Huawei, one of the largest suppliers of telecommunications equipment, has fought concerns for years that its products might be secretly altered or planted with malicious software.

In June 2010, Alcatel-Lucent won the contract to supply gigabit passive optical network equipment (GPON) for Australia's NBN. GPON is an IP based system that allows multiple homes or business to share a fiber connection from a service provider's central office. The technology is one of Huawei's specialties, but according to Monday's Australian Financial Review, the company was not allowed to submit a tender.

Mitchell said the company is involved in eight of the nine major national broadband projects underway worldwide, including the U.K.'s 21st Century Network, a major nation broadband project, where it has been the sole supplier for the last six years. Additionally, the company said it already works with all of Australia's major operators.

"It's a new era for everyone, and we're confident that we can get over this hurdle," Mitchell said during the interview.

In December 2010, Huawei opened a security testing center in the U.K. in order for its hardware and software to be tested by organizations such as