Global concerns challenge 5G leaders

Article Excerpt

Japan, Europe, and the U.S. were early leaders in the development of mobile technologies. However, China’s strategic plan for 2020 and the Made in China 2025 initiative both identified 5G as an important emerging industry. The goal is for Chinese companies to become global leaders in this market. Chinese manufacturers such as Huawei and ZTE have used strong government support to produce 5G-compatible equipment for international deployment. Huawei had seen significant growth, aided by its ability to undercut competitors and the success of its smartphone business. However, the company has faced various accusations of intellectual property theft and industrial espionage. The other major manufacturers of 5G equipment are Ericsson and Nokia, while China holds approximately two-thirds of the market. Huawei’s fast growth has also raised concerns about Chinese surveillance. Various Chinese laws can be used to compel companies to provide the government with sensitive infomation when requested. The U.S. government alleges that the Chinese government could force wireless infrastructure vendors, such as Huawei,…