ZTE ceases operations, reportedly on life support after U.S. ban

Chinese smartphone and communications manufacturer ZTE is reportedly on life support following a crushing US ban. The company has apparently ceased all online and retail operations in the wake of a ban imposed by the US goverment. ZTE is China's second largest telecom equiptment maker, it made its name in North America selling affordable smartphones as well as portablw Wi-Fi hotspot devices.

ZTEwas banned  for illegally shipping goods to Iran, the result is the ceasing of major operating activities for the companies. "ZTE appears to have suspended its online stores on its own website as well as on Alibaba Group’s e-commerce platform Taobao over the past few days, which display a “page being updated” message with no products to order," a report from Reuters says.

For customers of ZTE or users of their devices, the repercussions are long reaching. We don't know is ZTE smartphones will continue receiving updates from Android, which seriously undermines customer experience and phone service.

ZTE made a splash in Canada a few years ago by releasing midrange devices which features many premium features. The company has competed on price but provided solid options for the entry-level and prepaid markets in Canada.