Romanian adopts 5G law that could exclude Huawei

Romania’s parliament approved a law to regulate telecom networks and infrastructure, which could exclude Chinese giant Huawei from having access to its future 5G mobile networks.

Telecommunication companies will need a ”clearance” from the country’s Supreme Defence Council (CSAT) in order to provide technologies, equipment or software to national interest telecommunication infrastructure and the 5G networks, the new law states.

The bill was adopted by the Senate on Monday, less than a month after it was passed by parliament’s lower chamber. It now needs to be signed into law by President Klaus Iohannis, who is also chair of the Defence Council.

Once the new law enters into force, Romania could launch the long-delayed 5G spectrum auctions. The government estimates it could make €500 million from the sale of 5G licenses.

The adoption of the law follows a memorandum signed by Romania and the US in August 2019, when Iohannis met with the then US president, Donald Trump, who adopted a hard line against Huawei.