Huawei says U.S. security claims ‘simply aren’t true’, will hurt rural customers

Following the FCC’s announcement last week of a plan to block U.S. carriers from using federal funds to purchase Huawei products or services — based on perceived national security risks — the Chinese networking giant today issued a statement broadly denying the security claims. In the statement, Huawei said security issues cited by the FCC “simply aren’t true,” and that the restriction will hurt rural mobile customers. The denial follows months of allegations from U.S. authorities that Huawei gear could be compromised by the Chinese government, imperiling consumers and upcoming 5G networks.

Describing itself as a “100 percent employee-owned company,” Huawei says that it poses “no security threat in any country” and that “no government agency has ever tried to intervene in our operations or decisions.” It also pointed to its 30-year track record as an equipment provider now “trusted in more than 170 countries and regions,” claiming that “not a single operator has experienced a security issue with our equipment.”

“We are disappointed by the FCC’s proposal,” the statement continues, noting that Huawei had hoped to help carriers extend wireless coverage to rural and underserved areas. “If adopted, rural operators will have fewer options available to them,” as will consumers and businesses. “U.S. authorities should not base major legislative decisions on speculation and rumor.”