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US Lawmakers Demand Chinese Telecoms Detail Ties to Military and Government

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The leaders of a U.S. House of Representatives panel have urged top Chinese telecom companies to provide detailed information about any connections to the Chinese military and government, citing national security concerns over their operations in the U.S. Representatives Raja Krishnamoorthi, the top Democrat on the House Select Committee on China, and Republican John Moolenaar, the committee chair, have sent letters to China Mobile, China Telecom, and China Unicom, requesting responses by March 31.

The lawmakers expressed concerns that the companies could misuse their access to U.S. data through cloud and internet services, potentially sharing sensitive information with the Chinese government. This follows a 2024 Reuters report revealing a U.S. Commerce Department investigation into these companies’ operations in the U.S. and the potential security risks they pose.

In one letter, the committee raised alarms about China Telecom’s operations, particularly its role in internet backbone exchanges and cloud computing. The lawmakers warned that such operations could facilitate unauthorized data access, espionage, or sabotage by the Chinese government. They also highlighted the companies’ documented connections to Chinese intelligence, intensifying national security concerns amid China’s increasing cyber-attacks on U.S. telecommunications infrastructure.

The letters reflect growing bipartisan concern over Chinese telecom firms’ U.S. presence, especially after significant cyber-attacks tied to Chinese state-backed groups. Two prominent cyber incidents—Salt Typhoon and Volt Typhoon—have been linked to Chinese government entities, with the latter described by the FBI as the largest cyber-espionage campaign in U.S. history. Beijing has denied any involvement in these attacks.

China Telecom, China Mobile, and China Unicom have long been under scrutiny in Washington. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) denied China Mobile’s application to offer U.S. telecom services in 2019 and revoked China Telecom and China Unicom’s authorizations in 2021 and 2022. In 2024, the FCC moved to bar these companies from offering broadband services, but the decision was blocked by a court. Despite these regulatory actions, the companies still retain the ability to provide cloud services and handle U.S. internet traffic, thus maintaining access to Americans’ data.

US Appeals Court Blocks Biden Administration Effort to Restore Net-Neutrality Rules

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A U.S. appeals court ruled on Thursday that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) did not have the legal authority to reinstate net neutrality rules. This decision is a setback for the Biden administration, which had made restoring the open internet rules a priority. In 2021, President Joe Biden signed an executive order urging the FCC to reinstate the rules, which were originally implemented in 2015 under President Barack Obama, then repealed by President Donald Trump’s FCC in 2017.

The ruling by a three-judge panel from the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, based in Cincinnati, stated that the FCC lacked the authority to reinstate the net neutrality rules. These rules require internet service providers (ISPs) to treat internet data and users equally, prohibiting them from slowing speeds, restricting access, or blocking content. The rules also prevent ISPs from offering improved speeds or access to favored users.

The court’s decision cited the Supreme Court’s June ruling in the Loper Bright case, which overturned a 1984 precedent that had previously granted deference to government agencies in interpreting laws. This decision curtails the power of federal agencies, including the FCC. The ruling keeps state-level neutrality rules, such as those in California, in place but may effectively end over 20 years of efforts to provide federal oversight over the internet.

FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel called for Congress to act, emphasizing that consumers have expressed the desire for a fast, open, and fair internet. “With this decision, it is clear that Congress needs to take up the charge for net neutrality and put open internet principles into federal law,” Rosenworcel said.

Incoming FCC Chair Brendan Carr, who had voted against reinstating the rules, celebrated the court’s decision, criticizing the Biden administration’s attempts to expand regulatory control over the internet. Industry groups, including USTelecom, which represents major ISPs like AT&T and Verizon, applauded the ruling, claiming it would benefit consumers by fostering more investment, innovation, and competition in the digital marketplace.

Trump Names Brendan Carr FCC Chair Amid Controversy Over Big Tech and Free Speech

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Brendan Carr’s Appointment

President-elect Donald Trump has announced Brendan Carr as his pick to chair the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), signaling a potential shift in telecommunications policy under the new administration. Carr, 45, currently serves as the FCC’s senior Republican member and has been a vocal critic of the Biden administration’s telecom policies and major technology companies.

In his statement on Sunday, Trump praised Carr as a defender of free speech and a critic of regulatory practices that he argues have stifled economic growth.

Carr’s Stance on Policy and Industry Oversight

Carr has been at the forefront of several contentious debates, including:

  • Broadband Subsidies: He criticized the FCC’s decision to withhold nearly $900 million in broadband subsidies for Elon Musk’s SpaceX Starlink program.
  • Biden’s Broadband Program: Carr has opposed the $42 billion broadband infrastructure initiative championed by the Commerce Department, citing concerns about inefficiency.
  • Spectrum Policy: He has also clashed with the Biden administration over its spectrum management strategy.
  • Big Tech Accountability: Carr recently accused companies like Meta, Google, Apple, and Microsoft of censoring American voices, calling for FCC intervention to “restore free speech rights.”

These positions have drawn both praise and criticism, with some hailing Carr as a leader against Big Tech’s influence while others, like Democratic Senator Ed Markey, argue his approach threatens regulatory neutrality.

Carr’s Approach to Media and Licensing

Carr’s appointment has also raised questions about the FCC’s role in overseeing media and broadcasting:

  • Broadcast Licenses: Trump has previously suggested revoking broadcast licenses of networks like ABC, NBC, and CBS, though the FCC’s authority in this area is limited to individual station licenses.
  • Ownership Rules: Carr has advocated for loosening ownership restrictions on radio and TV stations in single markets to promote competition.
  • Media Oversight: He has been critical of networks like NBC for their perceived partisanship, such as allowing Vice President Kamala Harris to appear on “Saturday Night Live” before the election.

The National Association of Broadcasters praised Carr’s appointment, highlighting his support for policies that enable local broadcasters to compete against Big Tech.

Carr’s Record and Views on China

A staunch critic of China, Carr was the first FCC commissioner to visit Taiwan in 2022 and has supported a hardline stance on Chinese telecom companies. He has also opposed the Biden administration’s efforts to reinstate net neutrality rules, arguing they impose unnecessary government oversight on internet operations.

Challenges Ahead for the FCC

The incoming Trump administration faces hurdles in solidifying FCC control. With two Republican commissioners currently seated, the administration must nominate a third to achieve majority control on the five-member panel.

  • Under Biden, Democrats only gained full FCC control in September 2023, over two years into his term.
  • Carr’s nomination is expected to intensify debates over the FCC’s role in regulating free speech, Big Tech, and media operations.

Reactions and Implications

Carr’s appointment underscores Trump’s focus on challenging Big Tech, expanding free speech protections, and reducing regulatory oversight. While supporters view him as a “warrior for free speech,” critics argue his approach could blur the lines between regulatory oversight and political influence.

Carr’s tenure is expected to bring significant changes to FCC policies, potentially reshaping the telecom and media landscape in the United States.