The US and Huawei may be reaching a compromise on one end, but on the other, things are tightening up. The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) passed a decision prohibiting operators from dealing with Huawei and ZTE equipment. Well, this latest ban specifically refers to using federal subsidy funds to purchase from these companies. In addition, US operators with equipment from these companies have to expunge and replace them.
According to reports, Huawei and ZTE will have 30 days to challenge the national security risk designation. If the two companies raise objections, the ban may take effect after 120 days. FCC Commissioner, Geoffrey Starks, said that replacing Huawei’s and ZTE equipment in the US rural network could cost $2 billion.
Huawei has responded to the issue. The company said that the FCC decision is based on a piece of one-sided information. It also claims that the FCC misinterprets Chinese law. “In the absence of evidence, Huawei poses a national security threat? This not only violates the principle of due process of legislation but is also against the law”. For now, only select US operators with approval can purchase select equipment from Huawei. Now, it can not do so with federal subsidy funds.
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Huawei full statement on the FCC decision
Huawei objects to the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) vote to prohibit operators from using federal subsidy funds to purchase Huawei equipment. The decision of the FCC is based on one-sided information and misinterpretation of Chinese law. In the absence of evidence, Huawei is considered to constitute a national security threat, not only in violation of the due process principles of legislation, but also suspected of violating the law.
FCC’s general service funding is primarily used to improve telecommunications and broadband Internet services in rural and remote areas. Without the support of this fund, many US carriers in remote areas will not be able to continue to obtain competitive Huawei products and services. They will not continue to provide reliable, high-speed communication services for public facilities such as schools, hospitals, and libraries. Competition in the market (especially 5G networks) will be weakened, and ordinary consumers will have to pay a higher price for network services.
The FCC is very clear about prohibiting operators from purchasing Huawei equipment and not really improving the network security situation in the United States. Network security and user privacy protection are Huawei’s highest business programs. Since its establishment 30 years ago, Huawei has established end-to-end network security practices from strategy, supply chain, research and development to products and solutions. Huawei operates in more than 170 countries around the world. In this region, there has never been a major cybersecurity incident…
Huawei urged FCC and Ajit Pai to reconsider the decision. We are also willing to open communication with the US government and policy makers. We can find an effective solutions to protect US telecommunications network security and safeguard the interests of consumers in rural and remote areas of the US.
