Security News > 2020 > October > Sweden Bans Huawei, ZTE From 5G, Calls China Biggest Threat
Sweden is banning Chinese tech companies Huawei and ZTE from building new high-speed wireless networks after a top security official called China one of the country's biggest threats.
The Swedish telecom regulator said Tuesday that four wireless carriers bidding for frequencies in an upcoming spectrum auction for the new 5G networks must not use equipment from Huawei or ZTE. Wireless carriers that plan to use existing telecommunications infrastructure for 5G networks must also rip out any existing gear from Huawei or ZTE, the Swedish Post and Telecom Authority said.
Sweden is the latest country to prohibit Huawei from playing a role in building 5G networks and its decision is likely to add to tensions between the Chinese government and Western powers.
"Huawei has never caused even the slightest shred of threat to Swedish cyber security and never will," it said.
"Excluding Huawei will not make Swedish 5G networks any more secure. Rather, competition and innovation will be severely hindered."