Reform of Rules and Policies on Foreign Carrier Entry Into the U.S. Telecommunications Market

In this document, the Federal Communications Commission (Commission) eliminates the effective competitive opportunities test (ECO Test) from its review of international section 214 authority and cable landing license applications, as well as foreign carrier affiliation notifications, filed by foreign carriers or their affiliates that have market power in countries that are not members of the World Trade Organization (WTO). The Commission found that elimination of outdated or unnecessary rules will reduce regulatory costs and enhance its ability to expeditiously review foreign entry that may be advantageous to U.S. consumers, while continuing to protect important interests related to national security, law enforcement, foreign policy, and trade policy.