FCC Proposes Stricter Rules for Submarine Cable Oversight Amid Security Concerns

• •FCC plans to require licenses for submarine line terminal equipment operators.
• •New rules aim to restrict Chinese equipment while expediting approvals for U.S. firms.
• •Concerns over espionage and national security are driving regulatory changes.

On June 3, 2026, the FCC announced plans to tighten oversight of submarine communications cables, which are crucial for 99% of international internet traffic. The proposed regulations aim to restrict Chinese companies from supplying equipment while facilitating faster approvals for trusted U.S. firms like Meta and Google. For the first time, licenses will be required for operators of submarine line terminal equipment, which connects undersea cables to U.S. infrastructure. Companies seeking expedited approvals must implement measures against espionage and comply with national security requirements. The FCC's move follows rising concerns over threats from China and Russia regarding the security of over 400 subsea cables. Previous restrictions already barred companies like Huawei and ZTE, and the new rules may expand these bans to other foreign adversaries. U.S. officials have called for a coordinated international effort to enhance the resilience of undersea infrastructure.