Officials in Washington have revoked the U.S. license of a top Chinese telco, citing concerns of “national security”
China Telecom has been ordered to cease providing services in America within 60 days.
The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) said the Chinese government’s interests in the company gave it opportunities “to access, store, disrupt, and/or misroute U.S. communications”.
This in turn could allow it “to engage in espionage and other harmful activities against the U.S,” they said.
“The FCC’s decision is disappointing. We plan to pursue all available options while continuing to serve our customers,” a China Telecoms America spokesperson told Reuters.
