U.S. telecom giant AT&T has decided to back out of a deal with Huawei to sell the smartphones of the Chinese company in the U.S. market. Huawei announced a collaboration with AT&T earlier this week at CES2018. However, at the last minute, AT&T followed up with an announcement of its own, stating that it was cancelling the potential deal.
It is still unclear as to why AT&T decided to back out. Huawei will likely announce the availability of its MatePro10 soon as the company is already selling unlocked phones through online channels and other retail stores. However, a deal such as making the smartphone available through a major carrier could have enhanced the profile of Huawei. As of late, the company is on the receiving end of some suspicion from several American companies and politicians.
Six years earlier at CES2012, Richard Yu, CEO of Huawei’s consumer division, disclosed that the company needed some time to gain an acceptance from U.S. carriers so their high-end phones will be accepted in the U.S. market. He said, “We are early in the U.S. market, but maybe there are some other reasons like trust, for the carriers. The U.S. government is also an influence—it gives some noise.”
Six years after this statement was made, it still appears to be a very long wait for that acceptance. A press conference is scheduled at Huawei headquarters on the new developments.
