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Huawei is our partner in rolling out 5G network, says UAE’s du

- Reuters AFP Dubai

UAE telecoms company du saw no evidence of security concerns about Huawei’s 5G technology, the company’s chief technologi­cal officer Saleem Albalooshi told Reuters on Sunday.

“Huawei is our partner in rolling out our 5G network ... From a security perspectiv­e.. we have our own labs in the UAE and we visit their labs ... we have not seen any evidence that there are security holes specifical­ly in 5G,” Albalooshi said.

Washington has been warning allies against using the Chinese company’s equipment, which it says presents a security risk. Huawei has repeatedly denied the US allegation­s, which were raised earlier this month during a visit by Federal Communicat­ions Commission Chair Ajit Pai to Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain, all of which use Huawei equipment.

When asked about US threat that it will stop intelligen­ce-sharing with nations that use Huawei equipment, Alabooshi said it is a concern.

“Of course, this is definitely a concern ... but such a thing is the government’s decision. We follow our government’s roads and we are governed by the regulator,” he said. Huawei is the world’s secondlarg­est smartphone company. Last month, Moscow rolled out the red carpet for the company, letting it develop 5G networks in Russia. Analysts say the move is as much a show of solidarity with Beijing against the US.

Huawei opened its first 5G test zone in Moscow in partnershi­p Russian operator MTS, with a view to rolling out the service to the rest of the capital.

Moscow authoritie­s say the network will become part of the city’s normal infrastruc­ture within the next few years. A pioneer in telecoms networks compared to many Western countries, Russia plans to deploy 5G in all of its main cities by 2024.

When Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Russia in June — at the height of Washington’s conflict with Huawei — Russia’s main operator MTS signed a contract with the Chinese company.

At the inaugurati­on of the 5G zone in Moscow, the CEO of Russia’s branch of Huawei Zhao Lei praised the company’s activities in the country.

“We have been working in Russia for 22 years. Thanks to our partners, we live well here,” he said.

 ?? Reuters/File Photo ?? Washington has warned allies against using Huawei’s equipment, which it says presents a security risk. The Chinese company has repeatedly denied the US allegation­s.
Reuters/File Photo Washington has warned allies against using Huawei’s equipment, which it says presents a security risk. The Chinese company has repeatedly denied the US allegation­s.

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