Sweden Bans Chinese Huawei and ZTE from 5G Networks

Must be removed by January 1, 2025

[Asia Economy Reporter Ki Ha-young] Swedish regulatory authorities have banned the use of telecommunications equipment from Chinese companies Huawei and ZTE in the country's 5th generation mobile communication (5G) networks.

According to major foreign media on the 20th (local time), the Swedish Post and Telecom Authority (PTS) made this decision ahead of the frequency auction scheduled for next month. PTS explained that it followed the evaluations of the Swedish military and security agency. Accordingly, companies participating in the frequency auction must remove Huawei and ZTE equipment from core functions by January 1, 2025. PTS defined core functions as equipment used for building radio access networks, transmission networks, core networks, as well as network services and maintenance.

Governments across Europe are reconsidering the use of Chinese company equipment in their domestic network construction under pressure from the United States. The U.S. has urged the European Union (EU) and allied countries not to use Huawei equipment, the Chinese company leading next-generation 5G technology, citing concerns that it could be used for Chinese espionage activities.

Earlier in July, the UK government announced that it would stop purchasing Huawei equipment for 5G network construction starting next year and would completely remove Huawei equipment already in use in the network by 2027.