In a recent blog, we outlined the top five reasons compliance with the U.S. Trade Agreements Act (TAA) is crucial for federal private 5G networks. In this post, we review key telecom compliance regulations and explore why TAA compliance alone isn’t enough, highlighting Section 1260H, the FCC’s “Covered List,” and other federal mandates. We also discuss the importance of TAA in federal procurement and explain how MosoLabs complies with the Act while following key federal cybersecurity and supply chain guidelines.
Navigating Evolving Federal Compliance Requirements
Updated annually, Section 1260H targets companies, including telecommunication vendors, linked to China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) or military-civil fusion efforts. The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) maintains the “Entities Identified as Chinese Military Companies Operating in the United States” list (as per Section 1260H), which may include companies regardless of their TAA compliance status.
While inclusion doesn’t impose immediate legal penalties, the DoD will be barred from entering new contracts with listed entities or their affiliates starting June 30, 2026. By June 30, 2027, this prohibition will extend to DoD purchases of goods or services through third-party suppliers. In parallel to Section 1260H, the FCC’s Covered List prohibits the import, marketing, and sale of telecommunications equipment from companies considered national security risks.
Private federal 5G networks must also comply with mandates such as FY19 NDAA Section 889 and Executive Order 13873, which address cybersecurity risks to the information and communications technology (ICT) supply chain. The DoD’s recently published Private 5G Deployment Strategy reinforces these mandates, requiring networks to follow cybersecurity and supply chain risk management guidelines, including zero-trust principles.
The Critical Role of TAA Compliance in Federal Procurement
These mandates complement TAA compliance for telecommunication vendors working with federal entities and projects. TAA requires GSA Schedule contractors to ensure their end products are manufactured or substantially transformed in the United States or TAA-designated countries. Because China, India, Russia, Vietnam, and Malaysia aren’t on the TAA-compliant list, telecommunication equipment from these countries typically can’t be sold to the federal government through GSA Schedule contracts or other procurement methods.
TAA compliance is crucial for vendors working with organizations such as the DoD, Department of Homeland Security (DHS), State Department, and Veterans Administration (VA). State, local, and education (SLED) facilities receiving federal funding may also prioritize TAA compliance when procuring private 5G networks. Similarly, state and local agencies—including police, public health, and transportation departments—may require TAA-compliant solutions to secure federal funding for critical infrastructure and operations.
The benefits of TAA compliance extend beyond domestic opportunities. It allows vendors to bid on U.S. government contracts or subcontracts abroad, creating new opportunities to provide private 5G network infrastructure and services to the DoD for military bases and to the State Department for embassies and consulates.
MosoLabs: Ensuring Compliance with Federal Cybersecurity, Supply Chain, and TAA Standards
TAA compliance reflects a vendor’s commitment to U.S. trade laws when working with the federal government. However, private 5G network vendors must also meet additional requirements: Section 889 prohibits the use of certain Chinese telecommunications equipment, Executive Order 13873 authorizes the review of ICT transactions that may threaten national security, and Section 1260H identifies companies linked to China’s military efforts, with DoD contracting restrictions starting in June 2026.
MosoLabs, a U.S.-based company, ensures full compliance with TAA standards while adhering to federal cybersecurity and supply chain risk management guidelines for all 4G and 5G products. Importantly, MosoLabs meticulously monitors and tracks its supply chain and manufacturing processes in Taiwan, a designated TAA-compliant country. For hardware, this includes Canopy indoor and outdoor radios, the Moso Connect 5G RedCap adapter, Moso Clear Edge, and the Moso Concord Smart Ethernet Switch. For cloud management software, it includes Moso IMP and its integrated CBRS Domain Proxy.
