Italy set to ban Huawei equipment from its 5G rollout plans
Italy is set to ban Huawei equipment from its 5G network plans as international pressure on the Chinese firm continues to build.
The Italian government is prepared to use so-called golden powers allowing it to back out of contracts without having to pay fines, Reuters reported, citing local media.
Read more: Huawei cannot address UK security concerns for five years
The proposed ban would also be placed on fellow Chinese telecoms firm ZTE Corp.
The decision came after “strong pressure” from US authorities, sources told Italian newspaper La Stampa. If the ban goes ahead, Italy will be the latest country to block Huawei technology from its 5G plans.
The US, New Zealand and Australia have announced bans, while German ministers have met to discuss their position on the Chinese firm.
Earlier this week German Chancellor Angela Merkel asked for guarantees from Huawei about the security of its technology amid fears it could be used by Chinese authorities for spying.
The UK is yet to deliver a verdict on whether Huawei equipment should be included in 5G infrastructure. But an upcoming report from GCHQ is expected to criticise the telecoms giant for failing to address security concerns.
Read more: Huawei offers to open cyber security centre to combat spying fears
Vodafone boss Nick Read has said the firm will halt the installation of new Huawei equipment in its core 5G network in Europe.
Huawei and ZTE have been contacted for comment.