Huawei News

Huawei awarded 4G equipment contract, paving the way to become Telefónica’s biggest partner in the Brazilian market. Ericsson set to mount a response.

Enterprise (B2B)
Telefónica takes Huawei to 5G core in Spain
Home operation gives vote of confidence to embattled Chinese supplier but wants less reliance on Huawei. Procurement of another 5G core expected during 2020; Affirmed Networks and Mavenir Systems reportedly in contention.
Public Affairs
Merkel, Ametsreiter give Huawei benefit of doubt
Political ructions after Chancellor appears to green-light Huawei involvement in 5G. Ametsreiter wants evidence-based approach to Huawei; describes current security debate as “thoroughly unprofessional”. Complications spread to Hungary.
Public Affairs
Huawei shadow lengthens on Deutsche Telekom’s home turf
Chancellor under pressure to take harder line on Chinese supplier. TDE faces risk of shutting down “unsafe” network components. Hungary, UK indicate willingness to ignore US calls for Huawei clampdown.
Products & Services
O2 UK joins 5G party
O2 a 5G latecomer, but aiming to get up to pace with the market by the end of 2019. 5G launch features Huawei RAN in high‑profile sites, despite operator claims that Ericsson and Nokia are principal partners.
Strategy & Change
Merkel gives Deutsche Telekom Group cause for Huawei optimism
Political ructions after Chancellor appears to green-light Huawei involvement in 5G. Group hopes to count on Chinese supplier might still be dashed. TDE woos government at inaugural 5Germany event.
Products & Services
Vodacom South Africa roaming partner Rain launches uncapped 5G-based FWA service
Rain South Africa, a data‑only new entrant and Vodacom South Africa (VdSA) roaming partner, launched an “uncapped”, 5G‑based Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) service in parts of Johannesburg and Tshwane.
Public Affairs
Vodafone Italy faces increased scrutiny over 5G network kit supply deals
Vodafone Italy (VfIt) faces increased scrutiny over its 5G network kit supply deals, after Italy’s new government under Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte approved its use of special powers, dubbed “golden powers”.
Suppliers & SCM
T-Mobile Poland facing 5G disruption as Huawei faces possible exclusion from Poland’s 5G network
T‑Mobile Poland (TMPL) faced 5G disruption with news that the US and Polish governments had agreed measures that seem likely to exclude Huawei Technologies from supplying the next-gen tech.
Network & Infrastructure
Vodafone Germany 5G bandwagon rolls on as rivals stall
5G coverage target of ten million people by December 2020. “Several thousand” 5G customers in first three weeks. Head start on 5G rivals. Hatch partnership for cloud gaming.
Strategy & Change
BT Group’s change of culture and strive for simplification
One theme of BT Technology’s 2019 Business Briefing event was the importance of cultural changes within BT’s IT department. The need to foster an environment more widely across the division and Group that will enable a digital transformation, driven by simplification and automation, was seen as an essential goal. ...
Products & Services
EE reinstated sales of Huawei handset
EE reinstated sales of the Huawei Mate 20 X 5G handset.
Public Affairs
BT keeps up Huawei defence
As signs suggest that UK operators may proceed with caution on limited Huawei deployments, BT has warned that an outright ban would have a severe impact on 5G progress.
Suppliers & SCM
Vodacom Group spreads supply to mitigate US-China fall-out
Political storm spreading beyond Vodafone’s European homeland.
Suppliers & SCM
Vodafone Idea’s network-supplier radar picks up Samsung
Threat of Huawei ban leaves VfI fearful of constrained supply.
Network & Infrastructure
Vodafone Spain joins 5G party with 15-city launch
Huawei and Ericsson in 5G RAN mix. 5G tariffs same as high-end 4G plans. Exclusive agreement with cloud-gaming provider Hatch.
Network & Infrastructure
ECI FTTC cabinets: Huawei swap-out underway?
ECI FTTC installations becoming increasingly marginalised, although prioritisation of full-fibre rollout may mean the pace of an equipment swap-out slows.
Strategy & Change
DTW19: Vodafone Germany on charge to cloud payments
Long-running, Huawei-supported project said to have been met well, with customer experience and efficiencies benefits. Some compromises made on legacy and vendor retention.
Innovation (R&D)
TM Forum DTW19: 2019 Catalysts spark pragmatic innovation
Rundown of key Catalysts, joint initiatives. More than 30 joint technology projects demoed, with assurance, partnering, and customer experience to fore. Operator preoccupations ahead of 5G include profitability and effectiveness of network slicing. Drones, emergency services, and healthcare among focus verticals.
Analysis
Telefónica banks on Alcobendas as new 5G city
Now five 5G Technological Cities, including Barcelona. Underpinned by ZTE-supplied 5G NR SA “most advanced 5G trial network to date”. Santander, Hitachi Vantara and Idronia partnered for financial services and edge computing use cases.
Public Affairs
DT keeps head down but Huawei problem not going away
Deutsche Telekom (DT) senior executives kept a low profile as the US-led political furore surrounding Huawei Technologies intensified. American President Donald Trump maintained a clear message to US allies that it will limit intelligence-sharing with them if they allow Huawei to supply 5G networks.
Events
Vodafone Supplier Awards: Ericsson shines
Ericsson steals the show, after years in Huawei and Nokia’s shadows. Ninian Wilson emphasises NPS as awards-driver.