China Mobile barred from the US market of espionage concern

That might be on the agenda, but decision is as expected

The FCC has voted 5-0 to bar China Mobile from the US market. The reason? Espionage concerns.

China Mobile USA - which is ultimately owned by the Chinese government - petitioned the US in 2011 seeking to provide international telecommunications services in the United States. Consistent with policy the FCC solicited the views of the relevant federal agencies on whether the application raised "national security, law enforcement, or related concerns".

After the review and in consultation with the US intelligence community, earlier this year, the Executive Branch agencies recommended that the FCC deny China Mobile USA's application due to substantial national security and law enforcement concerns that cannot be resolved through an agreement with the company. The officiial vote was taken today.

The vote is as expected and consistent with the US concern about China (including IP theft). However, the vote does come an an interesting moment in the US/China relations.