China Unicom to Stop U.S. Services

China Unicom Americas Can No Longer Provide Mobile Service in the United States; CUniq Customers Need to Switch to a New Service Provider by April 4, 2022

In light of potential security threats to the nation’s telecommunications infrastructure, the Federal Communications Commission has ordered China Unicom (Americas) Operations Limited (CUA) to discontinue any domestic or international telecommunications services within the United States by April 4, 2022. CUA offers consumers mobile service under the brand name "CUniq," as a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO).

How Does the FCC Action Affect CUA’s Customers?

CUA customers, which include individuals and businesses currently purchasing CUA's telecommunications services, will need to find other service providers or understand that their service will stop on April 4, 2022. As required by the FCC, CUA must stop providing the service by April 4, 2022.

What Notice Is CUA Required to Provide Its Customers?

• CUA must notify its CUniq customers in writing or by a text message to their mobile number at least 30 days before discontinuing service.
• CUA must provide all other affected customers with written notice of service discontinuance at least 30 days before discontinuing service.

How Can CUniq's Customers Stay Connected?

CUniq’s customers have various other options for domestic and international mobile services, including for calls to China. A partial list of mobile service providers is included below. Customers should contact providers to learn more about switching their service. In most instances, they will be able to keep their existing phone number when they change service providers. More information is available at the FCC's Consumer Guide: Porting: Keeping Your Phone Number When You Change Providers. CUA may provide customers with options for continuing their current services with another provider.

The following list is intended to assist consumers and is not a complete list of all providers. The FCC is not endorsing the products or services of any provider by including the company on this list.

• AT&T: https://www.att.com/
• Boost Mobile: https://www.boostmobile.com/
• Consumer Cellular: https://www.consumercellular.com/
• Cricket Wireless: https://www.cricketwireless.com/
• Google Fi: https://fi.google.com/about/
• Metro Mobile: https://www.metrobyt-mobile.com/
• Mint Mobile: https://www.mintmobile.com/
• Spectrum Mobile: https://www.spectrum.com/mobile
• Tello Mobile: https://tello.com/
• Ting Mobile: https://ting.com/
• T-Mobile: https://www.t-mobile.com/
• TracFone: https://www.tracfone.com/ 
• Ultra Mobile: https://www.ultramobile.com/ (Chinese language customer service: 888-777-0446)
• U.S. Cellular: https://www.uscellular.com/
• Verizon: https://www.verizon.com (Chinese language customer service: 888-878-9188)
• Xfinity Mobile: https://www.xfinity.com/mobile/

For additional information on making international calls, see these FCC consumer guides:

• Check Basic Rates Before Making International Calls
• International Calling Tip Sheet
• Surcharges for International Calls to Wireless Phones

The protection of national security is an integral part of the Commission's mission. The FCC revoked CUA's authority to provide domestic interstate and international telecommunications services within the United States under section 214 of the Communications Act. This Consumer Guide is available on the FCC’s website in English, Simplified Chinese, and Traditional Chinese.

Printable Version

• Print This Guide (pdf)