Canada bans Huawei equipment from 5G networks

The Canadian government has banned the use of Huawei and fellow Chinese tech giant ZTE’s equipment in its 5G networks.

In a statement, Canada cited national security concerns, adding that the suppliers could be forced to comply with “extrajudicial directions from foreign governments” in ways that could “conflict with Canadian laws or would be detrimental to Canadian interests.”

“The Government is committed to maximizing the social and economic benefits of 5G and access to telecommunications services writ large, but not at the expense of security,” the statement said.

Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau on Friday said unlike their allies, they took a little longer time before banning the two Chinese technology firms because they wanted to be sure what they were doing was the right thing.

“We took the time to carefully analyze the situation, look at all sorts of factors, to look very closely at what our allies and partners were doing around the world in regards to telecommunications safety," he said.

Trudeau said the Canadian government is working with financial institutions and companies across the country to ensure they boost cyber security by ensuring the economy and telecommunications network are safe.

"We have continued to invest more and more in cyber defence, in cyber capabilities and we will do more, whether it's legislation or further investments or better and stronger partnerships," he said.

Canada has now become the last member of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance to impose the ban.

Other members including US, New Zealand, Australia and United Kingdom have already effected the ban.

The US State Department has said it  welcomes Canada's decision to ban Huawei Technologies and ZTE from its next-generation mobile networks.