Loading...
Loading...
Your mobile phone may be the most vulnerable device you own. From compromised SIM cards to banned network equipment, cellular infrastructure faces serious security threats that disproportionately affect rural Americans.
Hidden vulnerabilities in SIM cards from foreign manufacturers that can compromise your phone's security
Device-level security concerns with smartphones from banned manufacturers and their software
How your cellular network infrastructure may be compromised by foreign equipment
Understanding the primary threats to cellular security helps you make informed decisions about your devices and service providers.
FCC has banned new equipment from these Chinese companies due to national security concerns. Rural carriers may still have legacy equipment.
SIM cards manufactured in China may contain backdoors allowing remote access, location tracking, or data interception.
Some budget phones come with pre-installed software that sends data to servers in China without user consent.
The transition to 5G creates new opportunities for foreign actors to embed surveillance capabilities in critical infrastructure.
These companies have been designated as national security threats by the FCC and are prohibited from receiving new equipment authorizations or operating licenses in the United States.
| Company | Type | Status | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
Huawei | Telecommunications Equipment | FCC Banned | National security threat designation under Secure Networks Act |
ZTE | Telecommunications Equipment | FCC Banned | Entity List, security concerns, Iranian sanctions violations |
China Mobile | Carrier Services | FCC Revoked | Operating license revoked due to national security concerns |
China Telecom | Carrier Services | FCC Revoked | Operating license revoked, CCP ties |
Rural Americans face unique cellular security challenges due to limited infrastructure investment and fewer service options.
Rural areas often have only one or two carrier options, making it harder to avoid compromised infrastructure.
Rural cell towers may still use older Huawei/ZTE equipment that hasn't been replaced due to cost constraints.
Low signal strength in rural areas can be exploited by IMSI catchers and rogue cell towers.
Compromised cellular infrastructure can impact emergency services and 911 reliability.
Take our security audit to get personalized recommendations for protecting your phones, tablets, and cellular service.