Read More : China warns against US pressure over Iran sanctions
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has announced that it will vote on November 19 on a proposal targeting China Mobile, China Telecom, China Unicom and other internet-based telecommunications service providers.
The proposed restrictions would prevent these companies from obtaining direct access to US telephone numbers, a facility that currently allows telecommunications operators to provide services more cheaply and efficiently.
US officials say the measure is intended to prevent illegal robocalls, telephone scams and other activities that could threaten American consumers and telecommunications infrastructure.
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr said the proposed action would strengthen the country’s first line of defence against illegal callers and other malicious actors.
Chinese telecom companies face tighter restrictions
The proposed measures specifically target three major Chinese telecommunications companies: China Mobile, China Telecom and China Unicom.
These companies have previously faced restrictions in the United States, including prohibitions on providing certain international telecommunications services.
The latest proposal focuses on their direct access to US numbering resources, which allows service providers to obtain telephone numbers without relying on traditional telecommunications carriers.
This arrangement is particularly useful for companies offering Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services, which transmit voice communications through internet connections rather than conventional telephone networks.
Direct access can reduce operating expenses and allow providers to offer advanced communication features. However, American regulators argue that the arrangement could create opportunities for fraudulent callers and companies considered national security risks.
If approved, the proposed restrictions would further limit the ability of targeted Chinese companies to operate within the American telecommunications market.
Huawei and ZTE equipment also under scrutiny
The FCC has also outlined additional restrictions targeting internet-based telephone service providers that use telecommunications equipment manufactured by companies appearing on its national security risk list.
The proposed action includes companies such as Huawei and ZTE, which have faced longstanding scrutiny from American authorities.
Under the proposed framework, service providers using equipment from designated companies could face restrictions on obtaining direct access to US telephone numbers.
American officials have repeatedly expressed concerns that telecommunications equipment supplied by certain Chinese companies could expose sensitive information, create cybersecurity vulnerabilities or provide opportunities for interference in communications networks.
China has consistently rejected allegations of wrongdoing concerning its telecommunications companies and technology providers.
US extends restrictions on Chinese testing laboratories
The latest telecommunications proposal forms part of a broader American effort to limit the involvement of Chinese companies in critical technology infrastructure.
The FCC has also taken action against Chinese laboratories involved in testing and certifying electronic equipment intended for the American market.
On October 29, the commission voted to prohibit Chinese testing laboratories and certification bodies from performing certain testing and certification functions for electronics entering the US market. The restrictions are scheduled to take effect in December 2028.
The decision covers electronic products such as smartphones, computers and cameras.
The American regulator has expressed concerns that foreign testing laboratories could gain access to confidential product information, potentially creating risks involving intellectual property, cybersecurity and communications infrastructure.
The FCC has also indicated that it may revoke existing direct telephone-number authorisations granted to Chinese companies that it determines pose national security threats.
Salt Typhoon cyber espionage concerns
Washington’s concerns over Chinese telecommunications activities have intensified following the Salt Typhoon cyber espionage campaign.
In late 2024, American authorities accused a Chinese state-sponsored hacking group known as Salt Typhoon of infiltrating telecommunications companies and obtaining sensitive information, including call records and communications-related data.
The FBI has warned that the cyber threat remains ongoing, raising concerns about the security of telecommunications networks and the protection of personal information.
The incident prompted renewed discussions in Washington about the vulnerabilities of critical communications infrastructure and the potential consequences of unauthorised access.
China has repeatedly denied involvement in cyber espionage activities and rejected accusations made by American authorities.
Further restrictions remain under consideration
Beyond the proposed telephone-number restrictions, the FCC has indicated that additional measures against Chinese telecommunications companies could be considered.
These include preventing certain companies from connecting to American telecommunications networks and restricting their ability to operate data centres within the United States.
However, the direct-access proposal still requires consideration and a scheduled commission vote on November 19 before its final status can be determined.
The broader restrictions reflect Washington’s increasing focus on telecommunications security, digital infrastructure and foreign technology providers.
The outcome could affect Chinese telecommunications companies and other internet-based service providers seeking access to American numbering resources.
The developments also highlight continuing technological and security tensions between Washington and Beijing, with telecommunications, cybersecurity and electronic equipment increasingly becoming central issues in their broader economic and strategic competition.
