Cybersecurity Policy Report, Legislation to Restrict Chinese Equipment in Telecom Networks Advances in Arizona, (Mar 17, 2026)
The Arizona state Senate voted 17-9 this week to advance a bill that would restrict the use of technology and contractual relationships involving critical infrastructure in Arizona, particularly with respect to Chinese companies and the People’s Republic of China.
The Secure Telecommunications Act of 2026 (SB 1046) would prohibit the use of telecommunications equipment produced by Chinese companies in critical infrastructure, which includes gas, oil, water, electricity, telecommunications, transportation, personal data storage, and emergency services, effective Jan. 1, 2027.
Annually, by Jan. 1, each telecommunications provider must certify to the Arizona Corporation Commission that their infrastructure does not use prohibited equipment or services, according to the legislation. Entities could be subject to civil penalties ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 per day for noncompliance. In addition, providers found in violation would be barred from receiving state, local, or certain federal funds for the development or support of telecommunications infrastructure.
Sen. Wendy Rogers (R.), sponsor of the bill (S.B. 1046, Reg Sess.), commented on X after the Senate vote yesterday, “No more foreign adversary parts in our telecommunications infrastructure!”
News: StateLegislation DataSecurity