Despite U.S. pressure, France has decided to allow Huawei equipment in its 5G networks.
According to sources who spoke exclusively to Reuters, French cybersecurity agency ANSSI will tell wireless providers to what degree they can use Huawei’s equipment.
“They don’t want to ban Huawei, but the principle is: ‘Get them out of the core mobile network’,” one of Reuters’ sources said.
Although not yet official, France’s decision would mirror that made by the UK, where Huawei was permitted in a limited role. The British government decided to allow Huawei equipment to comprise up to 35% of networks, while excluding it from the core network and anywhere near military bases or nuclear sites. The hope is that by keeping the company out of the core network, any security risks can be mitigated.
The decision is another loss in the U.S. campaign to isolate the Chinese firm amid claims it serves as a spying arm for the Chinese government.
