WASHINGTON—The Bush administration said various foreign governments continue to sanction trade barriers to U.S wireless exports, a claim likely to further fuel trade friction in the aftermath of recent White House decisions to impose tariffs on steel and softwood lumber imports.
The report, released by the U.S. Trade Representative, said competition in Japan’s $130 billion telecom sector remains stifled by high interconnection charges for wireless and wireless service; the absence of an independent regulator; burdensome filing and licensing requirements for competitors; and weak dominant carrier regulation.
The U.S. said it continues to be concerned about the Korean government’s excessive influence and involvement in the telecom industry. Last year, the Korean government intervened in third-generation wireless licensing to set aside one of the permits for U.S.-based cdma2000 technology.
USTR also cited South Africa and Mexico for failure to remove telecom trade barriers.
