Romania’s government approved a US-backed bill on Thursday that effectively bars China and Huawei from the country’s 5G networks on security grounds and under the new law, communications providers will only be able to use 5G network equipment and software from suppliers pre-approved by the decision of the Prime Minister, based on an assessment by the Supreme Council of National Defence (CSAT), according to CommsUpdate, a telecom news agency.
The decision will reflect Romania’s obligations to the EU and strategic partners, to counteract and eliminate threats to national security stipulated in the 5G memorandum signed with the US in 2019.
Manufacturers of 5G equipment and software will be required to submit a request for authorisation providing information about the applicant, details about its shareholding structure and parent company, and a declaration affirming it is not controlled by a foreign government, has a transparent shareholding structure has no known history of unethical corporate conduct and is subject to a legal system that requires transparent corporate practices.
The law states that the CSAT’s assessment will be granted within four months from the date of application and will be based on the submitted documents of the risks, threats and vulnerabilities to national security and the country’s defence.
Romania’s leading mobile operators – Orange, Vodafone, Telekom Romania Mobile Communications and DIGI all currently use network equipment supplied by Huawei and ZTE as well as Nokia and Ericsson and if the Chinese companies fail to receive approval, the telcos will be required to remove, within five years of the entry into force of the law, any technology, equipment and software which contribute to the provision of 5G services and Failure to do so will result in a fine of between 1% and 5% of annual revenue.