Communication (market of Sweden)

2020: Sweden prohibited use of the equipment of Huawei and ZTE in development of 5G network

In the middle of October, 2020 Sweden prohibited use of telecommunication equipment of Huawei and ZTE at deployment of 5G networks in the territory of the country. Thus, Sweden joined other European states which limited a role of the Chinese suppliers for safety reasons.

The decision was made according to the recommendation of armed forces and security services of the country which called China of "one of the biggest threats for Sweden". The Swedish companies should replace till January 1, 2025 the equipment of Huawei and ZTE within already existing infrastructure. In turn marketing specialists consider that such prohibition limits possibilities of network operators and risks to slow down deployment of a 5G in the markets with insufficient competitive base.

It is known that the European governments toughen control over the Chinese suppliers because of diplomatic pressure from the USA. China repeatedly denied charges of espionage, pressing lack of "concrete proofs".

Sweden prohibited use of telecommunication equipment of Huawei and ZTE companies at deployment of 5G networks

There are no actual bases to claim that Huawei poses any security risk to other countries, - the representative of Huawei considers. - The exception of Huawei of projects on development of 5G network is not proved, unfairly and unacceptably.

In Sweden the Ericsson ERICb.ST company, one of the leading European suppliers of telecommunication equipment and the largest competitor of Huawei, and not only in Sweden, but also in China is based. Ericsson won contracts with all three large operators in China on delivery of the radio equipment for 5G networks. If the Chinese government takes the answer-back measures and will toughen supply control of the foreign equipment, Ericsson will suffer from sanctions too.^[1]

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