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US bill plans to prevent government from working with firms that use Huawei and ZTE technology

By Cosmin Vasile

Published: Jan 13, 2018, 10:46 AM

ZTE Huawei

US bill plans to prevent government from working with firms that use Huawei and ZTE technology

It looks like Chinese smartphones makers will have a hard time selling their products in the United States. After the failed partnership between Huawei and major carrier AT&T, it appears that another Chinese giant, ZTE, will have problems signing agreements with certain firms in the US.

A Republican lawmaker announced earlier this week that it has introduced legislation aimed specifically at Huawei and ZTE. The bill that was made public this Friday is supposed to prevent the federal government from working with companies that use equipment made by Huawei and ZTE, or their services.

As you've probably guessed, the bill was introduced soon after news about AT&T dropping the Huawei partnership due to political pressure made headlines. Republican Mike Conway who introduced the bill cites spying concerns, which are based on a report issued by the House Intelligence Committee in 2012 that tagged Huawei and ZTE a national threat.

Chinese commercial technology is a vehicle for the Chinese government to spy on United States federal agencies, posing a severe national security threat. Allowing Huawei, ZTE, and other related entities access to U.S. government communications would be inviting Chinese surveillance into all aspects of our lives.

Even if the bill passes, ZTE and Huawei will still be able to sell their smartphones and service in the United States without restrictions, but many companies that are doing business with the US government will certainly avoid them.

source: The Hill via Slashgear

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Cosmin, a tech journalist with a career spanning over a decade, brought a wealth of experience to PhoneArena. His expertise lies in brands like Samsung and Nokia, and he has a keen interest in innovative technologies. After a brief stint in PR, Cosmin returned to tech journalism in 2016, committed to delivering clear and objective news. When he's not writing or appearing as a guest on TV and radio shows, Cosmin enjoys playing RPGs, watching Netflix, and nurturing his passion for history and travel.