Securing Global Telecommunications Act

This bill aims to help countries build safer phone and internet systems. It tells the State Department to create a plan within 90 days to promote secure telecommunications infrastructure overseas, working with other U.S. agencies. The plan would push trusted equipment, better financing tools, and teamwork with allies and developing nations. It covers safer mobile networks, data centers, future 6G tech, and fast backup internet using satellites or balloons during emergencies. The bill highlights worries about companies tied to China, like Huawei, and the risk of spying or internet shutdowns if untrusted gear runs key networks .

It also requires two reports within 90 days: one on how Russia and China try to sway the International Telecommunication Union (for example, by pushing rules, using their companies’ market power, or leveraging insiders), and another on how the U.S. can work with partners to finance and promote secure networks so trusted vendors can win build-out projects. The ITU report must be unclassified, but can include a classified annex .

• Who is affected: State Department and several U.S. agencies; allies and partner countries; telecom vendors worldwide.
• What changes: A 90-day strategy on secure networks; reports on foreign influence at the ITU and on joint financing and diplomacy to back trusted providers .
• When: Within 90 days after the bill becomes law for the strategy and both reports .