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From the FCC's Covered List to billions in rural telecom funding—how the US government is responding to Chinese technology threats through bans, sanctions, and equipment replacement programs.
First-ever equipment authorization prohibition based on national security
Historic Decision
"Our unanimous decision represents the first time in FCC history that we have voted to prohibit the authorization of new equipment based on national security concerns." — FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr
| Company | Type | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Huawei | Telecom | Total Ban |
| ZTE | Telecom | Total Ban |
| Hytera | Telecom | Conditional |
| Hikvision | Surveillance | Conditional |
| Dahua | Surveillance | Conditional |
| China Mobile | Services | Listed |
| China Telecom | Services | Listed |
| China Unicom | Services | Listed |
No new equipment can be imported, sold, or authorized in the United States. Categorical prohibition on all telecom and video surveillance products.
Equipment covered only if used for public safety, government facilities, critical infrastructure, or national security purposes.
Federal contractors and agencies banned from Chinese equipment
The Fiscal Year 2019 National Defense Authorization Act included a sweeping prohibition on federal agencies and contractors from using covered Chinese telecommunications and video surveillance equipment.
Effective August 13, 2019
Prohibits federal government from procuring any equipment, system, or service that uses covered telecommunications equipment—whether as a "substantial or essential component" or "critical technology."
Effective August 13, 2020
Prohibits federal agencies from contracting with ANY entity that uses covered equipment—regardless of whether that usage is for federal contract work.
No Exemptions
Section 889 has no exemption for commercial item contracting and applies to ALL purchases regardless of contract size—including below Micro-purchase and Simplified Acquisition Thresholds.
Export restrictions on 715+ Chinese entities
The Entity List restricts U.S. companies from exporting technology to foreign persons and entities determined to pose a national security or foreign policy concern.
"This will prevent American technology from being used by foreign owned entities in ways that potentially undermine U.S. national security or foreign policy interests."
Active threats to critical infrastructure
FBI Director Christopher Wray (January 2024)
"China's hackers are positioning on American infrastructure in preparation to wreak havoc and cause real-world harm to American citizens and communities, if or when China decides the time has come to strike."
$4.98 billion to remove Chinese equipment from rural networks
The Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Reimbursement Program provides funding for rural telecom carriers to remove and replace Huawei and ZTE equipment—often their only option in areas with limited cell service.
| Funding Stage | Amount |
|---|---|
| Initial Congressional Allocation | $1.9 billion |
| True Cost Estimate (after applications) | $5.6 billion |
| FCC Estimated Need | $4.98 billion |
| Funding Shortfall (identified) | $3.08 billion |
| Defense Bill Addition (2024) | +$3 billion |
Why This Matters for Rural America
Many rural and remote areas have only one mobile broadband provider. A shutdown of their networks—due to inability to replace equipment—could eliminate the only cell service in some regions.
Chinese telecom equipment is banned from federal systems and most federal contractors.
Rural carriers are receiving billions to remove Chinese equipment from your networks.
Your government considers this a national security emergency—not just a trade dispute.
FBI, CISA, NSA, Commerce, Defense, and Congress are all aligned on the threat.
Use our device lookup tool to see if any of your equipment is from companies on the FCC Covered List or Commerce Entity List.