US plans to ban Chinese telecom firms from direct access to US phone numbers
XLC•The FCC plans to vote on November 19 on a proposal to block Chinese telecom firms from direct access to US phone numbers, citing national security and scam-related robocalls.
1. FCC proposal
The FCC said it will vote on November 19 on a proposal to bar China Mobile, China Telecom, China Unicom and other IP-enabled service providers from direct access to US phone numbers. FCC Chair Brendan Carr said the measure would strengthen defenses against illegal robocallers.
2. Further restrictions considered
China’s foreign ministry said it firmly opposes the likely ban and accused Washington of abusing national security to suppress Chinese companies. The FCC is also considering restrictions on providers using equipment from companies on its national security risk list, and on Chinese firms connecting to US networks or operating US data centers. It plans to bar Chinese labs from testing US electronics in December 2028.
