The FCC Seeks Comment On Prohibiting Entities With National Security Concerns From Participating In Its Equipment Authorization Program

The Federal Communications Commission ("FCC") recently adopted a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking ("NPRM") proposing changes to the FCC's equipment authorization process to promote national security and strengthen the U.S. communications supply chain. Before being marketed in or imported to the U.S., all communications equipment must comply with the FCC's equipment authorization procedures. The FCC has delegated authority to Telecommunications Certification Bodies ("TCBs") and measurement facilities (also known as "Test Labs") to carry out certain testing as part of its equipment authorization framework. In particular, TCBs are responsible for reviewing and evaluating applications for equipment certification, while Test Labs perform the required equipment testing and provide that data to TCBs and the FCC. In the NPRM, the FCC proposes to prevent TCBs and Test Labs with known national security risks from participating in the FCC's equipment authorization program. Below