GSMA says replacing Huawei in EU networks would be costly

GSMA said replacing Huawei equipment in European Union mobile networks would be economically disruptive, according to a Light Reading report on the group's position.

Light Reading reported that GSMA said removing Huawei from European Union mobile networks would be too expensive and economically disruptive. The report framed GSMA's position as a response to pressure for restrictions on Huawei in telecom infrastructure.

The article said GSMA's argument centers on the cost and disruption of replacing existing Huawei network equipment in the EU. The source excerpt did not provide a euro figure, a replacement timetable, or a country-by-country breakdown.

Light Reading said GSMA's position risks conflict with the European Union as well as with Ericsson and Nokia. Ericsson and Nokia are two European telecom equipment vendors that could benefit commercially from Huawei replacement programs, according to the framing in the source report.