The Brazilian government will not prevent Huawei from competing in 5G auction which is due to be held in June, a potential blow to US government efforts in restricting the manufacturer.
Reuters cited local newspaper Estado de S. Paulo, which was told by a government source saying the government will not restrict the Chinese vendor from aiding in 5G deployments. This is due to the financial burdens for operators that can potentially run into billions of dollars, coupled with US President Donald Trump departing from the White House.
Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro was a massive ally to Donald Trump whose administration pushed financial programmes and initiatives, to sway Brazilian operators from buying gear off Huawei. But with President-elect Joe Biden poised to take power in a few days, Bolsonaro was forced to backtrack on his view that Huawei shares private data with the Chinese government.
Brazilian operators were reportedly against Huawei being banned from auctions, with all operators snubbing an invitation from US undersecretary of state for economic growth and the environment Keith Krach, an effort to rally support.
Hamilton Mourao, the Brazilian vice president was also reportedly against snubbing the Asian vendor. Estado de S. Paulo reported the vice president said companies able to prove their credentials in maintaining Brazil’s national sovereignty and data protection will be allowing to supply 5G equipment.
