With the results of the federal government’s 600 MHz wireless spectrum auction made public yesterday, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada Minister, Navdeep Bains, was quick to say the results “strengthened wireless competition, which will drive prices down and improve coverage.”
But when it comes to Canada’s review of whether or not to ban China’s Huawei from future 5G networks, the ISED Minister did not have much to say, still. According to Bloomberg, Bains provided an update on the status of Canada’s potential ban of Huawei for 5G networks.
“We’re still doing our due diligence, we’re still examining the relevant facts and information,” said Bains, adding, “I want to make sure we do our homework and have an informed decision.”
Back in January, the government said a decision on a Huawei ban was still ‘beyond weeks’ away. It’s unclear whether a decision will be made before this fall’s federal election.
Recently, Huawei’s security engineering was criticized by the United Kingdom’s GCHQ director, calling it ‘shoddy’.
Huawei is currently banned by the United States, along with Australia and New Zealand, over espionage fears. Canada and China have been embroiled in a diplomatic rift, ever since Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou was arrested in Vancouver last December. She currently faces extradition to the U.S. over allegations of fraud and violating U.S. sanctions against Iran.
Despite numerous countries blocking Huawei, the company recently told a handful of select Canadian media invited to its headquarters in Shenzhen, China, it should be trusted.
Today, Huawei launched its P30 and P30 Pro smartphones in Canada, with the latter model priced at $1130 outright.
