Canada Bans Huawei, ZTE From Its 5G and 4G Networks
Canada is joining the US in banning(Opens in a new window) Chinese companies Huawei and ZTE from serving the country’s telecommunication networks.
Like the US, Canada is implementing the ban over fears the Chinese government will try to exploit Huawei’s and ZTE’s presence in the telecommunication market for malicious purposes.
“The government of Canada has serious concerns about suppliers such as Huawei and ZTE who could be compelled to comply with extrajudicial directions from foreign governments in ways that would conflict with Canadian laws or would be detrimental to Canadian interests,” it said in a policy document(Opens in a new window).
As a result, all telecommunication companies in the country will have to cease procuring Huawei and ZTE equipment for their 4G and 5G networks by this September. The policy will also require telecom providers to remove Huawei and ZTE equipment from their existing 5G networks by June 2024, and do the same for their 4G networks by December 2027.
The Canadian government didn’t cite any specific evidence that Huawei and ZTE have been tampering with the country’s networks. Instead, the country based its decision on a “thorough review” from its own security agencies and from consultation with its “closest allies,” which include the US.
"The examination made clear that while this (5G) technology will bring significant benefits and economic opportunities, the technology will also introduce new security concerns that malicious actors could exploit,” the policy document adds.
In response, Huawei said in a statement: “This is an unfortunate political decision that has nothing to do with cyber security or any of the technologies in question.
“Huawei equipment, including both hardware and
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