New Zealand’s international spy agency on Wednesday halted mobile company Spark from using Huawei equipment in its planned 5G upgrade, saying it posed a "significant network security risk." The action follows a ban in Australia, where the Chinese telecommunications giant was blocked in August from rolling out
New Zealand’s international spy agency on Wednesday halted mobile company Spark from using Huawei equipment in its planned 5G upgrade, saying it posed a «significant network security risk.»
The action follows a ban in Australia, where the Chinese telecommunications giant was blocked in August from rolling out Australia’s 5G network due to security concerns.
In New Zealand, Huawei has previously helped build mobile networks. In March, Spark and Huawei showcased a 5G test site across the street from the Parliament, in a publicity move that was attended by then Broadcasting Minister Clare Curran.
The latest development could have diplomatic and economic implications for New Zealand, which relies on China as its largest trading partner but which is also part of the «Five Eyes» security alliance that includes the U.