New Zealand rejects Huawei’s first 5G bid citing national security risk

The decision comes as Western nations become increasingly wary of what they say is possible Chinese government involvement in fifth-generation mobile and other communications networks. Huawei has repeatedly insisted Beijing has no influence over it.

WELLINGTON: New Zealand’s intelligence agency has rejected the telecom industry’s first request in the country to use 5G equipment provided by China’s Huawei Technologies Co Ltd, citing concerns about national security.

Telecommunications services provider Spark New Zealand Ltd, which made the request, said yesterday it would review the reasoning before considering any further steps.