The technological importance of implementing the new 5G mobile technology networks has been somewhat overshadowed in press reports by the United States’ efforts to prevent Chinese companies from acquiring a portion of this market.
Chinese President Donald Trump’s administration sees Chinese companies as a security risk because they could yield to the Chinese Communist Party’s spying efforts.
Washington has pressured its allies not to use the equipment of the telecommunications giant Huawei in 5G networks and is succeeding, particularly in Europe. However, in Latin America, many of whose countries do business with Beijing, the result could be different.
What is 5G technology?
The term 5G is nothing more than “fifth generation” of mobile internet connectivity, which will allow for much faster downloads, much broader coverage, and more stable connections.
Due to their higher bandwidth, the new networks will not only serve cell phones as the current networks, but will also be able to be used as internet service providers for computers, and will compete with current providers.
Current 4G cell phones will not be able to use these networks, which will require new devices capable of working with 5G.
In addition to mobile technology operators, 5G would be used for private networks with industrialized applications and other vital communications.
England bans Huawei equipment on its 5G telecommunications network
Prime Minister Boris Johnson approved in January to give Huawei a minor stake in the construction of England’s 5G network. But that caused tensions with Washington, which considers the Chinese firm suspected of spying for the Beijing government.
–
–
Who first developed the technology?
Swedish company Ericsson was the first to reach 5G speeds. Huawei began standardizing and developing test 5G networks during the 2018 Soccer World Cup and in February 2019 presented its first 5G mobile.
Eriksson and Finnish Nokia currently offer 5G services in Europe, while Cisco, Juniper Networks or Qualcomm are emerging in the United States.
However, China leads the way in launching these networks, with 5G services in more than 50 cities in the country.
Everyone is slated to use that connectivity by 2025.
What are the fears with Huawei?
In theory, controlling the technology at the core of 5G networks could give Huawei the ability to spy on or disrupt communications.
It’s a vitally important point due to the possibility of more things connecting to the internet, such as driverless cars, refrigerators, baby monitors, and fire alarms.
It is feared that hackers responding to state agents could use those devices as back doors in vital state networks and create chaos by taking control of infrastructure such as central power grids and transportation.
Pompeo: More countries are distrusting Huawei 5G networks
The United States has long accused the technology giant of serving the Chinese government. Washington has sounded the alarm by considering that the new 5G networks could be a gateway for information theft.
–
–
What is Huawei?
Huawei is a Chinese telecommunications company. It was founded in 1987 by Ren Zhengfei, a former army officer.
It started manufacturing communications equipment for mobile phone networks and is currently a world leader in the sector.
Huawei is the second largest smartphone provider in the world after Samsung and ahead of Apple and others.
The company has consistently denied that its technology can be used to spy, but Beijing’s controlling movements in recent times make the West suspect that it could not resist pressure from the Chinese Communist Party.
What will happen in Latin America?
The availability of current 4G technology varies markedly in Latin America and its adoption and actual use in the region remains relatively low.
According to an article published on the site The Dialogue in December 2019, as until now the implementation of 5G only exists in a limited number of global markets, such as China, South Korea and the United States, there are few Latin American countries that are taking measures for a possible implementation of 5G.
Among them Mexico, Brazil, Uruguay, Chile and Argentina are mentioned.
The Dialogue says that mobile operators in the region, such as América Móvil and Millicom, are likely to focus on building their 4G networks before investing extensively in new technologies.
Trump signs law to replace Huawei equipment
–
Trump signs law to replace Huawei equipment
–
–
Are there fears of Huawei in Latin America?
Latin America appears to be more focused on gaining access to high-speed telecommunications technologies than on the possibility of surveillance and other security risks from China, The Dialogue says.
In reality, governments in the region also do not seem alarmed by US warnings about limiting partnerships with countries that use Chinese telecommunications equipment.
For most of Latin America, the interest in attracting Chinese investments is unwavering, be it in telecommunications or other industries, and Huawei is prioritizing its presence in Latin America for this very reason.
–
