Canadian telecommunications carriers block Huawei from 5G networks

They chose Nokia and Ericsson over Chinese suppliers.

Two Canadian telecom suppliers decided not to buy equipment from Huawei Technologies for their 5G network, in a major defeat to the Chinese supplier's business ambitions in maple leaf country.

Vancouver-based Telus issued a statement on Tuesday 2-6 saying it will apply equipment from Ericsson and Nokia to build fifth-generation infrastructure. The same day, Bell Canada announced it had chosen Ericsson as the source of the 5G device.

Both Telus and Bell used Huawei equipment for parts of their current network. Telus in particular ran a 5G research center with Huawei, but the Canadian operator will separate itself from the Chinese supplier for the time being.

Their announcement follows a recent court ruling that blocked the efforts of Huawei Chief Financial Officer Meng Wanzhou, ending the extradition proceedings to the United States. She was charged with financial fraud, which has been held by Canadian authorities since December 2018.

The Canadian government is yet to make a clear decision on whether or not to allow Huawei equipment in the country's 5G network. Bell may still consider cooperating with Huawei in building 5G infrastructure if the Canadian government gives the green light so, according to local media, and Telus can follow suit.

Huawei has signed 5G trade contracts with more than 90 telecommunications companies worldwide, mainly in Europe. The company is pouring out more resources into expanding its business outside China.

The U.S. government, meanwhile, lobbied its allies to eliminate Huawei, citing potential security risks. Even in the UK, where the government has allowed Huawei to join the 5G network on a limited basis, more and more officials are calling for a complete ban on the tech conglomerate.