Norwegian Carrier Telenor Drops Huawei In Favor of Ericsson

Reuters is reporting that Norwegian wireless carrier Telenor has decided to use Ericsson equipment for its 5G network, phasing out existing Huawei equipment.

According to Sigve Brekke, Telenor’s chief executive, the company “had carried out an ‘extensive’ security evaluation as well as considering factors such as technical quality, innovation and modernisation of the network.”

“Based on the comprehensive and holistic evaluation, we have decided to introduce a new partner for this important technology shift in Norway,” he said.

Amid a campaign by the U.S. government to pressure allies to blacklist Huawei over concerns its equipment could give Beijing a way to spy on other countries, the is a big setback for the telecommunications company the same week it had previously scored a big win. Wednesday it was reported that Telefonica Germany had selected Huawei to build out its 5G rollout.

According to Reuters, Telenor plan to completely phase out Huawei’s equipment within the next 4 to 5 years.