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FCC Opens Case to Revoke HKT’s U.S. Network Access on Security Grounds

The move opens a revocation case focused on HKT’s ties to PCCW’s China Unicom stake under newly tightened foreign‑adversary rules.

Overview

  • The FCC sent HKT an Order to Show Cause directing the carrier to explain why its international and domestic service authorizations should not be revoked.
  • HKT currently holds permissions to interconnect with U.S. networks, enabling direct exchange of calls and data with American carriers.
  • HKT is a subsidiary of PCCW, and China Unicom owns about 18.4% of PCCW after China Unicom-related entities previously lost U.S. access in 2022.
  • Chairman Brendan Carr cast the action as protecting U.S. networks from CCP-controlled entities under expanded certification and disclosure requirements.
  • HKT and PCCW shares fell in Hong Kong trading following the announcement, and the FCC has signaled a late‑October vote to tighten equipment‑authorization guardrails.