The Federal Trade Commission is considering regulating Chinese-made mobile phone communication modules to enhance national security.



It has been reported that the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is considering regulating Chinese-made cellular communication modules from a national security risk perspective.

US communications regulator targets Chinese tech for security risks

https://www.ft.com/content/48f0cc68-dfae-48d7-8950-c8c72c2ebe93

Trump administration reportedly debating ban on Chinese cellular modules in expansion of FCC crackdown — potential restrictions could impact everything from smart devices and routers to connected cars and industrial IoT systems | Tom's Hardware
https://www.tomshardware.com/tech-industry/trump-administration-reportedly-debating-ban-on-chinese-cellular-modules-in-expansion-of-fcc-crackdown-potential-restrictions-could-impact-everything-from-smart-devices-and-routers-to-connected-cars-and-industrial-iot-systems



US President Trump is scheduled to

visit China for the first time in nine years , accompanied by numerous business executives, to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping. This can be seen as a continuation of the conciliatory stance adopted since the meeting in South Korea in October 2025.

However, behind the scenes, the FCC, led by Chairman Brendan Carr, is taking a tough stance against China. For example, it will effectively ban the sale and import of foreign-made drones in December 2025.

The US government has blacklisted DJI's new model and all other foreign-made drones - GIGAZINE



In March 2026, the U.S. will ban the import and sale of consumer routers manufactured outside of the United States.

US government bans import and sale of consumer routers manufactured outside the US - GIGAZINE



The next area the FCC is reportedly targeting is Chinese-made 'cellular modules (communication modules for mobile phones).'

Cellular modules are small embedded components that allow devices to connect to 4G and 5G mobile networks without relying on Wi-Fi. They are used in a wide range of products, from routers and drones to smartphones, smart home devices, medical systems, industrial sensors, and connected cars.

Chinese companies such as Quectel , Fibocom , China Mobile , Sunsea , and MeiG account for 70% of the market.

Chairman Carr has stated that he plans to establish a National Security Council within the FCC in 2025 to address threats from 'hostile foreign countries,' particularly China, and that he believes that the latest communications equipment will become increasingly important as a target for technological and geopolitical attacks.

Because Chinese-made cellular modules are widely used in global supply chains, a ban would have a significant impact on many sectors, including the electronics industry, and manufacturers might even be forced to restructure their procurement processes. However, it remains unclear whether the government will actually move towards a ban.

in Hardware,   Security, Posted by logc_nt