The ban is to ensure that the use of frequencies does not endanger the security of Sweden. Announcement comes after Sweden’s armed forces and security services made an assessment of telecommunications network tenders. Several other European countries are gradually closing the door on Huawei or are considering doing so after pressure from the United States, who consider the company as being part of China’s surveillance state. Huawei will not be subject to a total ban on the 5G market, but operators already using the firm’s equipment will have operating authorizations limited to eight years.
The new installations in the central functions for the radio use of the frequency bands must be carried out without Huawei or ZTE suppliers. Huawei has become the world leader in telecom network equipment with a notable lead over 5G, and now outstrips its rivals in market share. ZTE is also one of the world’s leading suppliers of equipment, such as antennas. Four operators have been selected for the upcoming auction round on 10 November for 2.3 and 3.5 GHz frequencies for the future 5G network. These include the former incumbent Telia, as well as Hi3G Access – better known under its “3” trademark – Net4Mobility, and the audiovisual distributor Teracom, says PTS.