Cybersecurity Policy Report, FCC Aims to Further Restrict Untrustworthy Entities From Telecom Networks, (May 1, 2026)

By Lynn Stanton

The FCC yesterday unanimously proposed to end the practice of granting section 214 blanket authorizations to provide domestic interstate services to entities referenced on the agency’s “covered list” of services and equipment deemed to be a national security threat to U.S. communications networks.

The FCC “has granted the authorization on an automatic blanket basis to most domestic carriers seeking to offer service in the U.S. since 1999,” the FCC noted in a press release.

The notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) in WC docket 26-82 asks “what other regulatory actions should be considered to further protect our nation’s telecommunications networks from entities that pose an unacceptable national security risk,” according to the press release.

“The Commission is also seeking comment on other potential exclusions from blanket operating authority under section 214—beyond the Covered List—that might further bolster national security. It also seeks comment on a process for revoking operating authority for any entities on the Covered List that already currently provide domestic interstate telecommunications services subject to blanket section 214 authority,” it adds.

“The Commission is also considering whether to prohibit telecommunications carriers from interconnecting with Covered List entities, based on national security concerns, unless such entities have applied for and received authorization from the Commission. Finally, the proposal seeks broad input on any additional measures the Commission should consider to further national security as it relates to entities holding section 214 authorizations,” the press release says.

Commissioner Anna Gomez said, “Today’s item advances our efforts to ensure that the agency’s processes reflect current national security realities. The Commission should always be deliberate and thoughtful about examining potential national security threats before granting approvals or authorizations. By proposing to exclude Covered List entities from the blanket domestic 214 authorization process, we do just that.”

Commissioner Olivia Trusty said it was “imperative that we reexamine policies that permit access to U.S. networks to ensure that frameworks originally designed to promote economic growth are not exploited in ways that jeopardize our national and economic security.

“Striking the right balance requires the Commission to focus its oversight where risks are greatest. This Notice of Proposed Rulemaking advances that objective by exploring how the Commission can build on national security determinations made by our federal partners and incorporate them into a more tailored, risk-based approach to upfront review,” she added.

Chairman BrendanCarr said, “From 2019 to 2023, the FCC denied or revoked the international telecommunications authority of 5 separate entities—all controlled by foreign adversaries—and added their provision of services to the Covered List. These actions followed findings that their services posed unacceptable national security risks.

“Nonetheless, many of these entities—and others identified on the FCC’s Covered List—continue to operate or potentially operate in the U.S. by providing services that do not fall under the legal definition of international telecommunications authority,” he continued.

“Today’s NPRM opens a comment period on a range of different measures we can take to close these loopholes. Starting from the least controversial, we propose that Covered List entities no longer be granted blanket authority to provide domestic telecommunications services; at the very least they should have to apply to provide such services. We also seek comment on a range of other potential measures the Commission can take to secure our networks from these bad actors, including limiting their ability to interconnect with others,” Chairman Carr said.

News: FederalLegislation DataSecurity