Omanghana
The United States is considering new restrictions on Chinese telecommunications companies over cybersecurity and national security concerns, even as the firms expand their involvement in Africa’s 5G and cloud infrastructure.
The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has proposed limiting major Chinese telecom operators’ direct access to American telephone numbers. The proposal is scheduled for an agency vote on November 19, 2026.
FCC Chair Brendan Carr has described the proposed measures as a first line of defense for the U.S. communications system. Officials also say the restrictions could help address illegal and scam-related robocalls.
Proposed U.S. Restrictions
The proposal would restrict direct access to U.S. phone numbers for companies including China Mobile, China Telecom and China Unicom, as well as other internet-based phone providers covered by the rules.
It would also bar certain internet-based service providers that rely on equipment from restricted manufacturers such as Huawei and ZTE.
Other measures include plans to end the use of Chinese laboratories for testing U.S. consumer electronics by December 2028. U.S. authorities are also considering broader restrictions on the companies’ ability to operate data centers in the United States or connect directly to domestic networks.
The moves follow concerns over Salt Typhoon, a cyber-espionage group linked by U.S. authorities to China. The group has been accused of infiltrating American telecommunications networks and compromising customer call records.
Chinese Firms Expand African Partnerships
The proposed U.S. measures would apply within the United States and would not prevent Chinese companies from pursuing infrastructure projects in Africa.
In Nigeria, China Mobile International has partnered with 21st Century Technologies on local artificial intelligence and cloud-computing infrastructure linked to data centers in Lagos.
In South Africa, China Telecom, MTN and Huawei are involved in a partnership covering 5G, artificial intelligence and industrial internet applications for mining.
Meanwhile, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, China Unicom subsidiary Unicom Airnet is working with the government on plans for a national telecommunications satellite framework.
Growing Technology Competition
The Chinese Embassy in Washington and China’s Foreign Ministry have criticized the proposed U.S. restrictions, accusing Washington of using national security concerns to unfairly limit Chinese businesses.
The United States has also sought to support alternatives to Chinese technology in Africa through initiatives such as the Clean Network program and financing for telecom projects.
One example is a $99.6 million financing package for mobile operator Africell in Angola, intended to support the use of non-Chinese equipment.
Chinese firms nevertheless remain major suppliers across the continent. Estimates put Huawei’s share of active 5G infrastructure in Africa at approximately 52%.
Source: Omanghana
