Telenor has completed the vendor selection process for its 5G network in Norway, plumping for Ericsson over existing provider Huawei.
Ericsson will build Telenor’s 5G radio access network (RAN). The process is expected to take up to five years and during this time, Telenor will use equipment from Huawei to maintain the 4G network as well as to upgrade to 5G coverage in selected areas of Norway.
The choice comes as US President Donald Trump has repeatedly called on countries in Europe to exclude Huawei’s tech from networks. The vendor has strongly denied US allegations that its equipment is used for espionage by the Chinese state, claiming the accusation is politically motivated.
Core considerations
“When selecting the vendor for the radio access network, we have considered important factors like technical quality, ability to innovate and modernise the network, commercial terms and conditions, as well as carried out an extensive security evaluation,” said Sigve Brekke, CEO of Telenor Group. “Based on the comprehensive and holistic evaluation, we have decided to introduce a new partner for this important technology shift in Norway.”
Telenor reiterated that the core network will be upgraded by Nokia and Ericsson, as previously announced.
A spokesperson for Telenor told Reuters, “Huawei has delivered hardware for RAN, but not for the core network. When they will build 5G in selected areas for the modernisation, this is also for RAN, not core.”