US FCC proposes banning Chinese telecom firms from direct US number access
The US Federal Communications Commission plans to vote on November 19 to ban major Chinese state-owned carriers from obtaining direct access to American phone numbers.
Proposed restrictions on voice services
The regulator announced the proposal on Thursday October 29 regarding China Mobile, China Telecom, and China Unicom. These companies would be prevented from obtaining numbers through internet-based voice services under the new rules. The commission stated that these measures aim to protect domestic networks from malicious activity.
National security and scam concerns
Officials cited national security risks linked with foreign-controlled communications networks as a primary reason for the action. The crackdown also targets illegal robocalls originating or routing through vulnerable channels within the US system. Leadership noted that the rules fortify defenses against state-backed cyberespionage campaigns affecting broadband infrastructure.
Broader supply chain measures
The agency added plans to ban all Chinese laboratories from testing US electronics starting in December 2028. This regulatory escalation includes barring foreign testing labs from certifying electronic devices intended for the American market. The FCC may also revoke direct number authorizations for other Chinese companies deemed to pose risks.
2 outlets, different leads
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The News International
US FCC to ban Chinese telecom firms from direct access to American phone numbers
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South China Morning Post
Chinese telecoms giants in Washington’s crosshairs as FCC weighs fresh curbs
Reported by
2 independent outlets. Headlines as published. Links open the original report.