Reasons to block 5G deployment of Spark "classified"

The Minister responsible for the Communications Security Branch of the Government (GCSB) said that the reasons why a Chinese technology company would not participate in the deployment of 5G technology here are classified.

The GCSB rejected Spark's proposed use of Huawei equipment in its new network as this would pose significant risks to national security.

Andrew Little said that he had been informed of the decision Monday but could not disclose the risks.

"Spark notified the GCSB a couple of months ago, GCSB has done an assessment of the technology that Spark is proposing to introduce, and it has been assessed as a risk to national security. Spark today. "

Spark indicated that it would look closely at the reasons for the GCSB assessment, and if she wished to continue with the proposal she would have the opportunity to work with the GCSB to review [those risks]. "

Mr. Little said the 5G technology was more sophisticated than older network technology and was not currently used in New Zealand.

"The main difference between 5G technology and conventional 4G and 3G technologies is that conventional technology includes a basic infrastructure, then peripheral technologies such as mobile towers, and that they can actually be separate, but you can not do it with 5G Technology. "

"Each component of 5G technology, each component of the network is integrated and, therefore, access to a component can lead to access to the entire network."

He stated that the GCSB's investigation of the network was a common practice.

"Under the relevant legislation, telecommunications operators wishing to integrate new technologies into their network must inform the GCSB, and the GCSB will then evaluate the technology to determine if it poses a threat to national security.

He said the GCSB's decision was not a total compromise for Spark's deployment of 5G.

"Spark stated that they are committed to deploying 5G by the end of 2020, there is no reason they can not meet this deadline, they know they will have to go through this process. it's underway and there's still work to be done. "

Meanwhile, 2degrees is seeking clarification from the GCSB on the use of Huawei's radio network equipment.

The company said it took notice of Spark's statement and commented on the decision, which would limit the options.

It was important for the sector to be able to choose from several suppliers in order to maintain price competitiveness.

Matthew Bolland, Head of Corporate Affairs at 2degrees, said it would be a real disappointment for the competition if Huawei could not be used in the deployment of the 5G network, which 2degrees was determined to build.

Last week, technology journalist Bill Bennett said New at noon the proposed 5G network is much wider than previous versions.

"There are few phones – in fact, I do not think there are any currently on sale in New Zealand – that are ready for 5G," he said.

"This is not so serious, because the 5G is not about mobile phones, but rather the wireless communication infrastructure."

He said that with the 5G, mobile Internet speeds would be faster – but that at some point it would make no difference.

"The mobile speeds are not really slow, it only takes a few megabits per second to download high definition and high quality videos … Having a reading speed 10 times faster, 20 times faster is not so bad phone user. "

He said that the real benefit of 5G is what is called network cutting.

"This means that a company like Spark can divide its 5G network and sell private items to other companies.So, for example, you can have a private network on the 5G network for for example, a transport company.

"Its trucks can talk at the base, talk to each other, etc. – and will never be safe from traffic jams because they have spectrum for their use."

He says that this capability is especially critical for vehicles like autonomous vehicles.

"They are not autonomous, they have to report," he said.

"You do not want a car traveling at 100 km / h to compete with people talking to each other on Facebook to get a spectrum that will allow it to brake quickly."