France Urges Domestic Telecom Operators to Avoid Using Huawei 5G Equipment Whenever Possible

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] France's National Cybersecurity Agency (ANSSI) announced on the 5th (local time) that it is requesting domestic telecom operators to avoid using equipment from Chinese telecommunications company Huawei in their 5G mobile networks as much as possible. However, a complete ban will not be implemented.

According to AFP and other sources on the 5th (local time), Guillaume Poupard, head of ANSSI, stated in an interview with the economic daily Les Echos that telecom operators currently not using Huawei equipment are being asked to continue refraining from using Huawei equipment. He also revealed that telecom operators already using Huawei equipment will be given a permit issuance period of 3 to 8 months, indicating that Huawei's access to France's 5G networks will be restricted.

However, Poupard emphasized that this measure is not a total ban on Huawei, but rather an effort to protect France's independence and is not an act of hostility towards China. He said, "This is not a harsh criticism of Huawei or anti-Chinese racism," adding, "What we can say is that the risks cannot be the same between European suppliers and non-European suppliers."

Among France's major telecom operators, Bouygues Telecom and SFR currently use a significant amount of Huawei equipment in their 4G networks. France's largest mobile operator, Orange, has already selected Nokia and Ericsson as its 5G equipment providers.

Meanwhile, on the same day, UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock stated that Huawei must meet certain conditions to participate in the UK's 5G mobile network. When asked about media reports that the government plans to exclude Huawei, Hancock avoided a direct answer but emphasized the need for both a strong mobile network and thorough security, saying that the National Security Council (NSC) will evaluate the conditions imposed on Huawei earlier this year and make the right decision.

Earlier, the Sunday Telegraph reported that the UK government, which had decided in January to allow Huawei's participation in 5G, is now planning to halt the installation of Huawei equipment within six months.