LINCOLN- An executive order banning the state and its contractors from using communications equipment and services produced by six companies linked to the Chinese Communist Party has been signed by Governor Pillen. He listed specific companies that Pillen says are owned an controlled by the Chinese Communist Government. Those companies include Huawei Technologies, ZTE Corp., Hytera Communications, Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology and Dahua Technology and their subsidiaries.

The goal is to prevent the party from, "using technology to infiltrate and influence our state’s infrastructure.” In November, the Biden administration banned purchases of new telecommunications equipment from Huawei and ZTE because they posed “an unacceptable risk” to U.S. security. Pillen said, "I will continue to find opportunities to improve Nebraska’s infrastructure and technology grid while remaining vigilant in protecting our state’s security."

Huawei has denied that its equipment is a spying threat. In January, State Sen. Eliot Bostar of Lincoln introduced a bill to prohibit Nebraska cell phone providers using Huawei or ZTE equipment from getting funds from the state’s Universal Service Fund. That bill has already had its hearing and is waiting to be moved out of committee.

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