HKT International on Thursday said it is "carefully reviewing" the show-cause order issued by the American telecom regulator.

The comments were in response to a move by US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) overnight to revoke the right of the SAR telecom carrier to operate in the United States, citing national security concerns.

Responding to an RTHK enquiry, HKT said it is studying the situation and will make "appropriate responses" to relevant institutions, while doing its best to fulfil its responsibilities to all stakeholders.

The FCC asked the firm and its subsidiaries to "explain why it should not commence revocation proceedings against them", saying that the company is affiliated with China Unicom Americas, which is already listed on the agency's Covered List involving national security concerns.

HKT has 30 days to file a response.

Meanwhile, the SAR government expressed its strong disapproval of Washington's move for "generalising the concept of national security", saying it was suppressing a Hong Kong firm without any factual basis.

A spokesperson said the US was harming the legitimate interests of the firm, undermining established rules of world trade.

"Hong Kong has long resolutely championed free trade, and opposes any country's imposition of measures or restrictions that hinder normal trade and commercial operations," the spokesperson said in response to media enquiries.

The government said it will closely monitor developments.

HKT is one of the latest involved in a series of actions taken by the US against China's telecom and tech industries in recent years. This also came amid trade tensions between Beijing and Washington triggered by US tariffs.
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Last updated: 2025-10-16 HKT 21:22