The United States is planning to block Chinese telecommunications companies from directly accessing American phone numbers, in a move aimed at curbing scam-related robocalls and addressing national security concerns.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) said on Thursday that it would vote on November 19 on a proposal to restrict China Mobile, China Telecom, China Unicom and other internet-based telecommunications service providers from obtaining direct access to US phone numbers.
The proposed restrictions would affect companies offering Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), a technology that allows voice calls to be transmitted over broadband internet connections rather than traditional telephone networks.
Direct access to US phone numbers provides these providers with a cheaper way to offer communication services and advanced calling features.
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr said the proposed measure would strengthen the country’s efforts to prevent illegal robocalls and protect telecommunications infrastructure from potential threats.
“With this decision, the FCC will be strengthening our first line of defense against bad actors and illegal robocallers,” Carr said in a statement.
The proposal would also target internet-based service providers using telecommunications equipment manufactured by companies designated as national security risks by the FCC, including Chinese technology firms Huawei and ZTE.
The agency further announced plans to prohibit Chinese laboratories from testing electronic devices intended for the US market from December 2028.
It is also considering revoking direct telephone number authorisations granted to Chinese companies it considers security threats.
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The latest move forms part of Washington’s broader efforts to restrict Chinese telecommunications companies from accessing American communications infrastructure over concerns about espionage, data security and potential cyberattacks.
The FCC had previously barred China Mobile, China Telecom and China Unicom from providing international telecommunications services to the United States.
Other restrictions under consideration include preventing the companies from connecting to US telecommunications networks and operating data centres in the country.
Security concerns intensified following the 2024 cyber espionage campaign attributed by Washington to a Chinese state-sponsored hacking group known as Salt Typhoon.
The group was accused of infiltrating American telecommunications companies and stealing consumers’ call records and other sensitive communications data.
The FBI said earlier this year that threats associated with Salt Typhoon remained ongoing.
In July, the FCC also added California-based Digitalsystem Technology to its list of companies considered threats to US national security, citing its links to Chinese telecommunications firms and ownership by a Chinese national.
China has consistently denied allegations of wrongdoing.
The Chinese Embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the latest proposed restrictions.
About the Author
Cecilia Attah is a tech analyst with a degree from Benue State University. She covers tech news and startups at TechRegard with a focus on how technology is transforming Africa and shaping the global landscape.
