Sweden has banned telecoms equipment from Huawei and ZTE in its 5G network; joining other European nations that have restricted the role of Chinese suppliers on security grounds.
The Swedish Post and Telecom Authority (PTS) said; the setting of the license conditions followed assessments by the Swedish Armed Forces and the Swedish Security Service.
However it had given telecoms operators until 2025 to remove equipment made by the companies from their existing infrastructure for core functions.
Sweden ban on Huawei
“China is one of the biggest threats to Sweden,” said Klas Friberg, head of Sweden’s security services.
Consequently he added that China was aiding its economic development and military capabilities by “extensive intelligence gathering and theft of technology, research and development”.
Mr Friberg added:
“This is what we must consider when building the 5G network of the future. We cannot compromise with Sweden’s security.”
Moreover European governments have been tightening controls on Chinese companies building 5G networks following diplomatic pressure from Washington.
Whereas it alleges Beijing used Huawei equipment for spying.
Huawei has repeatedly denied being a national security risk.
China said no “concrete evidence” had been provided to show equipment from its companies posed a threat to Sweden’s national security.
“There are no factual grounds to support allegations of Huawei posing any security threat,” a Huawei spokesman said.
ZTE did not immediately respond to requests for comment:
“The exclusion of Huawei is simply based on groundless presumption and is unfair and unacceptable.”
However Ben Wood, chief of research at CCS Insight said:
“The ban leaves network operators with less options and risks slowing the rollout of 5G in markets where competition is reduced.”
Whereas Tele2, which uses Huawei equipment in its network and had earlier; called Huawei an important vendor, said the ban “does not change our plans substantially”.
Industry consultant John Strand said:
“Many operators have already proven that when they rip and replace Chinese equipment, it doesn’t have a negative impact on their capital spending.”