Universities still partnering with Huawei despite 5G ban

Leading Canadian universities say they intend to continue research and development with Huawei Technologies Co – which reaps intellectual property from the partnerships – after Ottawa’s decision to ban the Chinese telecommunications giant from 5G wireless networks over national security concerns, write Robert Fife and Steven Chase for The Globe and Mail.

When the Trudeau government announced on 19 May that it would bar Huawei from selling 5G equipment to Canadian telecommunications companies, it did not take action against Huawei’s extensive dealings with Canadian universities. Huawei spends roughly CA$25 million (US$19.5 million) annually on university R&D projects aimed at the development of advanced communications technologies including 5G and 6G wireless.

The company participates in research programmes, often as a sponsor, at about 20 Canadian postsecondary institutions including the University of Toronto, University of British Columbia, McGill University, Carleton University, University of Calgary and the University of Waterloo. Universities contacted by The Globe and Mail say they have no plans to sever ties to Huawei unless instructed to do so by the federal government.
Full report on The Globe and Mail site