Technology · Malaysia Bureau
US regulator set to vote on ban for Chinese telecom firms
The US Federal Communications Commission is preparing to vote on a proposal that would restrict China Mobile, China Telecom and other IP-enabled service providers from obtaining direct access to American phone numbers. The measure underscores Washington's efforts to tighten oversight of Chinese telecommunications operations within US infrastructure.
LSN Malaysia ·
The FCC is scheduled to vote on November 19 on a proposal that would prohibit major Chinese telecommunications carriers from directly accessing US phone numbers. The measure targets China Mobile, China Telecom and other IP-enabled service providers that currently maintain direct connections to the US telephone network.
The proposed ban represents part of a broader US strategy to restrict Chinese involvement in critical telecommunications infrastructure. Policymakers have raised national security concerns about Chinese carriers' potential access to sensitive communication channels and infrastructure systems.
Direct access to US phone numbers allows telecommunications providers to route calls and manage traffic within the American network. By limiting this access, US regulators aim to reduce potential vulnerabilities in the nation's communications systems.
The move comes as the Trump administration and US lawmakers have increasingly scrutinized Chinese technology and telecommunications companies operating within American borders. Similar restrictions have previously been applied to Chinese firms in other sectors deemed critical to national security.
The FCC vote on the proposal is expected to proceed as scheduled later this month, with the outcome potentially affecting how Chinese carriers conduct business with US telecommunications networks.