While Huawei is banned from the 5G market in several English-speaking countries at the instigation of the United States, the countries of the European Union are still undecided as to the measures to be taken. But recent statements by Agnès Pannier-Runacher, secretary of state for telecoms, in an interview with Le Monde, encourage optimism about the future of society in France.
Huawei is ahead of the 5G, France is aware
"Huawei is technologically ahead, makes big investments, and has telecommunications equipment at the terminals. It's one of the big players in the market that we see as the others, "she says. Huawei should therefore not receive special treatment despite accusations of cyber espionage and collusion with the Chinese government.
"I am pleased that Huawei, like Nokia and Ericsson, is investing in our market and I will be pleased to see other OEMs, such as Samsung, do so. It is an issue of competitiveness, "said the Secretary of State, while the CEO of Orange thinks that France is already one year behind the 5G.
Agnès Pannier-Runacher admits that there is a real security issue. "What is certain is that 5G equipment poses a cyber security risk. We have to take it into account, "she explains. "The risk of faults on this technology is greater. They do not just focus, as was the case before, in a core network but will go back to the equipment at the base of antennas. If the state did not take into account these cybersecurity risks, it would be irresponsible. "
She adds that "irrespective of the nationality [of the] equipment manufacturers", two points are particularly important in the eyes of the government: "the quality of their technology - and on that some players are more fragile than Huawei - and the fact that companies may be subject to extraterritorial laws, which would be contrary to our interests ". This last point could still put obstacles in the wheel of Huawei, even if the trend looks favorable.
Statements that should reassure French operators. While Orange said it did not rely on Huawei for its 5G equipment, its competitors decided to put their trust in the Chinese group. Free, SFR and Bouygues are working with Huawei to roll out their 5G network in France. In addition to providing quality services and products, the mobile and telecom giant has the advantage of being relatively inexpensive compared to Ericsson, Nokia or Samsung.
