Trump signs order effectively banning HUAWEI telecom equipment in US

President Donald Trump has signed an executive order that bans the use of telecommunications equipment from foreign firms deemed a national security risk.

According to an excerpt of the executive order, Trump has declared a national emergency due to the threat presented by foreign telecommunications equipment. The order cites the risk of sabotage to communications, general national security risks, and the risk to critical infrastructure and the digital economy.

The executive order doesn’t mention Huawei or China at all, but CNN reports that the Commerce Department added HUAWEI to a so-called “Entity List” following the order. This list is reportedly for companies that the U.S. government deems to be undermining U.S. interests. According to Reuters, this means HUAWEI is barred from obtaining parts and components from U.S. companies without U.S. government approval.

HUAWEI reacts to executive order

HUAWEI has also responded to the move, saying it will result in the U.S. lagging behind in 5G.

“Restricting HUAWEI from doing business in the U.S. will not make the U.S. more secure or stronger; instead, this will only serve to limit the U.S. to inferior yet more expensive alternatives, leaving the U.S. lagging behind in 5G deployment,” the company said in a statement to Android Authority.

Officials reportedly refused to confirm whether the government would help carriers pay for the removal of existing HUAWEI equipment. The officials didn’t clarify what kind of punishment will be doled out to companies that violate the order, either.

News of the executive order also comes after the Chinese firm said it was willing to sign “no-spy” agreements with governments. The agreements would reportedly make HUAWEI legally responsible for preventing snooping on other countries using its equipment.

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