Madrid (Reuters) – Telefonica, a telecom giant, is replacing all 5G equipment made by Spanish and German manufacturers of Huawei to comply with local rules, but intends to keep it in Brazil.
“In Germany and Spain, we are reducing contact with Huawei in accordance with the rules of these countries,” Chief Operating Officer Emilio Gayo told Reuters on Wednesday.
In both countries, telecom companies must phase out Huawei-made equipment in core 5G networks, fearing that Chinese companies’ handling of critical infrastructure could pose potential security risks.
In the UK, Huawei gears are also banned, “We have very low exposure to Huawei,” Gayo added.
However, neither Brazil nor other Latin American countries restrict the use of Huawei equipment.
Telefonica CEO Marc Murtra said his company ensures that all equipment from each provider meets the same stringent standards, ensuring the safety of the company and its customers.
(Reported by Inti Landauro. Edited by David Latona and Mark Potter)
