ZTE

This is far from the beginning of the U.S. conflicting with China over telecommunication policies. As politics in the United States continue to feel more divided and polarized, protecting American telecommunications from potential security concerns springing from Chinese entities is one of few areas in which receive bipartisan support.

With almost $2 billion on the table, the move is a definitive statement by the FCC that shows its intent is less about rhetoric and more about action.

The events in Sweden begs the question: Will President-elect Joe Biden reverse course on Chinese telecom firms?

Evidence that these hindrances are coming into play is being seen as both Huawei and ZTE are slowing installations of 5G base stations to increase 5G coverage throughout the country due to a lack of access to the components needed to complete the job.