The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is investigating nine Chinese companies, including Huawei and ZTE, for potentially evading US restrictions. These firms are on the FCC’s “Covered List” as national security threats.

Others under investigation include China Mobile, China Telecom, Hytera Communications, Dahua Technology, Pacifica Networks/ComNet, and China Unicom (Americas).

FCC Chair Brendan Carr stated that some companies might still be operating in the US by exploiting regulatory loopholes.

The agency has issued Letters of Inquiry and at least one subpoena to gather details on their activities. This follows previous FCC actions blocking Chinese firms from providing telecom services in the US due to security risks.

The investigation is part of a broader effort to secure US communications. Last year, the FCC took steps to protect the Border Gateway Protocol, a crucial internet routing system.

The companies have not yet commented.