WASHINGTON—The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has proposed a fine of $660,639 for a small Montana wireless carrier that commissioners said has been indirectly controlled by Russian oligarchs since at least 2011.
The FCC voted 4-0 to fine London-based Truphone Ltd, the owner of Montana-based iSmart Mobile, for exceeding statutory limits for ownership by foreign individuals or entities tied to FCC-issued licenses without FCC approval. The FCC is also requiring Truphone to promptly file corrective transfer of control applications.
