US agency warns China mobile of possible fines for not cooperating

The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced on June 17, 2025, that China Mobile might face penalties for not answering questions in an ongoing investigation. The probe, started in November 2022, is checking if the company’s U.S. operations are trying to bypass American rules. The FCC had earlier banned China Mobile and other Chinese firms from offering telecom services in the U.S. due to national security worries.

The FCC is looking into nine Chinese companies, including China Mobile, Huawei, ZTE, and China Telecom, to see if they are dodging U.S. restrictions. In 2019, the FCC noted that China Mobile is partly owned by the Chinese government, raising concerns about possible cyberattacks or spying.

The agency recently issued a subpoena, giving China Mobile 30 days to provide the requested information with sworn statements. If China Mobile doesn’t comply, it could face hefty fines. The company has not yet responded to requests for comment. This case highlights growing tensions between the U.S. and Chinese tech firms, as the FCC works to protect national security while regulating telecom operations.