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.

TL;DR

• GSMA argued that banning or replacing Huawei in EU mobile networks would impose high costs.
• The position puts GSMA at odds with European Union policy pressure on Chinese telecom vendors.
• Light Reading said the stance could also create tension with Ericsson and Nokia, two major European network equipment suppliers.

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.

Related questions

• What did GSMA say about the cost of replacing Huawei in EU networks?
• Why does GSMA describe a Huawei ban in the EU as economically disruptive?
• Which companies did Light Reading say could be affected by GSMA's position on Huawei?