Countering Untrusted Telecommunications Abroad Act

The Countering Untrusted Telecommunications Abroad Act is a foreign affairs bill that would require the United States to gather and share information about the use of untrusted (often Chinese-made) telecommunications equipment and services in U.S. allies and partners that have collective defense agreements with the United States, as well as in U.S. embassies. The bill aims to highlight potential national-security risks posed by such equipment, track plans to replace it (rip-and-replace) or expand its use, and promote the deployment of trusted technologies through diplomatic and developmental support. It also codifies that Huawei and ZTE should not be trusted vendors due to ties to the Chinese government. In short, it creates reporting duties and targeted support mechanisms to limit reliance on untrusted telecom gear abroad and in U.S. diplomatic facilities, while encouraging projects that bolster trusted telecom infrastructure.