In a pivotal move, the **FCC** has voted to strengthen its regulatory framework for the submarine cable infrastructure that underpins the global internet. The new directives are designed to enhance security, streamline approvals for trusted operators, and explicitly bar companies and equipment from China and other designated foreign adversaries. ### Mandating Oversight for Critical Infrastructure For the first time, the **FCC** plans to mandate licensing for owners and operators of **submarine line terminal equipment (SLTE)**. **SLTE** is crucial as it connects undersea cable systems to terrestrial facilities within the U.S., making it a highly vulnerable point in the network. This licensing requirement will extend the **FCC**'s oversight to these critical connection points. ### Streamlining Approvals for Secure Operators Recognizing the growing demands of internet traffic and the emergence of AI, the **FCC** is also introducing a more streamlined approval process for cable operators. Companies that can demonstrate high security standards, have operated cables "without incident," and agree to ongoing oversight will be exempt from intensive review. A key condition for this expedited process is a commitment from operators to avoid using potentially insecure foreign equipment. ### Addressing Foreign Adversary Threats This regulatory overhaul directly targets national security concerns, particularly regarding China. The new rules expand on previous actions, which saw companies like **Huawei**, **China Telecom**, **ZTE**, and **China Mobile** blocked from supplying equipment. The updated regulations now prohibit equipment from anywhere in China or any country deemed a foreign adversary. **FCC** Chairman **Brendan Carr** emphasized the urgency of these measures, stating, "We have seen submarine cable infrastructure threatened in recent years by foreign adversaries, like China. We are therefore taking action here to guard our submarine cables against foreign adversary ownership, and access as well as cyber and physical threats." ### The Geopolitical Stakes Officials have frequently cited espionage as the primary threat stemming from China's involvement in the undersea cable business. The U.S. government continues to grapple with the fallout from the **Volt Typhoon** hacks, which surfaced in late 2024. Beyond cyber threats, physical damage to cables, such as incidents in the Baltic Sea and alleged Russian submarine activity near the U.K., highlight the multifaceted vulnerabilities of this critical infrastructure. **Chairman Carr** underscored the importance of these "unsung heroes of the global internet," noting that "Submarine cables face greater threats than ever: Bad actors seek access to the sensitive data and communications that run on these cables, and threats from cyber or physical disruptions only grow." The new **FCC** regulations aim to build a more resilient, secure, and rapidly expandable submarine cable network, safeguarding the backbone of global communication against evolving threats.