Huawei deal to offer free Wi-Fi at Redskins games sparked concern: report

BY EMILY BIRNBAUM - 12/24/18 04:19 PM EST

An offer from Chinese telecommunications giant Huawei to provide free Wi-Fi at Washington Redskins football games sparked a federal complaint that ultimately led to the end of the partnership, according to a Wall Street Journal article on Monday.

In 2014, Huawei and Redskins officials struck a deal that would have allowed Huawei to provide Wi-Fi to suites at the team's home, FedEx Field. In exchange, Huawei would advertise during broadcasts and in the stadium, the Journal reported.

Huawei advertised in FedEx field at two games. Redskins Vice President Rod Nenner even presented Huawei general manager Ming He on the field with a jersey that said “Huawei."

Shortly after, Michael Wessel, a member of the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission, encouraged a high-ranking government official to contact the Redskins about the partnership, according to the newspaper. The suites at the stadium are often used by prominent Washingtonians, including high-ranking officials.

The Redskins ultimately killed the deal, choosing U.S.-based Wi-Fi providers later that year. The deal between the Chinese company and the American sports team lasted roughly seven weeks, according to the Journal.

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