Huawei Australia confirmed on Twitter this morning that it has been effectively banned from supplying equipment to Australia’s 5G networks, despite having equipment behind existing carrier networks in Australia delivering 3G and 4G.
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 ban was also announced this morning by the departments of Home Affairs and Communications in a statement this morning. It did not specifically refer to the Chinese vendors, but Huawei’s statement confirms the impact. The government noted that “the government considers that the involvement of vendors who are likely to be subject to extrajudicial directions from a foreign government that conflict with Australian law, may risk failure by the carrier to adequately protect a 5G network from unauthorised access or interference.”
There’s little doubt that the ban on Huawei and ZTE equipment will have a major impact on carriers’ 5G plans, as they will most likely have to spend more to source equipment from other major vendors.
The government hasn’t made any clear statement justifying the ban, except to cite unspecified security concerns.
We’ve approached Huawei Australia for further comment.
