Portugal’s telecom watchdog is collaborating with operators to implement a resolution that effectively excludes Huawei’s equipment from the country’s 5G mobile networks. Despite legal objections from the Chinese company, the resolution was seen as a setback for Huawei’s efforts to enter standalone networks in Portugal’s 5G market, as well as extend contracts on 4G platforms. Huawei had filed a lawsuit against the resolution, seeking protection of its interests and legal rights. Portugal’s main operators, Altice, NOS, and Vodafone, have already made it clear that they will not incorporate Huawei equipment in their 5G core networks. There are concerns, both in Europe and the United States, that Chinese involvement in essential infrastructure could compromise security. Beijing and Huawei deny such allegations.
The president of ANACOM (Portugal’s telecoms watchdog), Joao Cadete de Matos, stated that the organization is committed to implementing all decisions related to security, within both the national and European frameworks. ANACOM is working in close collaboration with the operators to ensure the success of this undertaking. Regarding the Huawei lawsuit, Matos explained that it is necessary to wait for further developments, but emphasized ANACOM’s commitment to fulfilling the expectations of the country.
Portugal’s Secretary of State for Digitalisation, Mario Campolargo, who chairs the consultative body CSSC, previously declared that the resolution, made in May, was based on an independent and rigorous security assessment, following guidelines established by the European Union. It did not specifically target Chinese suppliers. Matos also highlighted the close cooperation between the government and ANACOM.
Portugal’s actions demonstrate the country’s commitment to maintaining the security of its 5G network infrastructure and aligning with the concerns expressed by other European nations and the United States.