Australia banned China's Huawei Technologies Co. and ZTE Corp. from supplying next-generation wireless equipment to the nation's telecom operators, the latest blow in an escalating global battle over network security.
The government Thursday gave carriers new security guidance for fifth-generation mobile technology and warned that using government-linked suppliers would risk breaching their obligations. The nature of 5G technology means security protocols governing earlier networks won't sufficiently protect against national security threats, according to a statement from Treasurer Scott Morrison and Communications Minister Mitch Fifield.
The statement didn't identify ZTE or Huawei, which Australia's security agencies have recommended be barred from supplying 5G technology. Huawei's Australia operation later put out a statement making clear it wouldn't be able to compete as carriers prepare to spend billions on the new technology.