Cybersecurity Policy Report, FCC Moves to Expel Hong Kong Telco From U.S. Networks Over Security Concerns, (Oct 15, 2025)
The FCC today took an initial step to revoke the authority of HKT Ltd., a Hong Kong telecom company, to provide international and domestic telecom services within the United States, citing the carrier’s ties to the Chinese government.
The Commission’s Office of International Affairs, Wireline Competition Bureau, and Enforcement Bureau sent a “show-cause” order to HKT and its wholly-owned subsidiaries “directing them to explain why the FCC should not commence revocation proceedings against them,” the Commission said in a news release.
The Commission first permitted HKT, formerly known as Hong Kong Telecom, to operate in the U.S. in 1998 when it issued an authorization under section 214 of the Communications Act, according to the show-cause order.
Recently, however, the FCC’s Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau became aware that China Unicom (Americas) Operations Ltd. (CUA), which has already lost its section 214 authorization because of its ties to the Chinese government (CPR, May 28), owned more than 10% of HKT, the order notes.
That ownership stake means that HKT and its four subsidiaries belong on the FCC’s “covered list” of communications equipment and services that have been deemed a national security threat to U.S. communications networks, which the agency is required to maintain under the Secure and Trusted Networks Act, the FCC indicated.
The order in GN docket 25-308 directs HKT, within 30 days, “to explain why the Commission should not initiate a proceeding to revoke the domestic section 214 authority and revoke and terminate the international section 214 authority held by HKT.” The four subsidiaries were directed to do the same.
“Today’s Order continues the FCC’s work of ensuring that CCP-controlled entities that pose national security risks to our country cannot connect to our telecom networks,” FCC Chairman Brendan Carr said. “As an affiliate of China Unicom—a provider that is already listed on the FCC’s Covered List due to national security concerns—the FCC’s action on HKT today is an appropriate step towards ensuring the safety and integrity of our communications networks.”
HKT did not respond to a request for comment by CPR’s afternoon deadline.
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