FCC Chairman Brendan Carr unveiled a proposal to boost U.S. investment in submarine cables while tightening security controls to prevent access by foreign adversaries, particularly China. The proposed rules, set for vote at the Commission’s August 7, 2025, open meeting, aim to secure America’s lead in AI infrastructure and next-generation technologies, aligning with President Trump’s “America First Investment Policy.”
The draft Report and Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FNPRM) introduces several security safeguards for undersea cable infrastructure, including a “presumption of denial” for license applicants controlled by foreign adversaries, restrictions on capacity leasing to such entities, and bans on covered equipment. It also outlines mandatory cybersecurity and physical security protocols. Concurrently, the initiative proposes to streamline licensing procedures to expedite cable deployment.
The FNPRM seeks input on further steps to limit foreign adversary influence in undersea cable networks. This includes boosting U.S. cable repair capabilities, promoting trusted suppliers overseas, and possibly exempting license applications meeting robust security standards from Team Telecom’s national security review.
- Submarine cables carry 99% of global internet traffic
- FCC to adopt presumption of denial for license applications linked to foreign adversaries
- Plan prohibits covered equipment and enforces new security requirements
- Proposal may streamline Team Telecom review for vetted projects
- Incentives proposed for U.S.-flagged cable repair ships and trusted technology vendors
“As the U.S. builds out the data centers and other infrastructure necessary to lead the world in AI and next-gen technologies, these cables are more important than ever,” said Chairman Carr. “We are therefore taking action to guard our submarine cables against foreign adversary ownership, and access as well as cyber and physical threats.”
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