The FCC has adopted a Second Report and Order and Second Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking it says will improve and accelerate submarine cable deployment and enhance submarine cable security. The new rules presumptively exempt certain cable providers from the Team Telecom licensing review if they meet certain national security standards. Further, the FCC has established a new regulatory regime for owners and/or operators of submarine line terminal equipment (SLTE) and adopted rules to protect submarine cables through safeguards that address security vulnerabilities related to principal equipment, third-party service providers, and more. The FCC seeks comment on imposing new routine conditions for cable landing licensees.
