Portugal Takes Steps Towards Excluding Chinese 5G Tech Suppliers

Portugal's cybersecurity council is set to issue regulations potentially barring telecom operators from utilizing Chinese equipment for their 5G mobile and 4G platforms. This move could have major implications for Chinese tech heavyweight Huawei and its ambitions in the Portuguese market.
5G
5G

Portugal’s Council for Cybersecurity (CSSC) is poised to release a resolution that might effectively exclude telecommunications operators from using Chinese tech in their advanced 5G mobile networks as well as the foundational 4G platforms.


The CSSC, a consultative body to the Prime Minister, drafted a document on May 23, which adds another hurdle to Huawei’s bid to penetrate the 5G market in Portugal and potentially renew existing contracts. According to a law passed in August of the previous year, the government reserves the right to command “the exclusion, limitations on usage, or discontinuation of use of equipment or services” provided by telecom companies. This legislation also establishes the conditions and deadlines for compliance.

There was no immediate commentary from the government.

Portugal’s leading operators, Altice, NOS, and Vodafone, have already indicated that they won’t employ Huawei’s gear in their 5G core networks. This is in line with Europe and the U.S.’ apprehensions that involving Chinese technology in vital infrastructure may jeopardize security, an assertion that Beijing and Huawei have rejected. Portugal’s present 5G networks are non-standalone and largely reliant on 4G equipment and technology.

The CSSC, without explicitly mentioning China or any Chinese providers, pointed out a “high risk” to security posed by suppliers or providers under the control, interference, or pressure of governments that meddle in their activities in third-party nations.

This stance is based on a confidential report that examined the security of equipment employed in public electronic communications networks involving 5G technology.

The council also highlighted security threats associated with countries that don’t have agreements on data protection, cybersecurity, or intellectual property protection with Portugal or the European Union, or aren’t members of the EU, NATO, or OECD.

In a statement, Huawei mentioned that it had “no prior awareness of, and wasn’t consulted about this issue.” It is currently collecting information about “the nature of the assessment” and expressed its hope to continue serving clients in Portugal. Europe is turning into a tech battlefield amid the rivalry between Beijing and Washington, and if Huawei is excluded, European rivals Ericsson and Nokia could establish a supplier duopoly.


Recent Content

Award Category: Private Network Excellence in Manufacturing

Winner: Ericsson


Ericsson has been recognized with the TeckNexus 2024 Award for “Private Network Excellence in Manufacturing” for its transformative work at the USA 5G Smart Factory in Lewisville, Texas, and global deployments such as the Smart Factory Innovation Centre in Wolverhampton, UK, Atlas Copco Tools, and Toyota Material Handling’s facility in Columbus, Indiana. By integrating private 5G connectivity with advanced Industry 4.0 technologies, Ericsson has set new benchmarks for optimizing manufacturing processes, enhancing supply chain resilience, and elevating operational efficiency. This award underscores Ericsson’s leadership in leveraging private 5G to drive innovation in areas such as remote inspections, predictive maintenance, and sustainable production, redefining modern manufacturing standards through secure and scalable connectivity solutions.

Award Category: Private Network Excellence in Sports and Events Venue

Winner: NTT DATA

Partner: Cisco


NTT DATA, in partnership with Cisco, has transformed RAI Amsterdam into a smart, connected venue with the deployment of a private 5G network, earning the 2024 TeckNexus “Private Network Excellence in Sports and Events Venue” award. This smart venue innovation project optimizes visitor engagement, enhances operational efficiency, and supports RAI Amsterdam’s sustainability goals.
As a result, RAI Amsterdam has set a new benchmark for connected venues across Europe, delivering enriched visitor experiences, real-time analytics, and comprehensive event management capabilities.

Award Category: Private Network Excellence in Warehouse and Logistics

Winner: GXC


GXC’s deployment of its innovative Onyx LTE private cellular network at a large-scale poultry processing facility has earned the prestigious TeckNexus 2024 Award for “Private Network Excellence in Warehouse and Logistics.” This transformative project revolutionized connectivity and operational efficiency across the 50-acre facility, addressing critical challenges faced by the food processing industry. By enhancing data communication, inventory management, regulatory compliance, and operational processes, GXC demonstrated the powerful potential of private cellular technology to improve automation, tracking, and supply chain efficiency. The award-winning solution underscores how private networks can redefine warehouse and logistics management in the food processing sector and beyond.

Award Category: Private Network Excellence in Mining

Winner: Ericsson


Ericsson has been recognized with the TeckNexus 2024 Award for “Private Network Excellence in Mining” for its innovative application of private 5G technology to transform mining operations. This accolade highlights Ericsson’s leadership in modernizing the mining sector through high-speed, secure, and low-latency connectivity that drives safety, operational efficiency, and automation. By delivering private 5G solutions, Ericsson is redefining the mining landscape, enabling digitalization, enhancing remote operation capabilities, and promoting sustainable practices in one of the world’s most challenging industrial environments.

Award Category: Private Network Excellence in Airports

Winner: Ericsson

Partner: Purdue University & Saab


Ericsson, in collaboration with Purdue University and Saab, has been honored with the 2024 TeckNexus Award for “Private Network Excellence in Airports” for deploying a private 5G network at Purdue University Airport, transforming it into a “living laboratory” for aviation innovation. This initiative sets a new standard for airport operations by enhancing connectivity, enabling real-time data communication, and supporting advanced aviation applications such as autonomous systems, flight operations management, drone detection, and electric aircraft charging. By optimizing operational efficiency, safety, and sustainability, the private 5G network addresses complex challenges in the aviation industry. This deployment underscores Ericsson’s leadership in leveraging private 5G technology to modernize airport environments, paving the way for smarter, safer, and more sustainable air travel solutions globally.

Award Category: Public/Private Network Excellence in Healthcare

Winners: LifeSigns, floLIVE & Hetrogenous


LifeSigns, in partnership with floLIVE and Hetrogenous, has been recognized with the TeckNexus 2024 Award for “Private Network Excellence in Healthcare” for their LifeConnect 5G IoT-powered Connected Ambulance Solution. This transformative technology enhances emergency medical response by enabling seamless real-time patient monitoring, secure data transmission, and uninterrupted communication between ambulances and hospital teams. By elevating healthcare standards and improving critical patient care during emergencies, LifeConnect exemplifies the impactful use of connectivity to drive advancements in healthcare delivery.

Currently, no free downloads are available for related categories. Search similar content to download:

  • Reset

It seems we can't find what you're looking for.

Download Magazine

With Subscription

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Scroll to Top