European wireless carriers raise concerns over reduced 5G competition amid possible Huawei ban

The GSMA, an association representing mobile operators worldwide, on Thursday called for Europe to “safeguard network security and competition” in the telecommunications infrastructure industry, as the US warns its European allies against using equipment from Huawei Technologies.

The letter from the wireless industry group, which represent over 750 carriers globally, highlights the widespread effects brought about by a possible Western ban on Huawei, though did not specifically refer to Huawei. The Chinese company is currently the world’s No 1 telecoms equipment supplier, and its products are used by carriers all over the world – including in rural US and in major European countries like Germany.

“As with 4G, robust competition among network infrastructure suppliers is essential to European operators’ ability to deliver innovative services to European citizens and businesses at competitive and affordable prices,” GSMA wrote in the letter.

The advent of 5G, which could be up to 100 times faster than current 4G networks, will enable innovations in artificial intelligence, the internet of things and big data, GSMA said.

“Limiting or stalling the deployment of 5G or requiring changes to existing 4G infrastructure, risks leaving European consumers and businesses behind,” it wrote.

Huawei is fighting back amid accusations of violating US trade sanctions on Iran and stealing trade secrets, on top of national security concerns that its telecoms infrastructure could be used for spying purposes by the Chinese government.