Telcos assure Huawei users of continued services despite US ban

Major telecommunication firms in the country assured Huawei smartphone users of continuing communication services despite efforts by the United States government to ban the products of the Chinese-based technology provider in countries worldwide due to cybersecurity concerns.

In a statement on Monday, PLDT Inc. said its subscribers that have availed Huawei handsets and devices will continue to function normally on its network.

“In light of the recent trade ban of the United States government on Huawei products, PLDT and Smart Communications, Inc. wish to assure its customers who have availed of Huawei handsets and devices via its official channels that said products will continue to function normally on the PLDT-Smart network,” the PLDT’s statement read.

PLDT and Smart will coordinate with Huawei in addressing concerns regarding future firmware and software updates for phones, pocket WiFi units and other devices.

Meanwhile, Globe Telecom assured its customers that the current situation at Huawei will not impact its network services.

“We are aware of news circulating regarding some U.S. tech companies cutting their ties with Huawei. We have received assurance from Huawei that the company will continue to provide security updates and after sales services to its device users using the Globe network,” Globe’s statement read.

Both telcos said they will continue to provide updates on the issue particularly on its impact on their services.

PLDT and Globe had partnered with Huawei Technologies for the rollout of its fifth generation (5G) mobile services in the country this year.

Media reports stated that Google barred Huawei from accessing updates to its Android operating system resulting in new designs of Huawei smartphones losing access to some Google apps.

Existing Huawei users, however, will still be able to update apps and push through security fixes, as well as update Google Play services.

Huawei said it would continue to provide security updates and after sales services to all existing Huawei smartphone and tablet products covering those have been sold or still in stock globally.

The United States Commerce Department added Huawei to its Entity List last week preventing the company in acquiring technology from American firms without government approval.

The US alleged that the technology network of Huawei is being used for surveillance and other eavesdropping purposes by the Chinese government. (PNA)

(PNA photo by Ben Briones). DRIED FISH. Serio Ilaran, 29, of Sitio Tambak, Culasi, Roxas City sprays salt water on dried fish three times a day to preserve the freshness. Fish prepared as "daing" (dried fish) are usually split open, salted, and then sun- and air-dried.