The European Union (EU) has introduced strict security checks to be implemented by member states by April.
With this development, EU members have approved some measures designed to help limit security risks on the new 5G mobile networks.
These include adopting new security requirements for mobile operators, encouraging the use of multiple vendors to avoid reliance on single suppliers, and screening network suppliers for potential non-technical risks.
However, with instances where risky suppliers are identified in the screening, individual EU states will have to take measures to restrict their access to 5G network contracts.
The EU states are expected to implement the measures by the end of April and report back to the European Commission on their progress by the end of June.
States like France and Germany have already adopted measures tightening procurement rules aimed at mitigating 5G security risks.
European mobile operators and the industry group GSMA have warned against singling out suppliers like Huawei, saying it will slow the development of 5G and cost the industry billions to replace existing equipment already sourced from the Chinese company.
