for about 100 bucks in 2012. that positioned them as a low cost option for the most popular mobile operating system. then the company began in 2018 with plans to expand the u.s. footprint by partnering with at&t. but this plan was abandoned after serious push back from the u.s. government over security concerns. that's where this gets interesting. they were highlighted by a february senate hearing where six intelligence chiefs all warned against using phones made by huaway. they all voiced concern over the company's ties to the chinese government, that's something they warned allies about. american officials told allies the phones could be vulnerable to eavesdropping and stop using them. it is easier for americans to kick that huaway than allies.