Insights
International Regulatory Enforcement (PHIRE)
New Team Telecom Process Formalized; FCC Rules to Follow
April 07, 2020
Sherrese Smith, Andrew Erber & John Gasparini
On April 4, 2020, President Trump issued an Executive Order establishing a Committee for the Assessment of Foreign Participation in the United States Telecommunications Services Sector. The Order formalizes the presently ad hoc “Team Telecom” process of national security review of communications transactions involving foreign investment and adds to the complex regulatory environment for these deals. Soon after, FCC Chairman Ajit Pai applauded the action and announced that the Commission would conclude its pending rulemaking to reform its foreign ownership review processes.