Huawei may end up waiting until after elections in Canada in October to find out whether it will be banned from providing 5G tech there. Citing three sources, Reuters reported Monday that the decision is tied to Canadians who remain detained in China.
Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou was arrested in Canada at the request of the US over alleged Iran sanctions violations in early December 2018. Beijing followed this by detaining two Canadian citizens in China a week later.
Reuters says experts in Ottawa are currently investigating whether national security will be impacted by Huawei's involvement in 5G networks. In January, China had reportedly warned Canada that there would be repercussions if it bans the company from the country's 5G networks.
The office of the minister of public safety and emergency preparedness, Ralph Goodale, said it cannot comment on specific companies, but confirmed it is undertaking an examination of 5G technology and the security and economic implications.
"The government of Canada is carefully assessing the security challenges and potential threats involved in future 5G technology, while recognizing the potential this technology holds for Canadians," Goodale's office told CNET in an emailed statement. "We will be taking appropriate decisions in due course. We will ensure that our networks are kept safe for Canadians."
Huawei was blacklisted in the US in May, with President Donald Trump additionally signing an executive order essentially banning the company in light of national security concerns that Huawei had close ties with the Chinese government. Huawei has repeatedly denied that charge.
The US ban came more than six months after Huawei's 5G ban in Australia, which also cited national security reasons.
Huawei is also facing a 10-count indictment in the US that alleges the company conspired to steal intellectual property from T-Mobile and subsequently obstructed justice, in addition to a separate 13-count indictment against the company and Meng Wanzhou.
First published at 12:32 p.m. PT on July 15.
Updated at 1:24 p.m. PT: Adds statement from Goodale's office.
