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Robocalls: FCC moves to bar Chinese carriers from US phone numbers
FCC votes Nov. 19 on cutting Chinese carriers' direct access to US numbers to curb scam robocalls. What the plan does and how to protect yourself.
The U.S. Federal Communications Commission plans to bar China Mobile, China Telecom and China Unicom, among other internet-based voice (VoIP) providers, from direct access to U.S. phone numbers, citing national security and the fight against scam robocalls. The commission will vote on November 19, Reuters reported on October 29, 2026. FCC Chair Brendan Carr said the decision strengthens the agency's "first line of defense" against illegal robocallers. The Chinese Embassy did not immediately comment; Beijing has consistently denied wrongdoing.
What is "direct access" to phone numbers?
VoIP providers can obtain U.S. numbers directly instead of through an intermediary carrier — cheaper, and easier for offering advanced features, per Reuters. For mass callers, easy access to local-looking U.S. numbers is valuable. In March 2026 the FCC had already opened a rulemaking, "Combatting Illegal Robocalls Through FCC Numbering Policies", plus another on scams from offshore call centers.
That matters because a call that appears to come from a local area code is more likely to be answered. Scammers who impersonate government agencies, banks or tech companies need cheap lines in bulk, and they need them to look domestic. Cutting a supply channel raises their costs, even if it does not close every route.
What does the FCC propose?
| Measure | Status |
|---|---|
| Bar Chinese carriers and other risky providers from direct number access | Vote Nov. 19, 2026 |
| Bar VoIP providers using equipment from companies on the FCC risk list (e.g., Huawei, ZTE) | Same proposal |
| Possibly revoke existing number authorizations of risky Chinese firms | Under review |
| Ban Chinese labs from testing U.S. electronics | From December 2028 |
Who is behind it? The security backdrop
In late 2024 Washington said China-linked Salt Typhoon stole call records and infiltrated U.S. carriers; the FBI said this year the threat is ongoing (see Salt Typhoon and Volt Typhoon). In July the FCC added California-based Digitalsystem Technology to its risk list. Note that the proposal targets access to numbering infrastructure; the report does not accuse the named carriers of running scams.
Will this stop scam calls?
Not by itself. Robocalls also rely on spoofing, resold lines, small carriers and call centers in many countries. Impersonation scams — fake IRS/SSA agents, tech support, the fake FTC phone-shutoff threat — remain active.
Other options under consideration, according to Reuters, include barring the three state-owned carriers from connecting to U.S. networks and from operating data centers in the United States. The carriers were previously barred from providing international telecom services to the U.S. The November vote is therefore one step in a broader effort that mixes consumer protection with national security policy — and the outcome may change before or after the meeting.
How to protect yourself
- Don't trust caller ID; the FTC warns it can be faked.
- Hang up and call back using an official number.
- Don't press keys to "opt out" — it confirms your line is live.
- No U.S. agency demands gift cards, crypto or wire transfers by phone.
- Report at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Follow updates on the Radar.
Source
- Reuters via ThePrint — US plans to ban Chinese telecom firms from direct access to US phone numbers (29–30/10/2026)
- FCC — Pauta da reunião de março de 2026 (NPRM 'Combatting Illegal Robocalls Through FCC Numbering Policies')
- FTC Consumer Alert — Don't trust caller ID; report at ReportFraud.ftc.gov