Covered List China Unicom PacNet

The FCC Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau adds the international section 214 services of Pacific Networks Corp. (PacNet), ComNet (USA) LLC, and China Unicom (Americas) Operations Limited to the Covered List.

What it does The Public Notice implements Executive Branch determinations transmitted through the National Telecommunications and Information Administration and confirmed by the Department of Justice, with the concurrence of the Department of Defense. It finds that the identified services pose an “unacceptable risk” to U.S. national security or the security and safety of U.S. persons, and updates the Covered List accordingly. The inclusion extends to subsidiaries and affiliates of the named entities.

Who it affects The action directly covers PacNet and its wholly owned subsidiary ComNet, and China Unicom’s international telecommunications services subject to section 214 of the Communications Act of 1934. It also informs communications providers, customers, and entities relying on the FCC’s Covered List for supply-chain and national-security screening.

Why it matters The notice records Executive Branch concerns about Chinese government exploitation, influence, and control; compelled interception; cyber activity; economic espionage; and the targeting, collection, alteration, blocking, or rerouting of U.S. communications and sensitive data. It also illustrates the Bureau’s mandatory process for adding services when an enumerated national-security source makes the requisite determination.

Key dates and numbers

• Released September 20, 2022 (DA 22-979).
• Dockets: WC 18-89, ET 21-232, and EA 21-233.
• PacNet/ComNet and China Unicom services were added with an inclusion date of September 20, 2022.
• The action relies on sections 2(a) and (d) of the Secure Networks Act and 47 CFR §§ 1.50002 and 1.50003.