Australia blocks Huawei and ZTE from rolling out 5G devices

Huawei and ZTE seem to have run into another snag as Australia's government has imposed a ban on both companies. The ban will stop the pair from bringing 5G wireless devices to the country over national security concerns.

The situation harkens back to other issues Huawei and ZTE have faced over the last year. Huawei had to publicly refute espionage accusations in the US earlier this year. ZTE on the other hand faced a trade ban in the US and faced similar national security concerns here in the UK.

Huawei Australia publicly tweeted about the ban earlier today:

We have been informed by the Govt that Huawei & ZTE have been banned from providing 5G technology to Australia. This is a extremely disappointing result for consumers. Huawei is a world leader in 5G. Has safely & securely delivered wireless technology in Aust for close to 15 yrs

— Huawei Australia (@HuaweiOZ) August 22, 2018

The issue seems to be that Chinese laws require companies and organisations to assist in intelligence efforts when asked. Australia's government is concerned that Chinese companies could leave the country's 5G network vulnerable. In a statement given to the Financial Times, the Australian government gave the following statement:

“The involvement of vendors who are likely to be subject to extrajudicial directions from foreign governments that conflict with Australian law, may risk failure by the carrier to adequately protect a 5G network from unauthorised access or interference.”

KitGuru Says: We may end up seeing a few more stories like this pop up over the next year as we get closer to the rollout of 5G networks. 

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