Countering Untrusted Telecommunications Abroad Act

HR 4240, the Countering Untrusted Telecommunications Abroad Act, requires the U.S. government to report on the use of untrusted telecommunications equipment (specifically targeting Huawei and ZTE) in the 5G networks of U.S. allies with collective defense agreements and in U.S. embassies. The bill mandates an initial report within 180 days and annual reports for two years, detailing which countries and mobile carriers use such equipment, whether it’s in core or peripheral network parts, and plans to replace it. It also requires a separate report on U.S. embassy telecommunications security, assessing implementation of a prior ban on untrusted equipment, waiver status, and risks of foreign access to embassy devices. The law aims to promote trusted telecom infrastructure by building transparency and providing diplomatic support for secure network projects.