Trump Mobile Faces FCC Questions Over International Calling and Customer Data Security

Trump Mobile may not have the approvals required to offer the international calling services it advertises, according to Sen. Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.). In a letter to Trump Mobile CEO Patrick O’Brien, Hassan also raised concerns about the company’s robocall prevention plans, customer verification procedures, and handling of a recent data breach.

Trump Mobile’s international calling authorization questioned

According to Hassan’s letter, Trump Mobile does not appear to have submitted the necessary filings to provide or resell international telecommunications services. The company advertises that customers can call more than 230 countries and territories through its international long-distance service.

Hassan said a search of the FCC’s International Communications Filing System indicates that Trump Mobile lacks the authorization required under Section 214 of the Communications Act of 1934.

“The apparent lack of authorization for Trump Mobile’s international services raises questions about who is providing or reselling the international telecommunications services promoted by Trump Mobile, the authorities to which those services are provided, and the company’s commitment to complying with requirements to protect national security,” Hassan wrote.

Questions about robocall compliance

Hassan’s letter also claims that Trump Mobile does not appear to have submitted the plans required to combat robocalls. The company’s main business partner, Liberty Mobile Wireless, applied for a robocall database, but Hassan said the application was incomplete.

She alleged that Trump Mobile failed to follow multiple FCC filing requirements intended to protect the security and reliability of mobile services.

Senator raises concerns about Trump Mobile data breach

The letter cited reports that hackers stole personal data from 3,615 Trump Mobile customers. It also referenced reports that a vendor used by the company exposed customer information online, including phone numbers and home addresses.

Hassan described the reported breach as “alarming,” particularly because the ransomware group involved allegedly claimed to have notified Trump Mobile before the incident became public.

She also questioned whether Trump Mobile has a robust customer verification process. The company’s “streamlined service activation” could make it easier for fraudsters to obtain US phone numbers, Hassan wrote.

Trump Mobile’s relationship with the Trump family

Trump Mobile operates under a trademark and name license agreement with the Trump family. Hassan’s letter asks the company to address its international service authorization, robocall compliance, customer verification procedures, and data security practices.