5G global standards won’t split despite scrutiny of Chinese telecoms gear makers, GSMA official says

The positive prospects for 5G follow Washington’s decision last year to change a rule that prohibits US companies from working with Chinese firms on global standards

China treats 5G services expansion as a national strategic priority

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A large 5G signage is seen above an exhibition booth at telecommunications industry trade show MWC Shanghai on February 23, 2021. Photo: Xinhua

Published: 9:30pm, 25 Feb 2021Updated: 9:44pm, 25 Feb 2021

A geographic split of global 5G standards is not likely to happen, despite the ongoing trade and tech dispute between Washington and Beijing, according to a senior official of telecommunications trade body GSM Association.

The participation of Chinese companies in drawing up global telecoms standards has continued to grow over the past few years amid tensions in US-China relations, Sihan Bo Chen, head of GSMA Greater China, told the South China Morning Post on the sidelines of industry trade show MWC Shanghai on Wednesday.

GSMA, the event’s organiser, represents the interests of more than 750 wireless network operators and almost 400 companies in the broader mobile ecosystem.

“The 3GPP hasn’t excluded any Chinese companies so far,” said Chen, referring to the main industry body that helps set international telecoms standards.

The 3GPP is a collaboration between groups of telecoms associations in Asia, Europe and North America. The International Telecommunications Union, a specialised agency under the United Nations, is responsible for the overall standardisation process for the industry.

Attendees walk past the Huawei Technologies Co logo at telecommunications industry trade show MWC Shanghai on February 23, 2021. Photo: Bloomberg

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