The FCC’s Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau added equipment and services from two entities to its list of communications equipment that has been deemed a threat to national security.

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The two companies were Pacific Network and its wholly owned subsidiary ComNet (USA) and China Unicom (Americas) Operations. The action implements recommendations in letters filed by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). The letters said that Pacific Net/ComNet and China Unicom are subject to the exploitation, influence and control of the Chinese government, and the national security risks associated with such exploitation, influence, and control. The FCC said that in recent filings, the Department of Justice, in coordination with the Department of Defense, confirmed the executive branch’s views these companies that the companies present a threat to national security.

The Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act requires the Commission to publish and maintain a list of communications equipment and services that pose an unacceptable risk to national security or the security and safety of U.S. persons. The FCC published the initial list, commonly referred to as the covered list, in March 2021, and will continue to update the list as other communications equipment and services meet the criteria under the law.

“Today we take another critical step to protect our communications networks from foreign national security threats,” said Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel. “Earlier this year the FCC revoked China Unicom America’s and PacNet/ComNet’s authorities to provide service in the United States because of the national security risks they posed to communications in the United States. Now, working with our national security partners, we are taking additional action to close the door to these companies by adding them to the FCC’s Covered List. This action demonstrates our whole-of-government effort to protect network security and privacy.”