5G: Conclusions about security may lead to exclusion, says the government – Telecomunicações

The government made it clear to Lusa that the security assessment panel’s conclusions about the risks of using 5G equipment could lead to its exclusion or its application of restrictions and it is up to Anacom to comply with the decision.

Last week, the Security Assessment Committee, within the scope of the Supreme Council for Cyber ​​Security, issued a decision regarding the “significant risk” to the security of 5G networks and services from the use of equipment from suppliers that, among other criteria, whether it is from outside the European Union or an alliance organization. North Atlantic or the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development and that “the legal system of the country in which it resides” or is associated with it “allows the government to exercise control, interference or pressure over its activities operating in third countries”.

The deliberations did not mention the names of companies or countries, but what is certain is that the Huawei issue comes to mind, that is, because of the ban on Chinese technology on 5G networks in other countries, including the United Kingdom and Sweden. Contacted by Lusa, the Office of the Secretary of State for Digitization and Administrative Modernization said that, subject to the findings, this may result in the exclusion or application of restrictions or discontinuation of the use of equipment or services.

“It is important to bear in mind that the conclusions of the risk assessment conducted by the Security Assessment Committee take into account the specific risks of using equipment in the different groups of assets that make up the 5G networks considered for this purpose, and may consist of exclusion, in the application of restrictions to The use or discontinuation of the use of equipment or services in some of these groups of assets, but not necessarily in all and in the same way, explains the office of Mário Campolargo.

It also adds that “the decision of the Security Assessment Committee that was made based on the risk assessment that was conducted shall be carried out by Anacom.” [Autoridade Nacional de Comunicações] during the period granted for this purpose,” according to Article 62 of Law No. 16/2022, of August 16, approving the Electronic Communications Law (ECL).

The Cabinet stressed that “the content of the decision that was taken after risk assessment was classified under the category of ‘reserved’ for the national trademark because its content includes information whose knowledge or disclosure by unauthorized persons may conflict with the supreme interests of the state and economic agents.” .

The designation “was carried out in accordance with the instructions for National Security, Protection and Defense of Secret Matters, abbreviated SEGNAC 1, which was approved by Cabinet Decision No. 13/93, dated March 6. and 70/2019 dated April 17,” the government states.

Lusa has also been contacted by Huawei, and says it knows that “the Portuguese government has published information related to the risk assessment of telecommunications networks”, but that the company “has no prior knowledge of the publication and is seeking to collect further information from the relevant authorities, regarding the nature of this assessment”.

He recalls that “for two decades, Huawei has worked with Portuguese operators to develop communication networks and provide high-quality services that serve millions of people,” and “Huawei has been recognized many times by the government, as well as by public and private entities for its role in creating qualified jobs.” And the ability to innovate and contribute to innovation and digital transformation, as it has invested more than one million euros in training digital talents.

In this sense, “we will continue to comply with applicable law and regulations, with the aim of serving Portuguese consumers and businesses that rely on our products and services,” the company concludes.