “owned by, controlled by or subject to the jurisdiction or direction of a foreign adversary.”
• An FCC vote on Oct. 28 is set to consider stronger guardrails under the equipment authorization program to protect U.S. networks and the communications supply chain.

This action comes amid heightened regulatory activity between the U.S. and China, including tighter Chinese controls on tech exports and scrutiny of cross-border investments. The FCC’s move could have broader implications for how U.S. regulators manage foreign-linked vendors and the resilience of the communications supply chain.

You can read the original reporting here: Engadget coverage.

Discussion: Do you think the FCC’s approach will strengthen U.S. network security, or could it deepen tech tensions with China?