NZ intelligence agency rejects first Huawei 5G bid, cites security
WELLINGTON: New Zealand’s intelligence agency has rejected the telecom industry’s first request to use 5G equipment provided by China’s Huawei Technologies Co Ltd , citing a security risk.
Telecommunications services provider Spark New Zealand Ltd , which made the request, on Wednesday said it would review the reasoning before considering any further steps.
The decision comes as Western nations become increasingly wary of what they say is possible Chinese government involvement in fifthgeneration mobile and other communications networks.
Huawei has repeatedly insisted Beijing has no influence over it.
Earlier this year, neighbouring Australia banned Huawei from supplying 5G equipment, also citing security risks.
Last week, the Wall Street Journal reported the US government was trying to persuade companies in allied countries to avoid Huawei.
“I have informed Spark that a significant network security risk was identified,” Government Communications Security Bureau Director-General Andrew Hampton said separately on Wednesday.
Intelligence services minister Andrew Little told Reuters that Spark – whose request was part of the country’s first 5G application – could work with the agency to mitigate risk.
He declined to specify the concerns, citing classified information.
Huawei did not respond to a Reuters request for comment.
Huawei has been involved in other telecommunications systems in New Zealand such as its 4G mobile network, and is investing NZ$400 million (US$271.88 million) into research and development. — Reuters