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Sweden bans Huawei, ZTE from upcoming 5G mobile networks
- The ban was implemented after assessments made by the Swedish Armed Forces and the Swedish Security Service
- European governments have been reviewing the role of Chinese companies in building their telecoms networks, following pressure from the United States
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Swedish regulators on Tuesday banned the use of telecommunications equipment from China’s Huawei Technologies and ZTE Corp in its 5G mobile networks ahead of the spectrum auction scheduled for next month.
The Swedish Post and Telecom Authority (PTS) said the setting of the licence conditions, which excluded use of products from Huawei or ZTE in new installations, followed assessments by the Swedish Armed Forces and the Swedish Security Service.
European governments have been reviewing the role of Chinese companies in building their telecoms networks, following pressure from the United States. Washington has said these suppliers pose a security threat because, among other concerns, Chinese companies and citizens must by law aid the state in intelligence gathering.
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Britain in July ordered Huawei equipment to be purged completely from the country’s mobile networks by 2027, becoming one of the first European countries to do so.
02:27
UK bans Huawei from 5G network after US sanctions
UK bans Huawei from 5G network after US sanctions
Huawei and ZTE did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the decision by Sweden. The country is home to telecoms gear maker Ericsson, a major competitor of the two Chinese firms.
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