Security News > 2022 > May > Canada bans Huawei and ZTE from 5G networks over security concerns
The Government of Canada announced its intention to ban the use of Huawei and ZTE telecommunications equipment and services across the country's 5G and 4G networks.
"Today, the Government of Canada is ensuring the long-term safety of our telecommunications infrastructure. As part of that, the government intends to prohibit the inclusion of Huawei and ZTE products and services in Canada's telecommunications systems," reads the announcement.
"The Government of Canada has serious concerns about suppliers such as Huawei and ZTE who could be compelled to comply with extrajudicial directions from foreign governments in ways that would conflict with Canadian laws or would be detrimental to Canadian interests," the policy statement further explains.
More specifically, existing 5G equipment from Huawei and ZTE will have to be removed by June 28, 2024, while 4G equipment was given until December 31, 2027.
In Europe, Germany, France, Belgium, Denmark, and Sweden, have previously expressed concerns over the security of telecom equipment coming from Huawei and ZTE, and they are all considering similar bans.
The rollout of 5G networks in Canada started in February 2019, involving Huawei at the time as one of the strategic technological partners.