Canada follows US lead in 'security concern' statement on telecoms networks

Canada has invoked a ‘national security exception’ allowing it to exclude any telecoms equipment vendors seen as a security risk from projects to build secure communications networks, reports the BBC. The government did not name any firms, but the decision led to speculation that the move may be targeted at Chinese technology providers, coming immediately after a US panel recommended that equipment manufactured by Huawei or ZTE should not be used by government contractors. However, Scott Bradley, spokesman for Huawei Technologies Canada, said that the move should not affect the local unit, as ‘the national security exception only applies to foreign companies… Huawei is fully incorporated in Canada, and operates as a subsidiary Canadian company. This alone effectively enables us to bid on any potential procurement opportunities.’