Portuguese Watchdog Takes Steps to Bar Huawei from 5G Networks

Portugal is taking steps to bar Huawei’s equipment from its 5G mobile networks. In accordance with the resolution reached in May, Portugal’s Telecom Watchdog is working with the country’s main operators, Altice, NOS and Vodafone, to implement the high-level resolution aimed at ensuring the security of the country’s critical infrastructure.

Speaking on the issue, ANACOM president Joao Cadete de Matos said, ‘It is work that is ongoing and we hope that it will be carried out successfully, reported Reuters.  We can assure the Portuguese that we are also working together with the operators.’

In addition, Portugal’s secretary of state for digitalisation, Mario Campolargo added, ‘The resolution reached in May was based on an independent, strict security assessment following European Union guidelines, and did not specifically target Chinese suppliers.’

Related: Germany Considers Banning China’s Huawei, ZTE From 5G Network

The resolution reached by Portugal is in line with European and U.S. concerns that Chinese involvement in critical infrastructure could compromise security. While Huawei has legally objected to the move, the Portuguese watchdog has said it will continue working to implement the resolutions, while the European Union is expected to release an official recommendation in the upcoming days.

Source: Reuters