Fresh on heels of a first-ever enforcement action we covered last month, the Federal Communications Commission has unveiled two new orders, one that codifies its foreign ownership review process, and another that addresses transparency related to emerging threats from foreign adversaries.
The Federal Communications Commission is now a national security enforcer. In what it called a “landmark” move, the FCC has targeted a company that violated the national security provisions of a mitigation agreement. Experts have called the move a “first of its kind.” Details, consent decree inside.
As expected, the Federal Communications Commission approved a rule that would close loopholes in the FCC’s Covered List, prohibiting certain devices that might have been previously authorized. The new rule also applies to covered parts in authorized devices. Details, rule inside.
Earlier this year, we reported that the Federal Communications Commission had banned “untrustworthy actors” from controlling any of the labs that test, review, or certify wireless electronic devices. The FCC has now begun proceedings to withdraw recognition from several. Details inside.
The Federal Communications Commission announced a number of national security rules and initiatives aimed at preventing foreign adversaries from “asserting control” of U.S. communications systems. The initiatives take a “new and comprehensive view” of threats to the sector.
The Federal Communications Commission is considering modernization of its foreign ownership rules, which regulate investment in broadcast, wireless, and other telecom and radio licenses. The rules will update and codify how the FCC addresses “increasingly complex foreign ownership structures.”
The FCC has finally published information on the one-time collection of information that it is requiring regarding foreign ownership. The filing deadline will be January of 2024, and authorization holders will need to certify the accuracy of the information provided. Some exemptions apply. Details inside.
For the first time, the FCC will require renewal applications so that its authorizations remain up-to-date in a rapidly changing national security environment. Separately, the Commission issued an Enforcement Advisory reminding companies to file prompt, complete information. Both are inside.
According to a speech delivered last week by FCC chair Jessica Rosenworcel, the Commission will likely propose a rule to regularly re-assess a foreign carrier’s authorization to provide service. The re-reviews would account for evolving national security risks. “Stay tuned,” she said.
Brendan Carr, one of the five commissioners at the Federal Communications Commission, told the media that CFIUS should take action to stop U.S. data on TikTok from flowing back to China. “I don’t believe there is a path forward for anything other than a ban,” he said. Details and context inside.
The Federal Communications Commission has accused a U.S. wireless carrier of “repeatedly” transferring control of its FCC licenses to foreign individuals. The firm’s parent company in London will be fined $600,639. Details, the case, and what this may signal about Team Telecom are inside.
The FCC is seeking comments on a set of questions for applications that will get foreign-ownership reviews by Team Telecom. Details on the “standardized national security and law enforcement questions,” the public notice, instructions, contacts, and more are inside.
As we covered back in October, the FCC has adopted a new Team Telecom review process that should improve the transparency and timeliness of foreign ownership reviews. The new review process becomes effective this week. Details, downloads, fact sheets and contacts are inside.
A decision to allow iHeartMedia to take on additional foreign investors shows that Team Telecom is welcoming foreign participation in the nation’s communications system. Caroline Brown of Crowell & Moring says companies with similar pending transactions might want to review the LOA. Download the decision inside.
This week, the Federal Communications Commission adopted new rules that should improve the transparency and timeliness of foreign ownership reviews. Details on the new “Team Telecom” review process, and how it relates to CFIUS, are inside.