Canada bans Chinese Huawei and ZTE from 5G networks

Toronto, May 20: After the United States, Canada banned Chinese telecommunications giants Huawei and ZTE from its 5G networks to ensure “the long-term security of our telecommunications infrastructure.” Following in the footsteps of its partners – including the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia and New Zealand – Canada has decided to ban the two Chinese technology companies by early 2028.

The five countries are concluding an intelligence-sharing agreement called “Five Eyes”. “The Government of Canada guarantees the long-term security of our telecommunications infrastructure. As part of this, the government intends to ban the inclusion of Huawei and ZTE products and services in Canada’s telecommunications systems, “said Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry Francois-Philippe Champagne in a statement late Thursday. Volkswagen negotiates acquisition of autonomous management of Huawei: Report.

The move will improve Canada’s mobile Internet services and “protect the safety and security of Canadians.” Telecommunications companies operating in Canada will no longer be allowed to use special equipment or services provided by Huawei and ZTE.

In addition, companies that already use this equipment installed in their networks will have to stop using it and remove it, “the minister said. Beijing responded to the Canadian move by saying security concerns raised by Canada were “a pretext for political manipulation”, accusing Canada of working with the United States to suppress Chinese companies. In November, US President Joe Biden signed a law banning Huawei and ZTE from obtaining approval for network equipment licenses in the country.

Earlier, the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) identified Huawei and ZTE as threats to national security for communications networks, making it difficult for US companies to buy equipment from them. Under the new law, the FCC is no longer required to no longer review or approve an application for a permit for equipment that poses a clear risk to national security.