Once the ban is lifted, ZTE, which employs around 80,000 people, is expected to restart major operations. The Commerce Department said the ZTE action is a law enforcement matter unrelated to broader discussions of trade policy. US suppliers have been anxious to resume business since US Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross announced the settlement on June 7. On July 2, the US Commerce Department issued a "limited service authorization" to ZTE, allowing some of its business activities to resume temporarily - until Aug 1. The authorization allows ZTE to conduct business necessary to maintain existing networks and equipment in the US.