US regulators on Tuesday revoked the authorization for China Telecom's American subsidiary to conduct business in the United States, citing "significant" national security risks.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC)'s vote orders China Telecom America to discontinue service within 60 days, ending a nearly 20-year operation in the United States -- and undoubtedly ratcheting up tensions between the economic superpowers.

"China Telecom Americas' ownership and control by the Chinese government raise significant national security and law enforcement risks by providing opportunities for China Telecom Americas, its parent entities, and the Chinese government to access, store, disrupt, and/or misroute US communications, which in turn allow them to engage in espionage and other harmful activities against the United States," the FCC said in a statement.

"Promoting national security is an integral part of the Commission's responsibility to advance the public interest, and today's action carries out that mission" to safeguard US telecoms infrastructure.

Hong Kong stocks opened sharply lower on Wednesday morning on the China Telecom America news.

China Telecom is China's largest fixed-line operator connecting customers to the internet.

Related Links
Cyberwar - Internet Security News - Systems and Policy Issues

Tweet

Thanks for being here; We need your help. The Space Media Network continues to grow but revenues have never been harder to maintain. With the rise of Ad Blockers, and Facebook - our traditional revenue sources via quality network advertising continues to decline. And unlike so many other news sites, we don't have a paywall - with those annoying usernames and passwords. Our news coverage takes time and effort to publish 365 days a year. If you find our news sites informative and useful then please consider becoming a regular supporter or for now make a one off contribution.
SpaceMediaNetwork Contributor $5 Billed Once credit card or paypal		SpaceMediaNetwork Monthly Supporter $5 Billed Monthly paypal only

Australia's Telstra to acquire Digicel Pacific
Sydney (AFP) Oct 24, 2021
Australian telecommunications firm Telstra will buy Digicel Pacific for $1.6 billion, in a government-supported move reportedly aimed at shutting out China-backed players from acquiring the regionally dominant company. Telstra announced Monday it had received $1.3 billion in funding from Canberra to buy the South Pacific's leading mobile and internet provider, which operates in Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, Fiji, Tonga, Samoa and Nauru. Australia's government said the deal reflected its "Pacific St ... read more