Cybersecurity Policy Report, U.S., Allies to Cooperate Against Telecom Threats, (Nov 6, 2025)

By Jeff Williams

The FCC, the United Kingdom’s Office of Communications (Ofcom), Australia’s Department of Home Affairs, New Zealand’s National Cyber Security Centre, and Innovation, and Science, and Economic Development Canada today issued a joint statement that “reaffirms their shared commitment to strengthening cooperation in response to evolving threats and challenges in the telecommunications sector.”

The FCC and the other signatories said the statement, which was agreed to at a meeting Ofcom hosted in London this week, “reflects the fact that telecoms security threats are global and markets are increasingly interconnected” and “commits the authorities to strengthen cooperation to address challenges in the telecoms sector, to help deter malicious actors and safeguard the integrity of communications infrastructure.”

The “partnership reflects our collective resolve to deter malicious actors, exchange and promote best practices, as well as safeguard the integrity of our communications infrastructure,” they said. “It recognises that we have increasingly interconnected markets and face global threats, including those from malign and state-sponsored actors. Additionally, it recognizes the importance of exploring harmonization opportunities and coordinated regulatory approaches to reduce regulatory friction, ensure secure and resilient networks, and support consumer confidence in telecommunications services.”

The parties committed to several actions in the statement, including meeting at least annually to “facilitate ongoing information exchange regarding global security challenges, emerging threats, mitigation strategies, and regulatory developments, and to reinforce strategic relationships.”

The also agreed to “[e]nhanced cooperation on network reliability, integrity and security, including efforts to prevent exploitation and misuse of telecom resources such as Global Titles, whilst recognizing differing national contexts” and “[i]nformation sharing on emerging threats and fraud techniques, such as SMS blasters, and the risks and opportunities arising from the growing use of artificial intelligence in telecommunications.”

In addition, the countries said they would promote “best practices in network defence, including cooperation on and signposting to international standards such as those relating to Privileged Access Workstations (PAWs) where appropriate, and collaboration on supply chain security for critical elements of telecommunications networks, including subsea cable infrastructure and radio frequency devices where appropriate.”

The statement also calls for the countries to “continue to explore opportunities for joint communications, coordinated information sharing, and aligned regulatory approaches in order to strengthen the resilience and security of our telecommunications ecosystems.”

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