Tech News Summary:
- Portugal’s cybersecurity council (CSSC) has issued a resolution that could prevent telecom operators from using Chinese equipment on their high-speed 5G mobile networks. This move is aimed at Huawei and other Chinese tech companies.
- Major carriers Altice, NOS, and Vodafone in Portugal have already stated they will not use Huawei equipment in 5G core networks. The CSSC’s resolution could formalize this stance and potentially extend it to cover existing contracts based on new technology.
- The outcome of the ongoing debate about the use of Chinese equipment in Europe’s 5G networks will have significant implications for the future of 5G technology in Europe. European companies Ericsson and Nokia could benefit if Huawei is excluded, but analysts warn that a duopoly of Western suppliers could lead to higher costs and slower innovation in the 5G market.
In a significant move, Portugal has taken a bold step towards banning Chinese suppliers from its 5G network. The country’s government has recently approved a set of measures to limit the role of foreign vendors in building its 5G infrastructure, paving the way for a potential ban on Chinese companies such as Huawei.
This decision follows similar moves by other countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia who have already banned or restricted the use of Chinese suppliers in their 5G networks, raising major security concerns.
Portugal’s Prime Minister António Costa declared, “We want our partners to be reliable, and we want our infrastructure to be safe. Our goal is to maintain a secure and trustworthy 5G network while also promoting innovation and competition.”
The decision came after months of deliberation by the government’s cybersecurity authority and follows a recommendation by the European Union to take a cautious approach to involving third-party suppliers in the country’s critical infrastructure.
Although the decision is not aimed solely at China, the move could have serious implications for Huawei as they are the leading supplier of 5G infrastructure across the global market.
China has been keen to expand its influence in Europe, particularly through its Belt and Road Initiative. However, concerns over cybersecurity have increased, leading to a growing number of countries taking a more cautious approach to Chinese investment.
Critics have called for a more unified approach across Europe, citing the need to harmonize policies in 5G security in the face of growing Chinese influence in the sector.
Portugal’s decision is seen as a significant step towards a more coordinated approach amongst European nations on Huawei and could set a precedent for other countries to follow.