Huawei Challenges Portugal’s Ban on 5G Equipment

In a controversial move, Chinese tech giant Huawei has lodged a lawsuit with the Administrative Court in Lisbon challenging a resolution made by Portugal’s security assessment commission. This resolution, effectively bans operators from using the company’s 5G equipment in the country.

Speaking to Mobile World Live, a Huawei representative commented on the resolution, stating: “We are seeking to protect legitimate interests and legal rights under the law as a company duly established in Portugal. We expected to remedy the multiple violations of Huawei Portugal’s rights. The resolution has a significant detrimental impact to the company and its partners.”

Huawei Portugal has also spoken up, claiming the resolution violates their legal rights as a company. A statement from the company read: “Huawei Portugal seeks protection of its legitimate interests and legal rights under the law as a company duly established in Portugal.”

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

The resolution, reported by Portuguese publication O Jornal Economico, prevents the use of 5G equipment from companies outside of members of the European Union, NATO, and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). It is widely considered to be a measure to block Chinese vendors.

Mario Campolargo, Secretary of State for Digitalisation, who chairs the CSSC, explained: “The deliberation in May was based on an independent, strict security assessment following European Union guidelines, and did not specifically target Chinese suppliers.”

Portugal’s main operators, Altice, NOS and Vodafone have already stated that they will not use Huawei’s equipment in 5G core networks. In response, the CSSC stated: “(5G networks) should be scrutiniseable, transparent and reliable for the state, citizens and companies.”

Huawei’s legal battle in Portugal is just the latest in a series of issues concerning the company in Western markets. Huawei has repeatedly denied the various claims made against it. However, with US authorities spearheading a campaign against the vendor on security grounds, this could be the Chinese company’s greatest challenge yet.

Source: Mobile World Live