New US Decision May Raise Prices of Phones and Smart Devices

SadaNews - The US administration is moving towards a new regulatory step that could directly affect the prices of phones and tablets, at a time when global markets are already experiencing increased pressure on technology costs.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is considering a proposal that would prevent Chinese laboratories from testing and certifying electronic devices aimed at the US market, a move that could reshape supply chains in the technology sector.

Mandatory Testing Before Launching Devices

Before any device, such as phones or tablets, reaches stores in the United States, it must pass rigorous technical tests, which include checking for signal interference with other devices, in addition to safety and quality standards, according to a report published by "phonearena" reviewed by "Al Arabiya Business."

Currently, about 75% of these tests are conducted in laboratories within China due to lower costs and the availability of specialized infrastructure.

Rising Costs and Delayed Launches

However, with the move towards banning these laboratories, companies may face difficulties in quickly finding alternatives, especially since conducting tests within the United States is more expensive, which may lead to delays in product launches and price increases.

Ultimately, consumers are likely to bear the final cost of these changes.

Expected Vote at the End of April

The FCC is scheduled to vote on the proposal on April 30, amid expectations of approving parallel measures to expedite the certification of devices tested within the United States or in other safe countries.

Ongoing Escalation Against Chinese Companies

This step is part of a series of restrictions imposed by Washington on Chinese technology companies, as firms like "Huawei," "ZTE," "Hikvision," "Dahua," and "Hytera" have previously been placed on the blacklist for national security reasons.

Restrictions have also targeted other products, such as Chinese drones, amid concerns over their potential use in activities that could threaten US infrastructure.

Expanding the Scope of the Ban

While previous restrictions focused on unapproved new products, the new proposal seeks to widen the ban to include even devices that have previously received approvals, which could lead to the complete exclusion of some companies from the US market.

These moves reflect the rising technological tensions between Washington and Beijing, at a time when global supply chains have become more sensitive to any regulatory decisions, with potential impacts extending to prices and product availability worldwide.