The country’s 5G networks will be formally closed to two major Chinese telecom firms, officials said
The authorities in Canada will not allow Chinese companies Huawei or ZTE to use the country’s growing 5G telecommunications networks, citing “serious”Privacy and national security concerns
The long-delayed decision was announced on Thursday by Ottawa’s Office of Innovation, Science and Industry, which stated the two firms would be barred from Canadian networks going forward.
“The Government of Canada is announcing today that it intends to prohibit Canadian telecommunications service providers from deploying Huawei and ZTE products and services in their 5G networks,”According to the office, officials are aware “serious concerns”The companies might 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.”
The announcement comes months after the conclusion of a lengthy legal battle involving Huawei’s chief financial officer, Meng Wanzhou, who faced charges including bank fraud and wire fraud, as well as conspiracy to commit the two latter crimes. The US brought the case against Meng Wanzhou, but Canada also participated and kept her in custody till September. She was released by American prosecutors.
Thursday’s decision had been postponed for more than three years as the criminal case transformed into a major diplomatic spat with Beijing, but the government has now concluded that 5G networks “introduce new security concerns that malicious actors could exploit,”It would also be “prudent”Two companies will be subject to restrictions “as part of a new telecommunications security framework.”
Canada’s September deadline for the removal of 5G and 4G equipment from any of these companies will prohibit their use. However, existing 5G equipment can be used in Canada until June 28th 2024. People who are still using 4G gear from ZTE or Huawei will be able to transition to other equipment until the end of 2027.
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