Huawei In Secret Standards Talks With Aussie Telcos

SYDNEY/WASHINGTON: Australian telecommunications companies have been taking part in behind-the-scenes talks with Huawei in relation to 5G standards, even though the Chinese networking giant is banned from taking part in our 5G rollout.

Huawei confirmed the talks off the record to CDN in May, but was reluctant to go public because of concerns among its techies that it may impact their role in the discussions.

Huawei said that, despite the 5G ban, it was still a member of the Communications Alliance, a body formed to provide a unified voice for the Australian communications industry ahead the 5G implementation.

The fact is Huawei is leading the world in 5G patents having filed more than 3000 so far. So, Huawei input will be key to an effective rollout of the technology here, whether the Government likes it or not.

It’s an issue that has had to be addressed in the US where, in somewhat of an embarrassing backdown, the Trump Administration has confirmed it will amend its prohibitions on American companies doing business with Huawei.

The amendment will allow US technology and telecommunications companies to work with Huawei on setting standards for 5G networks.

Until now US tech and telco firms have had to sit on the sidelines of 3GPP, the international body setting 5G standards, as Huawei ruled the roost. 

Trump officials said the rule change should not be viewed as a sign of weakening US resolve against Huawei, which has been accused of being a security risk, which the Chinese company denies.