The U.S. has largely led the push against network equipment from Chinese companies like Huawei. Some of its allies have followed its lead on the matter and it appears that the administration is willing to kick things up a notch. A new report claims that the White House is mulling an executive order to officially ban American carriers from sourcing 5G equipment from companies like Huawei.
If such an executive order is issued, it would primarily impact Huawei and ZTE, as they are the two largest Chinese manufacturers of telecommunications equipment. Both have been vying to win clients as carriers across the globe prepare to roll out their 5G networks in the coming years.
Reuters reports that the planned executive order would direct the Commerce Department to ban purchases of telecommunications equipment from Chinese companies on grounds of national security. This action would not require approval from Congress.
The scribe mentions that this option has been under consideration at the administration for as long as eight months. The order would only focus on carriers and won’t prohibit individuals from buying smartphones made by Chinese companies.
The White House has not yet commented on the matter officially. “Barring Huawei from participating in various 5G markets is like an NBA game without all-stars,” wrote Huawei chairman Guo Ping on the company’s official WeChat page today.