RIYADH: Huawei users in the Kingdom are hopeful the Chinese telecoms and smartphone giant can find an amicable solution to the crisis engulfing the company following its blacklisting by the US over fears that it threatened national security.
The US Department of Commerce hit Huawei with sanctions earlier this month, banning it from conducting business with American firms and forcing major suppliers such as Google to cut ties with the company.
The US ban threatens Huawei’s position as the world’s largest telecommunications equipment maker and second-biggest smartphone brand.
However, Huawei users in Riyadh said they have not faced any issues so far and are confident the company will solve the problem.
“I am positive about the situation,” Majed Al-Hedayan told Arab News. “The US wants to remain a leading source of technology around the world, even though China is working hard to create a new leadership in (the sector).”
He said Huawei offers excellence in software and networking, which gave it an edge in a global economic competition based on high-quality technology products, affordability and after-sales service.
FASTFACT
Most of the companies that provide consulting services to Huawei are based in the US, including major firms such as IBM and Accenture.
Zafar Hasan, an IT professional in Riyadh and a Huawei user, said that he has not faced any problems with the device and hopes the global leader will find a solution to the problem.
“If someone buys a Huawei phone, it means the consumer must trust the Android. If people stop services, it means they are scared and concerned about the smartphone,” he said.
Hasan said that if Huawei introduces a new operating system, he will continue to support the company.
Meanwhile, Huawei founder Ren Zhengfei has reiterated that the company remains in a strong position despite the US sanctions.
In a statement issued by the Huawei team in Riyadh, Ren said: “What the US will do is out of our control. To us, the most important thing is to do our job well. I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to the US companies we work with. Over these 30 years, they have helped us to grow into what we are today.”
Most of the companies that provide consulting services to Huawei are based in the US, including major firms such as IBM and Accenture.
“In the face of the recent crisis, I can feel these companies’ sense of justice and sympathy toward us,” Ren added.
