Canada Clamps Down on Use of Huawei, ZTE Gear

Canada’s government prohibited the use of equipment from Huawei and ZTE, calling it a security threat and requiring removal from networks over a phased-in period. “The Government of Canada is ensuring the long term safety of our telecommunications infrastructure,” said a statement Thursday by Francois-Philippe Champagne, minister of Innovation, Science and Industry: “As part of that, the government intends to prohibit the inclusion of Huawei and ZTE products and services in Canada’s telecommunications systems. This follows a thorough review by our independent security agencies and in consultation with our closest allies.” The statement directs companies to end the procurement of 4G and 5G gear and associated services by Sept. 1. Existing 5G equipment and managed services must “be removed or terminated by June 28, 2024,” the statement said. Existing 4G equipment and managed services must be removed or terminated by Dec. 31, 2027. The government also plans “to impose restrictions on Gigabit Passive Optical Network (GPON) equipment used in fibre-optic networks.” This is "an unfortunate political decision that has nothing to do with cybersecurity or any of the technologies in question,” a Huawei Canada spokesperson emailed Friday. “Huawei equipment, including both hardware and software, has been routinely and closely scrutinized by the government and its security agencies according to stringent quality standards. There have been zero security incidents caused by Huawei equipment throughout this entire period. We are proud of our security record in Canada.” Huawei said the ban “will lead to significant economic loss in Canada and drive up the cost of communications for Canadian consumers” but is “beyond our control as a business.” Huawei plans to do what it can “to protect the legitimate rights and interests of our customers, partners, and ourselves,” the spokesperson said. ZTE didn't comment.