HKT agrees to exit US market under national security pressure

Key facts

• HKT agreed to halt US operations by September 1, 2027.
• FCC cited national security concerns and HKT's ties to China Unicom.
• The agreement resolves an FCC revocation proceeding.
• HKT must file an application to discontinue services within 30 days.

Hong Kong Telecom (HKT) has agreed to cease its US operations and services by September 1, 2027, under pressure from the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The FCC cited national security concerns and HKT's affiliation with China Unicom, a shareholder in HKT's parent company PCCW, as reasons for the action. The agreement resolves an FCC proceeding that could have offered more details on Washington's national security concerns. HKT must file an application with the FCC within 30 days to discontinue services. The FCC has previously barred other Chinese telecom firms from providing international services to the US.