
THE FCC VIEWS China Mobile USA as a serious security risk based on real concerns about control, access, and noncompliance. Its worry is not only about the company’s prior activity but also whether it is still operating covertly or via loopholes, despite the regulatory ban.
In a significant escalation of regulatory pressure, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has issued a Citation and Order to China Mobile International (USA) Inc., signaling potential fines if the telecom giant does not comply with a long-running investigation into its U.S. operations
The FCC’s enforcement action, detailed in document DA 25‑512, stems from a probing inquiry launched in November 2022. Since then, the commission has repeatedly demanded additional documentation and explanations regarding whether China Mobile is circumventing prior restrictions placed due to national security concerns
Despite receiving a Supplemental Letter of Inquiry in February 2025 and a follow-up Demand Letter on April 3, China Mobile’s incomplete and delayed responses have frustrated the FCC. The company has been accused of obstructing the investigation, failing to provide required sworn statements, and refuting the FCC’s authority
The body of DA 25‑512 highlights multiple failings: no sworn affidavits, unacceptable cross-referencing to old filings, and avoidance of several specific inquiries. The FCC warns that failure to fully comply within 30 days could result in monetary penalties .
Why this matters for national security and telecom
China Mobile was previously barred from offering telecom services in the U.S., as its parent company is government-controlled, and its operations were considered a potential avenue for espionage
The current probe aims to uncover whether the company is continuing to operate in the U.S. despite the ban, by using loopholes or misclassified business practices.
FCC Chair Brendan Carr has emphasized that these “Covered List” entities might still have a presence in the U.S., potentially bypassing restrictions. The agency is now prepared to close those loopholes and enforce compliance through possible fines
By enforcing into DA 25‑512, the FCC is asserting its statutory powers under Sections 4(i), 4(j), and 403 of the Communications Act—underscoring its authority to compel cooperation with investigations.
China Mobile now faces a hard deadline: 30 days to deliver complete and truthful responses, including sworn statements. Failure to comply could trigger significant fines.
If China Mobile continues to defy FCC directives following the issuance of this Citation, the Commission has warned that it may impose significant penalties for each violation. Under federal law, the FCC is authorized to levy monetary forfeitures of up to $25,132 per violation or per day, with a maximum of $188,491 for a single act or failure to act.
The Commission also retains the authority to adjust penalties based on various statutory factors, including the severity and scope of the violation, the company’s degree of culpability, any history of prior offenses, and its ability to pay. In its filing, the FCC made clear that further sanctions could be applied not only for past conduct but also for any future failure to comply with its ongoing investigation.
This move represents a broader FCC effort to enforce telecom bans, ensure transparency among foreign-linked operators, and fortify national security in U.S. communications networks.