FCC begins process of halting China Telecom U.S. operations

WASHINGTON: The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) said on Thursday it begun the process of revoking China Telecom’s authorization to operate in the United States as it took further steps to crack down on China’s role in U.S. telecommunications.

FCC Chairman Ajit Pai noted several U.S. government agencies had recommended the revocation citing national security concerns.

Pai said there are “significant concerns” that China Telecom will be forced to comply with Chinese government’s requests for information, including communications intercepts. China Telecom, the largest Chinese telecommunications company, has had authorization to provide telecommunications services for nearly 20 years.