FCC approves proposed rulemaking to ban equipment authorizations from Huawei, ZTE

The Federal Communications Commission voted to approve a notice of proposed rulemaking today to consider preventing U.S. telecom providers from purchasing equipment from Huawei and ZTE under the FCC’s equipment authorization powers.

The NPRM would expand current requirements for participants in the FCC’s rip-and-replace program, which is focused on rural telecom providers and provides assistance for telecoms utilizing support from the agency’s Universal Service Fund. The program bars those telecoms from purchasing equipment and services from Huawei, ZTE and three...