Huawei Australia chairman still hopeful despite reports of 5G ban

Huawei has reiterated that it poses no threat to national security, amid reports it will be barred from the local 5G network.

Huawei Technologies promoted its 5G technology during the most recent Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain. Picture: Bloomberg

Huawei Australia chairman John Lord has reiterated that the company poses no threat to Australia’s national security, amid reports that it’s going to be barred from working on the local 5G network.

Speaking to the ABC on Thursday, the former Rear Admiral in the Australian Navy said that Huawei was still hopeful that it will play its part as mobile operators get ready to roll out 5G mobile infrastructure across Australia.

According to Mr Lord, the Chinese company was still in talks with the federal government and had not come across any “real concerns” about its participation in the 5G network development process.

The latest comments come after a report in Fairfax Media said that the company, founded in 1988 by former Chinese army officer Ren Zhengfei, was going to be banned from having any involvement with 5G networks in Australia.

The prospect of a blanket ban had caught the local telecoms sector on the hop. The Australian understands that government officials and mobile operators have been in discussions for some time to understand the security implications of Huawei’s involvement, with a number of alternatives to a full ban considered.

Huawei was categorically removed from the bidding process for the National Broadband Network (NBN) in 2012, however, the company has since then bee heavily involved in the Australian mobile industry. Huawei equipment underpins the current 4G networks of Optus, Vodafone and is expected to power TPG Telecom’s upcoming mobile network.

Attorney-General Christian Porter said there was an ability to exclude organisations on national security grounds.

He confirmed the government was seeking advice about “a range of organisations” including Huawei but it was too early to say which ones may be excluded.

“Clearly some of the advice is with respect to Huawei, of course, but there is advice sought on a range of other potential applicants in a process,” he told ABC.

Asked if excluding the company could impact Australia’s relationship with China, Mr Porter said the relationship was a “mature” one.

Labor’s defence spokesman Richard Marles said it was important to listen to national security agency advice on these matters and would support blocking the company.

With AAP