Canada has banned China’s Huawei and ZTE from its 5G networks. Both companies are the biggest telecom equipment makers in China.
Franvois-philippe champagne says this will help improve the safety and security of Canadian citizens. Additionally, it will improve mobile internet service.
Restrictions on the firm
Previously, other countries also have put restrictions on these firms. Such as the US, UK, New Zealand and Australia. Along with Canada, four other countries have joined hands to deal with information sharing. They make intelligent sharing arrangements called five eyes. This idea evolved during the Cold war to monitor the Soviet Union. This will help to share classified information.
Since Canada’s allies had already restricted these firms. It was expected from Canada to restrain Huawei and ZTE from their high-speed network. Meanwhile, 5G is the fastest internet network. It will offer much faster data download and higher upload speed.
Consultation with closest allies
Mr champagne said the decision was made after a full review by security agencies. Also, Canada consulted with allies on this matter.
He said, ” let me be very clear: we will always protect the safety and security of Canadians and will take any actions necessary to safeguard our telecommunication infrastructure.”
He further added, ” In a 5G world, at a time where we rely more and more in our daily lives on our network, this is the right decision.”
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in Ottawa said they see the security concerns by Canada as a “pretext for political manipulation.”
Also, he said that Canada is working with the US to suppress Chinese firms. However, the firms including ZTE and Huawei did not respond to the action.
The US has also banned the equipment supplied by these firms for use in the US. Meanwhile, Canada first reviewed Huawei equipment in September 2018.
