Somewhat related: Huawei has supported the equipment to build broadband networks in some poorer countries essentially for free. If someone wants details, I can bug a Maroccan friends for reference.
I wonder what is hidden behind word "free". It is not unknown fact that China is getting oil and other natural resources in exchange of infrastructure in some African countries. In this case it might be special market conditions. I'm guessing only but I really don't believe in generosity of corporations (be it Chinese, US or any other country).
It is not uncommon in Africa to have well developed 3G networks and poorly developed landline services. It would not be unreasonable for companies selling land line broadband gear to try and kick start demand in places where consumer interest in landline services is lacking. As an example Nigeria has extremely patchy broadband but is already rolling out LTE.
I guess what lrem is implying is that this equipment is "payed for" by allowing the Chinese to spy on the citizens/government/corporations of the recipient country through backdoored Huawei equipment as hinted to by the article.
I'm not implying that. It might be one reason for the giveaway. But I can think of others, like proving to someone that can actually pay that they're able to connect a country without things blowing up. This might be pretty important in such a market. Or, even simpler, they just want to introduce some kind of vendor lock-in.
But support is not free. When it comes for durability Huawei/ZTE devices are worst of them. I am sure same is true for their networking equipments.