Huawei Turns Attention to Europe and Asia As D.C. Roadblocks Increase

Huawei appears to be scaling back its efforts to crack the U.S. market, after meeting regulatory roadblocks in Washington. The company laid off five American employees last week, including its most visible face in the nation’s capital, William Plummer. Huawei is also reducing its lobbying efforts here, after nearly a decade of trying to dispel Congress’ accusations the company works with the Chinese government and could use its telecom equipment to spy on Americans or to destabilize telecom networks, sources told the New York Times. The company repeatedly denied the claims.

Its actions come as the FCC voted Tuesday, to begin a rulemaking to block telecoms that receive Universal Service Fund support, from using services or equipment from companies deemed to be a threat to national security, Inside Towers reported. The proposal does not name any company specifically, however its effect would essentially end Huawei’s small market share in the U.S.

At an event in Shenzhen, China on Tuesday, Huawei stressed its commitment to existing markets and current customers. Executives emphasized growth opportunities in Europe and Asia, according to the Times. They described the company’s vision to expand beyond providing telecom gear and expand into artificial intelligence, the internet of things and other next-gen technologies.  Continue Reading