The Trump administration is reportedly preparing restrictions on Chinese telecom companies' access to U.S. phone numbers to address national security concerns and disrupt scam robocalls. Reuters reported Thursday that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is scheduled to consider the proposal in a November 19 vote. The proposal could prevent China Mobile, China Telecom, China Unicom and other internet-based providers from obtaining U.S. phone numbers directly.
Reuters reported that direct access reduces costs for companies providing Voice over Internet Protocol and facilitates advanced features. The FCC said limiting direct access would improve safeguards against illegal robocalls. Reuters reported that the FCC may withdraw existing direct-number authorizations from Chinese companies deemed security risks. The FCC has already barred China Mobile, China Telecom and China Unicom from providing international telecommunications services to the United States.
FCC Chair Brendan Carr said the decision would reinforce the FCC's "first line of defense" against "bad actors and illegal robocallers." The FCC also plans restrictions on providers using equipment supplied by companies designated as national security risks, including Huawei and ZTE. Chinese laboratories could face a prohibition on testing U.S. electronics starting in December 2028.
China's foreign ministry expressed firm opposition to the expected ban on Friday. The ministry accused Washington of expanding national security justifications and deploying government authority to suppress Chinese companies. The FCC did not immediately answer a request for comment.
The proposal forms part of a wider U.S. effort to scrutinize communications infrastructure linked to China. Earlier this month, Washington was considering restrictions on Chinese optical transceivers, which transmit data through fiber-optic networks and support artificial intelligence data centers. Lumentum Holdings and Coherent shares gained after reports about those possible restrictions.
In June, the FCC proposed stronger oversight of submarine cables, which carry about 99% of international internet traffic. The proposal created greater opportunities for U.S. technology companies, including Meta Platforms and Alphabet, to expand networks.
US FCC to Restrict Chinese Telecom Firms' Access to US Phone Numbers
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Summary
The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is set to restrict Chinese telecom firms from directly accessing U.S. phone numbers, targeting illegal robocalls and national security risks. The vote on November 19 could cut off China Mobile, China Telecom, and China Unicom from direct number access, aligning with CFT (Countering the Financing of Terrorism) efforts. The FCC has already banned these firms from U.S. international telecom services. Risk-on assets may face pressure as the move reflects broader scrutiny of China-linked communications infrastructure.
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