(Yicai Global) July 6 -- ZTE has won a temporary reprieve from the US commerce department, and it and its unit Shenzhen ZTE Kangxun Telecom were granted a limited general authorization to operate on July 2, per US export administration regulations.

The concession allows continued operation of existing networks and equipment and any transactions needed to maintain and support networks or equipment, including software updates or patches, under contracts and agreements executed between Guangdong province-based ZTE and third parties before April 15, per the announcement.

The grant, which also authorizes provision of similar services and support to ZTE phones, is likewise limited to models introduced on or before April 15.

The company may further disclose information on security vulnerabilities to preserve the integrity and reliability of exisiting communications networks and equipment. Parties may also make and receive payment to or from ZTE.

The limited authorization is valid until August 1. Exports, re-exports, transfers (in-country), activities and transactions prohibited under the commerce department's denial order of April 15 remain prohibited, however.

ZTE appointed new company officers yesterday to appease US authorities, including its chief executive, and chief technical and chief financial officers.