Huawei is facing an uncertain future, as the US Department of Justice is said to be investigating the company for violating sanctions on Iran. While neither company has confirmed the inquiry, sources say that the Chinese smartphone maker is developing its own mobile OS as a backup plan.
American authorities have been looking into Chinese companies for the possibility of them having sold US-made technology in Iran; which was under an export ban until 2016. ZTE was the highest profile victim of this investigation. Having been found guilty of not only violating the sanctions, but also lying about the matter.
The company is now facing a seven year ban from American technology. A ban that may end up including Google’s Android operating system; which powers almost all of ZTE’s smartphones.
Huawei, now facing a similar investigation, is said to be looking into contingency plans. The company claims that it obeys all the laws and regulations of the countries in which it operates. But international trade sanctions may not be the reason that it is being careful.
Huawei believes that it is being unfairly targeted by US government protectionist policies. Especially after political pressure prevented a triumphant entry into the American market earlier this year. Not to mention that US intelligence chiefs have warned officials against using Huawei made equipment and devices.
Despite this, honor president Zhao Ming says that there is operating system being worked on. He claimed that it would be possible should the need arise. He also said that Huawei and honor have nothing to be worried about, as the company has not broken any laws or violated any sanctions.
[Source: South China Morning Post]
