U.S. regulators are working to clarify how American companies can work with Shenzhen-based Huawei Technologies Co. in setting standards for next generation 5G wireless networks, Reuters reported Wednesday.

The U.S. Department of Commerce is drafting a new rule that will allow American companies to participate in standards bodies where Huawei is also a member and will clarify what technology and information employees could share with Huawei, the news agency said, citing unidentified sources close to the matter.

Engineers in some U.S. technology companies stopped engaging with Huawei to develop standards after the U.S. Commerce Department blacklisted the company last year. The listing left companies uncertain about what technology and information their employees could share with Huawei, the world’s largest telecommunications equipment maker.

That has put the United States at a disadvantage, said industry and government officials. In standards setting meetings, where protocols and technical specifications are developed that allow equipment from different companies to function together smoothly, Huawei gained a stronger voice as U.S. engineers sat back in silence.

“This is good for all communications technology participants and should benefit everyone who cares about these technologies,” said Andy Purdy, Huawei’s U.S. chief security officer. (SD-Agencies)