Chinese in running for Optus 4G deal A senior industry source believes Huawei will get all or part of Optus' new 4G construction contract. The federal government is on a collision course with Chinese telecommunications company Huawei amid expectations it will emerge with all or part of a $2 billion contract to build an ultra-fast mobile network for Optus. The deal to build a national 4G network for the carrier would give Huawei a foothold in Australia after it was locked out of the national broadband network on security grounds. The move is likely to reignite scrutiny around Huawei given Optus has contacts with the Department of Defence, albeit on its satellite service. Huawei, which ranks as one of the world's biggest telco firms, was banned last year by the federal government from participating in tenders to supply equipment to the NBN largely because of undisclosed national security concerns. Optus uses Nokia-Siemens Networks for part of its mobile network, but has been trialling Huawei equipment in its 4G network. Huawei Australia chairman John Lord said a local listing of the company is "inevitable" in the future to help boost transparency as it battles persistent accusations of having close links to the Chinese military. Huawei is expected to renew efforts to win lucrative supply contracts in the NBN rollout if the Coalition wins the federal election. The Coalition has promised if it wins office to review the decision in the light of the "complete advice" and intelligence material compiled by ASIO. In opposition it is entitled to only an extract from ASIO's report on Huawei. Chen Lifang, a member of the company's global and Australian boards, said Huawei accepted the government's decision to exclude it from supplying to the NBN but would love to have another opportunity. "We accept the government's decision of not allowing Huawei to supply to NBN," she told Fairfax Media. But if you ask me whether I have an expectation? Of course, Huawei would love to contribute to the building of NBN project if we were to be welcomed back in Australia.