The Federal Communications Commission plans a vote on October 28 to tighten restrictions on telecom and connected-device gear linked to Chinese vendors, potentially including the ability to block previously authorized equipment and scrutinize devices with covered components.
According to a Reuters report, the move extends prior actions tied to the FCC’s Covered List and could affect enterprise procurement timelines.
The draft order would expand enforcement tools beyond prior sales bans, including case-by-case blocking of previously authorized equipment and closer scrutiny of devices that include covered components, per the report. Suppliers could see approvals revisited if component provenance ties back to entities on the Covered List.
Procurement impact
SKUs with existing FCC authorizations could face renewed review if covered parts are identified. Certification timelines may lengthen if vendors must amend bills of material or seek re-testing for compliant alternatives.
Immediate checks
Identify SKUs with Covered List parts; add swap-out clauses. Audit current orders for Huawei, ZTE, or Hytera subassemblies and insert contractual language that shifts liability if authorizations fall.
Ask vendors which labs certified hardware; assess potential re-certification risk. Probe whether original test houses flagged component provenance, devices certified under lighter scrutiny may require fresh submissions.
Pre-qualify alternates in case authorizations are revoked. Line up backup suppliers now; waiting until blocking orders arrive compresses vendor validation into weeks instead of quarters.
If adopted, the order aims to close gaps in component-level enforcement. Enterprises should plan refresh timelines and contingencies in case future orders or replacements are affected by authorization changes.
