U.S. communications regulators have cut off government funding for equipment from two Chinese companies, citing security threats.
The Federal Communications Commission voted unanimously Friday to bar U.S. telecommunications providers from using government subsidies to pay for equipment from Huawei and ZTE.
The agency will also consider whether to require companies that get government subsidies to rip out any Huawei and ZTE equipment they already have in place.
FILE - In this Sept. 26, 2018, file photo, visitors walk beneath the logo of Chinese technology firm ZTE at the PT Expo in Beijing. The Federal Communications Commission on Friday, Nov. 22, 2019 voted, 5-0, to bar U.S. telecommunications providers from using government subsidies to pay for networking equipment from companies that are a threat to national security. The agency says China’s Huawei and ZTE pose such a threat. (AP PhotoMark Schiefelbein, File)
The move mostly affects small, rural companies, as larger U.S. wireless companies do not use equipment from those Chinese companies.
Huawei says the rule is unlawful, as there is no evidence it poses a security risk. ZTE did not immediately respond to a request for comment.