The Federal Communications Commission is taking additional steps to protect communications equipment from foreign adversaries.
Building on the “Rip and Replace” program that reimbursed telecommunications providers for removing certain Chinese-made equipment, the FCC is adopting new rules and seeking further comments as it restricts additional Chinese and Russian companies from providing or testing communication equipment used in the U.S.
The move is expected to better protect national security interests. According to JDSupra, the “decisions may increase scrutiny and compliance costs for telecommunications certification bodies (TCBs), test labs, and laboratory accreditation bodies.” The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking follows “a deluge of bipartisan legislative and regulatory efforts to address the risks posed by’ the six foreign adversary countries.” Recent work at the FCC includes “the ‘Bad Labs’ Report and Order prohibiting foreign-adversary-connected entities from serving as test labs and TCBs….”
While this change isn’t expected to affect community broadcasters in a big way, it could help curb the amount of junk equipment that has shown up with certain online retailers.
This FCC Actions Alert is produced by the volunteers at the Community Media Assistance Project under the direction of CMAP Executive Director, Betty McArdle. We monitor many sources of information about the Federal Communications Commission, federal communications law, and community developments important to your station and your community. The information provided in this newsletter is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as financial or legal advice. Always consult with a qualified professional before making any decisions based on the content herein. If you have a news tip, please email us at betty@c-map.org.
Communications Act of 1934, Sect. 326.
Nothing in this Act shall be understood or construed to give the Commission the power of censorship over the radio communications or signals transmitted by any radio station, and no regulation or condition shall be promulgated or fixed by the Commission which shall interfere with the right of free speech by means of radio communication.