Portugal may soon join the growing list of countries effectively excluding Huawei and other Chinese companies from participating in their 5G infrastructure development. In a recent recommendation, the Portuguese government has advised local carriers against sourcing 5G equipment from suppliers outside the European Union (EU) or countries that are not part of NATO or the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
According to a statement released by Portugal’s Higher Council for Cybersecurity, the government believes that companies outside these jurisdictions pose a “high risk” to the security of the country’s wireless networks. While the statement does not explicitly mention Huawei, the Chinese tech giant, along with other Chinese suppliers such as ZTE, would be effectively excluded from Portugal’s 5G networks if the cabinet approves the security council’s recommendation, as China is not a member of NATO, the OECD, or the EU.
Responding to the news, a Huawei spokesperson told the Financial Times that the company had no prior knowledge of the recommendation and had not been consulted on the matter. Huawei emphasized its longstanding collaboration with Portuguese carriers in building wireless networks and providing quality services to millions of people. The company also reiterated its commitment to complying with applicable laws and regulations, vowing to continue serving Portuguese customers and partners who rely on its products and services.
If Portugal proceeds with the ban, it would mark a significant shift in the country’s stance towards Chinese companies, considering its close ties with China over the years. Portugal has been one of the highest recipients of Chinese investment per capita in recent times. Altice Portugal, the country’s largest wireless carrier, had previously signed an agreement in 2018 to employ Huawei equipment for a portion of its 5G rollout. Joining the likes of Canada and several European nations—including Denmark, Sweden, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania—Portugal would add to the growing chorus of countries choosing to exclude Huawei from their 5G networks.
The debate surrounding the involvement of Chinese firms in 5G infrastructure is not limited to Portugal alone. Nations around the world are grappling with concerns related to national security and the potential influence of foreign entities in critical telecommunications infrastructure. As more countries make decisions regarding their 5G networks, the outcome will shape the global landscape of 5G technology deployment and the ongoing competition between different market players.
