USA: FCC Proposes Banning Covered List Entities from Receiving Section 214 Blanket Authority for Telecom Services
- Apr 30
- 4 min read
On April 30, 2026, the United States Federal Communications Commission (FCC) adopted a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FCC 26-29) launching a proceeding to block entities on the agency's Covered List from receiving automatic authorization to provide domestic interstate telecommunications services in the United States. The action, filed under WC Docket No. 26-82, represents a significant expansion of how the FCC applies its national security authorities to the U.S. telecommunications market.
The proposal — approved by Chairman Carr and Commissioners Gomez and Trusty — directly targets a regulatory gap that has existed since 1999, when the FCC began granting "blanket" Section 214 authority automatically to most domestic carriers seeking to provide interstate phone or data services.
Background: What Is Section 214 Blanket Authority?
Pursuant to Section 214 of the Communications Act, prior FCC approval is required before a party may provide phone or data services that cross state lines (domestic 214 authority) or between the U.S. and foreign countries (international 214 authority). Since 1999, the FCC has automatically granted domestic 214 authority to most U.S. carriers without first needing to apply for individual authorization.
The Covered List, maintained by the FCC's Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau under the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act of 2019, identifies communications equipment and services deemed to pose an unacceptable national security risk, with additions based on recommendations of Executive Branch national security agencies. Companies on the list include Huawei, ZTE, Hytera, Hikvision, Dahua, China Mobile, China Telecom, China Unicom, Pacific Networks/ComNet, DJI, Autel Robotics, Kaspersky, and — more recently — all foreign-made routers added on March 23, 2026.
Key Elements of the FCC Covered List Section 214 Proposal
The NPRM contains several proposals open for public comment:
End automatic blanket authority for Covered List entities and their affiliates and subsidiaries. Under the new proposal, Covered List entities (including their affiliates and subsidiaries) would no longer be able to avail themselves of this "blanket" authority. Instead, the entity would need to file individual applications seeking affirmative approval for domestic 214 authority.
Expand exclusions beyond the Covered List to other entities owned, controlled, or directed by foreign adversaries.
Establish procedures to revoke existing authority for Covered List entities already operating under blanket Section 214 authorizations.
Prohibit interconnection between U.S. telecom carriers and Covered List entities unless those entities receive specific FCC authorization. The FCC is also seeking comment on restricting interconnection "with entities that installed equipment on the Covered List in their networks," a provision that could eventually extend to cloud-based services.
Seek broader input on additional measures to safeguard national security for Section 214 authorization holders.
While the proposed rules would be limited to traditional telecom services and would not affect unlicensed services such as interconnected VoIP, the Commission is considering whether to prohibit interconnection of facilities exchanging telecommunications traffic with entities on the Covered List or entities deemed under control of foreign adversaries.
What This Means for Manufacturers
Although the NPRM is directed at telecommunications service providers rather than equipment manufacturers, the ripple effects for manufacturers — particularly those whose products appear on the Covered List or who sell into U.S. carrier networks — are substantial:
Market access risk for Covered List manufacturers. Companies whose equipment is on the Covered List (Huawei, ZTE, Hikvision, Dahua, DJI, Autel, Hytera, Kaspersky, and others) face increasing isolation from the U.S. telecom ecosystem. Even though they are not Section 214 carriers themselves, the proposed interconnection restriction could indirectly cut off services that rely on their equipment.
Heightened due diligence by U.S. carriers. Carriers will likely intensify supplier vetting to avoid using Covered List equipment in any part of their networks, accelerating "rip and replace" pressure for non-compliant gear.
Supply chain re-architecture. Manufacturers selling to U.S. telecom operators must demonstrate clean supply chains free of Covered List components, including embedded modules, routers, and surveillance equipment.
Reinforced trend across FCC actions. This NPRM aligns with the FCC's parallel April 30, 2026 equipment authorization NPRM, the December 2025 expansion of the Covered List to drones and UAS components, and the January 29, 2026 attestation requirements for foreign-adversary-linked licensees — a clear pattern of tightening every door into the U.S. telecom and connected-device market.
Certification Impact Summary
Area | Impact |
FCC Equipment Authorization (Part 15, Part 22, etc.) | Indirect — separate but parallel NPRM tightens equipment testing rules |
Section 214 Domestic Authority | Direct — Covered List entities lose automatic blanket authority |
Section 214 International Authority | Not directly addressed in this NPRM |
VoIP / Interconnected Services | Not currently in scope, but interconnection restrictions could expand later |
Carrier Interconnection Agreements | Under review — potential prohibition with Covered List entities |
Manufacturers of telecom/network equipment | Indirect — increased pressure to demonstrate Covered List–free supply chains |
Timeline and Required Actions
Date | Milestone |
April 9, 2026 | FCC publishes Fact Sheet and draft NPRM text |
April 30, 2026 | FCC adopts NPRM (FCC 26-29) at Open Commission Meeting; press release issued |
Federal Register publication (pending) | Triggers official comment window |
30 days after FR publication | Initial comment deadline |
60 days after initial comments | Reply comment deadline |
Post-comment period | FCC review; potential Final Rule adoption |
Comments will be due 30 days after Federal Register publication, with reply comments due 60 days thereafter.
Required actions for affected stakeholders:
Telecom carriers — Audit existing Section 214 authorizations and assess whether any affiliated entity or supplier appears on the Covered List.
Equipment manufacturers — Confirm none of your products, components, or affiliates are on the Covered List; prepare supply chain documentation for U.S. carrier customers.
Importers and distributors — Map the certification status of telecom and network products against the Covered List.
Legal and regulatory teams — Prepare to file comments within 30 days of Federal Register publication if your business may be affected.
Engage early — Contact your App
