Huawei, which generates roughly half of its revenue in China, is conducting pre-commercial 5G trials in many of the world’s biggest cities, including Seoul, Tokyo, London, Milan and Vancouver in Canada.
Huawei is forging closer commercial ties with big telecom operators across Asia, America and Europe, thereby putting the company in prime position to spearhead the global race for future 5G networks, despite U.S. allegations it poses a security threat.
The chief executive of Huawei Ken Hu, on Monday, mentioned that the pace of commercialization for next-generation 5G wireless network is progressing as the Chinese telecom equipment maker has begun pre-commercial development with more than 30 network operators.
Hu during the annual Mobile World Congress in Barcelona said, he welcomed “factual debate” about any security concerns governments or network operators may have about security threats arising from its products.
Hu also said 2018 will mark the first year of commercialization for 5G.
“We have seen the emergence of real demand for 5G technologies,” he said.
Asked about reports that the U.S. government has expressed security concerns with the Australian government over the company's role in building communication networks there, Hu said the company is willing to work with authorities to ease any fears.
”We are very happy to conduct open and transparent discussion with the Australian government and telecom operators. “On this issue we stay very positive and open”.
He added that, potential commercial benefits aside agreements indicate that many countries allied to the United States do not share Washington's security concerns.
A bill introduced in the U.S. Senate this month would bar equipment from Huawei from any U.S. government networks to prevent Chinese spying. Hu dismissed Washington’s concerns that its products pose security threats as “groundless suspicions”.
“Those words are not based on solid facts and for that we are very sorry,” Hu told reporters when asked about the concerns.
Huawei has signed 5G field trial agreements with 45 operators.
