REGULATORS moved to bar a Huawei Technologies lab from approving telecommunications gear for use in the US and proposed similar moves against other providers deemed a national security threat, including several Chinese companies.

The steps taken by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) aim to ensure that the non-government labs that certify wireless devices for the US market are not “influenced by untrustworthy actors”, chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel said.

The US has imposed sweeping measures during two presidential administrations to restrict Chinese technology firms, including bars by the FCC on Huawei and other Chinese telecommunications entities. US officials argue the companies could spy in the US and steal data – accusations rejected by Chinese officials.

Wednesday’s (May 1) announcement concerns the labs that the FCC relies upon to make sure equipment sold in the US conforms to technical standards, including radiation limits and frequency use. The FCC last week denied a Huawei lab from taking part in the programme, the agency said, without offering further details.

The proposal would prohibit companies on the so-called covered list of prohibited entities from taking part in equipment authorisations. Companies on the list include Huawei, connected-camera providers Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology and Zhejiang Dahua Technology, as well as two-way radio maker Hytera Communications.

The proposal by Rosenworcel, a Democrat, was joined by FCC commissioner Brendan Carr, a Republican, indicating it’s likely to win approval. It faces an initial vote at an FCC meeting set for May 23. BLOOMBERG

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