Chinese tech company Huawei is seeking an urgent meeting with the government, after the Government Communications Security Bureau (GCSB) blocked Spark's bid to use its equipment in the new 5G network.
Photo: AFP
The GCSB turned down Spark's proposed use of Huawei equipment in its new network yesterday because it would raise "significant" security risks.
In a statement released this afternoon, Huawei New Zealand deputy managing director Andrew Bowater said the company had not had any formal notification or contact from the GCSB.
Huawei would welcome the opportunity to actively address any concerns and work together to find a way forward, he said.
In the interests of natural justice and fairness, Huawei is seeking an urgent meeting with the relevant Ministers and officials to understand the government's position and get clarification of the process from here.
"There has been no evidence of wrongdoing by Huawei presented and we strongly reject the notion that our business threatens New Zealand in any way. We deserve the opportunity to have our voice heard and to address any concerns in good faith," Mr Bowater said.
"Since Huawei was established in New Zealand in 2005 it has always worked in good faith with the Government and other industry players. We believe that our involvement in the telecommunications sector has benefited New Zealand's economy, businesses and consumers."
The biggest potential impact of the decision would be in consumers, in terms of technology and price, due to the lack of competition.