Monaco launches Huawei-built 5G network in Europe first
- Europe has been torn over its approach to the Chinese giant, which is a pioneer in 5G technology
- Huawei vice-president Guo Ping said the roll-out in Monaco was a major opportunity, despite small size of territory covered
Monaco on Tuesday became the first country in Europe to inaugurate a next-generation 5G mobile phone network based on technology from Chinese firm Huawei, which is seen by the US as a major security risk.
As mobile operators shift away from slower 3G and 4G networks, Europe has been torn over its approach to the Chinese giant, which is a pioneer in 5G technology.
Offering superfast wireless access, 5G mobile networks offer much greater data transfer speeds.
In September, Monaco Telecom, which is owned by French billionaire Xavier Niel, signed an agreement with Huawei to make the tiny principality the first country in Europe fully covered by 5G.
“We are the first state to be entirely covered by a 5G network,” said Monaco Telecom president Etienne Franzi at the inauguration ceremony.
“In Monaco, the 5G is the promise of a better quality of life for all and exceptional opportunities,” added the principality’s head of digital transition Frederic Genta.