The Canadian government has banned Huawei from operating on the country’s fifth-generation networks over security issues.
The ban puts Canada at par with key intelligence countries like the United States, which have exhibited concerns over the national security implications of availing Huawei access to important infrastructure.
Also, the government is banning ZTE, another telecommunications firm backed by China. A government policy statement released online says companies have until June 28, 2024, to disconnect or terminate 5G equipment from Huawei and ZTE.
The companies will also have to terminate any existing 4G equipment offered by the companies by December 31, 2027. The policy statement reveals the government expects companies to stop buying new 4G or 5G equipment from these companies by September.
While talking to a news conference recently, Innovation, Science and Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne said: “This is the right decision and we are pleased to announce it today because it will secure our network for generations to come.”
In his response to a question bordering on the risk of retaliation from the government of China, Champagne didn’t feel that was a factor in the government’s decision.
He said: “Let me be clear, this is about Canada, this is about our national security, this is about our telecom infrastructure.”
Minister of Public Safety, Marco Mendicino said the decision ushers in “a new era in safeguarding our telecommunications industry.” He said the decision was made after a “thorough government examination [of] 5G and wireless technologies.”
He said: “Canada is a country where people can innovate and start new businesses and leverage new technologies in 5G and beyond, but we also need to safeguard against the risks which can be exploited within those networks.”
The Minister said new legislation that would protect 5G networks was coming and that the legislation will “establish a framework to better protect the systems vital to our national security and give the government a new tool to respond to emerging cyber threats.”
He said the legislation would also help in protecting infrastructure in the finance, energy, and transport sectors.
China has however condemned the decision against one of its champions as a type of “political manipulation” made in collaboration with the U.S., that was aimed at “suppressing” Chinese companies in violation of free market principles.
A statement posted on the website of Chinese Embassy in Canada read: “China will comprehensively and seriously evaluate this incident and take all necessary measures to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies.”
