The Czech Republic and the United States have signed a joint declaration that expects increased cooperation with next-generation 5G networks and more rigourous supplier and supply chain evaluation processes. The United States has been advising countries that equipment from Chinese suppliers like Huawei and ZTE pose security threats and has been calling for countries to exclude Huawei Technologies's telecom gear when implementing 5G mobile phone networks. The Czech Republic's cybersecurity authority in 2018 highlighted the potential risks of using technologies provided by both Chinese companies though there has been no conclusive ban. The Czech's telecom regulator is expected to facilitate a 5G frequencies auction later this year.