Business Wire

Quectel response to FCC about IoT module security

Share

Quectel Wireless Solutions, a global IoT solutions provider, today commented on the recent letter and response being published by the FCC and the Select Committee of the US Congress questioning if Quectel’s IoT modules represent a potential security risk.

“We welcome the opportunity to work with the FCC and other U.S. government entities to demonstrate our compliance and best practice device security approach, says Norbert Muhrer, President and CSO, Quectel Wireless Solutions. “We are committed to contributing to the advancement of a smarter world by delivering best-in-class and secure products. This commitment is evidenced by our extensive device OEM customer base and our constant focus on providing our customers with the best and most secure modules in the industry.”

The Select Committee to the US Congress’ letter to the FCC had several misconceptions about how Quectel modules work. Quectel’s clarification regarding the statements made in the letter is as follows.

Committee letter: “Connectivity modules are typically controlled remotely and are the necessary link between the device and the internet.”

Quectel’s U.S. customers or their customers’ third-party suppliers/service providers handle device and data management exclusively. Firmware updates are managed and controlled by the device original equipment manufacturer (OEM), not Quectel.

Committee letter: “Serving as the link between the device and the internet, these modules have the capacity both to brick the device and to access the data flowing from the device to the web server that runs each device”

The control of Quectel modules resides with the microcontroller unit (MCU) or central processing unit (CPU) embedded within the customer's device. Quectel itself does not possess any control; instead, this authority rests solely with the OEM – the entity responsible for developing the device. Remote management of the device is achievable solely through the OEM's device management platform. A notable instance of this, referred to in the letter, is the widely covered case involving John Deere agricultural equipment, where just the OEM typically can disable the equipment by accessing and shutting down its own MCU’s controlling the machine.

Committee letter: “As a result, if the CCP can control the module, it may be able to effectively exfiltrate data or shut down the IoT device.”

Once Quectel modules leave the factory and are delivered to its customers, Quectel customers own the data, and Quectel has no access to any of the data collected. The ownership, control, storage, and modification of the data generated by IoT devices within the market firmly rest with the OEM device makers and its customers. Even in the rare cases outside of the U.S. where Quectel resells the connectivity service of a wireless carrier, Quectel does not have access to the device data.

Committee letter: “This raises particularly grave concerns in the context of critical infrastructure and any type of sensitive data.”

Applications that require high security, such as critical infrastructure, typically use private access point names (APNs) and other methods which strictly control and monitor network access. This can be used to control and monitor any data flowing to and from the device. Critical infrastructure is meticulously fashioned with a multi-tiered security approach defined and implemented solely by the device OEM, not Quectel.

The cellular industry is heavily regulated and requires intensive testing and accreditation. Carrier and regulatory certifications are executed by trusted third-party labs and carrier labs, assuring that the module complies with strict technical requirements. The Quectel modules have obtained certifications from the FCC, PCS Type Certification Review Board (PTCRB) and major carriers throughout the world, which underlines Quectel’s commitment to meeting rigorous industry standards.

In addition to cellular modules, Quectel also provides Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and GNSS modules and antennas. As a GSMA member, Quectel and its carrier partners comply with all cellular industry regulations and applicable standards to ensure that end customer data is securely transmitted between customer device and mobile network operator. Quectel does not have access to ANY of the device data.

Quectel is committed to delivering high-quality, best-in-class, secure modules and go above and beyond industry standard practices by conducting independent third-party cyber security audits. More recently Quectel also retained the security firm Finite State, which is auditing and penetration testing the security of its modules through rigorous security testing, improved software supply chain visibility, and comprehensive software risk management. Quectel is also participating in the formulation of new industry security certification standards, such as the CTIA Cybersecurity Certification Working Group and pursuing additional cyber security certifications from various U.S. entities as new standards are formulated and adopted.

Qualcomm manufactures the chipsets and software platforms that are at the core of the Quectel modules. “Our Qualcomm partnership underlines the importance we place on working with well-trusted and secure partners from across the ecosystem to deliver high-quality solutions globally,” Mr. Muhrer continues. “Quectel's impact on the global IoT industry is profound. We supplied millions of cellular modules to support the distribution of Covid-19 vaccines for leading U.S. and global organizations including Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson, and other leading suppliers of vaccines. This underscores our commitment to playing a pivotal role in critical global initiatives.”

About Quectel

Quectel’s passion for a smarter world drives us to accelerate IoT innovation. A highly customer-centric organization, we are a global IoT solutions provider backed by outstanding support and services. Our growing global team of 5,900 professionals sets the pace for innovation in cellular, GNSS, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth modules as well as antennas and services.

With regional offices and support across the globe, our international leadership is devoted to advancing IoT and helping build a smarter world.

For more information, please visit: www.quectel.com, LinkedIn, Facebook, and X (formerly known as Twitter).

To view this piece of content from cts.businesswire.com, please give your consent at the top of this page.

Contact information

Media contact: media@quectel.com

About Business Wire

For more than 50 years, Business Wire has been the global leader in press release distribution and regulatory disclosure.

Subscribe to releases from Business Wire

Subscribe to all the latest releases from Business Wire by registering your e-mail address below. You can unsubscribe at any time.

Latest releases from Business Wire

SCENTMATIC's AI "KAORIUM" Debuts at THAMEEN Fragrance Launch in London's Selfridges4.7.2025 12:13:00 EEST | Press release

SCENTMATIC Inc., a leader in scent digitalization, introduced its AI-powered scent-to-language system, KAORIUM, at the THAMEEN Fragrance new product launch event. This pivotal event took place from June 5 to 11, 2025, at Selfridges department store in London, UK. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250703662207/en/ State of exhibition Global Expansion: KAORIUM Establishes UK Presence Europe leads the global fragrance market, with the UK projected to reach US$2.82 billion by 2033. Recognizing this, SCENTMATIC is rapidly expanding its international footprint. In May 2024, SCENTMATIC established its overseas subsidiary, KAORIUM, in London, appointing industry expert Ben Yanoushek as CEO. Official UK operations commenced on February 1, 2025, with the launch of its dedicated website: www.kaorium.com. KAORIUM Trialed at "Florentine Diamond" Launch Event The "Florentine Diamond" launch event for luxury brand THAMEEN Frag

Global Tourism Surging Ahead of Economic Growth, With Visits to Hit 30 Billion by 20344.7.2025 02:00:00 EEST | Press release

The World Economic Forum has today published a new report forecasting that the travel and tourism industry is projected to serve 30 billion tourist trips by 2034. Travel and Tourism at a Turning Point: Principles for Transformative Growth, produced in collaboration with Kearney and the Ministry of Tourism Saudi Arabia, reveals a projected $16 trillion contribution to global GDP by the same year—representing more than 11% of the total world economy, according to World Travel & Tourism Council estimates. The report also found that the sector is expanding 1.5 times faster than the global economy, generating significant commercial opportunities as long as the mounting challenges of climate change, labour shortages and infrastructure gaps are addressed. Inbound and outbound trips increasing fast Asia is on track to become the world’s fastest-growing tourism economy, with the direct travel and tourism GDP contribution expected to exceed 7% across the region by 2034. Notably, India and China

The 2025-2026 World Branding Awards Animalis Edition Honouring Leading Pet and Animal Brands Globally3.7.2025 22:00:00 EEST | Press release

The 2025-2026 World Branding Awards Animalis Edition marked its fifth instalment, bringing together leading pet and animal brands from all around the world. These brands were celebrated for their outstanding achievements, earning recognition as National, Regional, and Global Winners. The awards ceremony, held at Vienna's prestigious Hofburg Palace, welcomed winners across diverse categories, including pet food, retail, wellness, pet exhibitions, and aquatic products. Mounia Berrada-Gouzi expertly hosted the evening, which culminated in a grand celebration of brand excellence. “The Animalis Edition of the World Branding Awards recognises brands that have achieved the highest distinction—genuine recognition in the hearts and minds of consumers. Tonight, we honour those whose names resonate globally, whose values inspire loyalty, and whose presence defines excellence in the pet and animal industry,” said Richard Rowles, Chairman of the World Branding Forum. Out of over 950 brands nominate

Venture Global Announces 20-Year Sales and Purchase Agreement with PETRONAS3.7.2025 15:59:00 EEST | Press release

Today, Venture Global, Inc. (NYSE: VG) announced the execution of a new 20-year Sales and Purchase Agreement (SPA) with PETRONAS LNG Ltd. (PLL), a subsidiary of the Malaysian state-owned oil and gas company, PETRONAS. Under the terms of the SPA, PETRONAS will purchase 1 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Venture Global’s third facility, CP2 LNG, for 20 years. This builds upon Venture Global’s existing agreement with PETRONAS for 1 MTPA of LNG supply from Plaquemines LNG. PETRONAS, a world-class partner in the LNG industry, joins other CP2 LNG customers in Europe, Asia and the rest of the world in a strategically important project to global energy supply and security. To date, approximately 10.75 MTPA of the 14.4 MTPA nameplate capacity for CP2 Phase One has been sold. About Venture Global Venture Global is a long-term, low-cost provider of U.S. LNG sourced from resource rich North American natural gas basins. Venture Global’s business includes assets ac

Frost & Sullivan Recognizes Novotech as 2025 Global Biotech CRO Company of the Year3.7.2025 15:05:00 EEST | Press release

In recognition of its innovation, client-focused delivery, and global impact, Novotech has been awarded the 2025 Global Biotechnology Contract Research Organization (CRO) Company of the Year by Frost & Sullivan. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250703950144/en/ Novotech Wins Global CRO Award Novotech is a globally recognized full-service clinical CRO and scientific advisory firm, trusted by biotech and small- to mid-sized pharmaceutical companies to advance their drug development programs at every phase. With a global footprint spanning Asia-Pacific, North America, and Europe, Novotech supports over 5,000 clinical trial sites and a distributed team of experts delivering seamless, end-to-end solutions across geographies. “Novotech is redefining biotech-focused clinical research through AI-driven innovation, global expansion, and a client-embedded partnership model. With a clear vision to be the CRO of choice for

In our pressroom you can read all our latest releases, find our press contacts, images, documents and other relevant information about us.

Visit our pressroom
World GlobeA line styled icon from Orion Icon Library.HiddenA line styled icon from Orion Icon Library.Eye