Huawei to appeal ban from Swedish 5G network

Chinese mobile network provider Huawei is set to appeal their ban by Sweden to become a part of the nations 5G network, according to the Swedish telecoms regulator PTS.

Under the ban, any companies supplying a 5G network within Sweden will have until 2025 to remove any Huawei technology from their systems and infrastructure networks.

The government added that their decision came based on recommendations from the military and security services, which describe China as a massive threat to Swedish national security.

This comes weeks after fellow European nation Bulgaria joined a US-backed coalition against the Chinese company over cybersecurity fears.

Slovenia was the first European nation to be inducted into this initiative when they signed up back in August.

Britain also severed ties with them in late September, abandoning plans to have them secure the nation's 5G network, instead opting to give permissions to Finnish titans, Nokia.

The Swedish government also banned Huawei's peers ZTE last month over security issues, continuing the trend of Chinese tech companies being excluded from the affairs of European advancement.

A PTS spokesman said: "What happens now is we will send the appeal to the administrative court of Stockholm. After that, they will handle this case."

Executive Vice President, Central East Europe and Nordic Region told Reuters: "We think the decision that has been taken is not good for customers nor for Sweden in general. "We therefore want a Swedish court to look at if the decision has been taken through a proper process and according to the law."

The European chokehold on Chinese interference is a result of mounting pressure from Washington, which alleges Huawei equipment from Beijing is being used to spy and steal user data.

The aforementioned nations are joined by France and Australia in instituting nationwide bans to the Chinese systems.

Huawei has repeatedly denied being a national security risk.

At a press conference last month, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian said that China "deplores Sweden's decision,"  adding Huawei, ZTE and other Chinese companies have been strictly observing local laws.

He added: “Sweden takes national security as a pretext to slander Chinese companies, openly oppress Chinese telecom companies, and politicize normal economic cooperation.

"This violates the principle of a free, open, fair, just and non-discriminatory market economy that Sweden pursues, as well as the rules of international trade and investment.

"Sweden should view this matter in an objective and fair manner, correct its mistake and avoid negative impact on China-Sweden economic cooperation and the Swedish businesses operating in China."

The 5G auctions are due to commence next week and are set to heavily benefit Huawei's Nordic rivals.

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