The government of Romania has approved a bill that will likely prevent operators from selecting 5G network equipment from Chinese manufacturers such as Huawei.
As reported by local outlet Economica, the US-backed bill was passed on 15th April, paving the way for a new law stipulating that communications providers must only use 5G equipment and software from suppliers approved by the Prime Minister following an assessment by the Supreme Council of National Defence (CSAT).
The new law will require vendors that manufacture 5G equipment and software to apply for authorization, submitting information about their corporate identity and parent firm as well as demonstrating a transparent shareholding structure.
TeleGeography reports that in addition, companies must declare that they are not controlled by a foreign government and have no history of unethical corporate activity. If they meet these criteria, the CSAT will grant approval within four months of receiving the application following “an assessment of the risks, threats and vulnerabilities to national security and the country’s defence.”
Several of Romania’s major operators - including DIGI, Orange, Telekom Romania and Vodafone – use equipment from Chinese vendors Huawei and ZTE, alongside European vendors such as Nokia and Ericsson.
The providers will be ordered to remove 5G equipment from any vendors that are not cleared by the approval process. They will be given five years to complete this process from the date that the law comes into effect; failure to comply will result in a fine of between 1% and 5% of annual revenue.
