Sweden bans Huawei, ZTE from upcoming 5G networks

STOCKHOLM, Oct 20 (Arab News): Swedish regulators on Tuesday banned the use of telecom equipment from China's Huawei and ZTE in its 5G network ahead of the spectrum auction scheduled for next month.

The Swedish Post and Telecom Authority (PTS) said auctions the setting of the license conditions followed assessments by the Swedish Armed Forces and security service.

European governments have been reviewing the role of Chinese companies in building their networks following pressure from the United States, which says they pose a security threat because, among other concerns, Chinese companies and citizens must by law aid the state in intelligence gathering.

Sweden's security service called China "one of the biggest threats against Sweden."

The United Kingdom in July ordered Huawei equipment to be purged completely from Britain's 5G network by 2027, becoming one of the first European countries to do so. Huawei and ZTE did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the decision by Sweden, home to Ericsson.