[Update] China Telecom Americas has a very large customer base, and we’ve found that many people have recently ported to the cost-effective Mint Mobile:

This also works when you go back to China with Wi-Fi Calling, and since you can refer people around you, I think it’s still very powerful. Of course, you can also take advantage of some port-out promotions.

[Below is the original 12/04 update]

China Telecom Americas users have already received emails saying that service will stop on Jan. 3, 2022, and that renewals will no longer continue starting Dec. 4, 2021. In short, we recommend everyone port out to another carrier as soon as possible; you can at least take advantage of other carriers’ promotions while keeping the same number.

Now China Telecom’s website can’t be opened. If you want to port out, send zcxx to 7031 through China Telecom’s SMS service hall to get port-out information.

Other related information is below

According to Reuters, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) recently voted to revoke China Telecom Americas’ operating license, which means China Telecom Americas must stop providing services in the United States within 60 days. The reason, of course, is the usual national-security argument; whether something is safe or not is up to the U.S. government anyway.

The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on Tuesday voted to revoke the authorization for China Telecom's U.S. subsidiary to operate in the United States, citing national security concerns.

The decision means China Telecom Americas must now discontinue U.S. services within 60 days.


Many students and travelers coming to the U.S. may be using China Telecom Americas. It’s still unclear what will happen to these users; I expect a U.S. company will take over these customers. As for any remaining balance, it’s hard to say how that will be handled—the best-case scenario would be a refund. If you already have a preferred carrier, you can also port your number directly

If you want to use a cost-effective mobile service long term, I recommend: