Nokia has instituted legal action against the Romanian government after being refused authorisation to provide 5G network hardware in the country.
The Romania Journal news site reports that Nokia Solutions and Networks OY and Nokia Networks SRL have sued the Romanian government after failing to obtain the required authorisation from the country’s Supreme Council of National Defence (CSAT).
The CSAT decision will apparently prevent Nokia from participating in the future in the construction of 5G networks in Romania.
The legal process apparently began on 25 March at the Bucharest Court of Appeal. So far the government has not given any reason for this refusal.
Nokia, however, has released a brief statement. It says: "Nokia is committed to serving its global customer base. However, we can confirm that in February we were advised that we had been denied the authorization to provide 5G infrastructure equipment in Romania by the Romanian government. We are seeking urgent clarification for the reasons for this decision and have instigated legal proceedings. While these are underway, we will not comment further."
The law permitting this came into effect last year, although some commentators had assumed, as we reported at the time, that Chinese companies would be the likeliest foreign businesses to be targeted. A number of local companies have received CSAT approval.
According to TeleGeography's CommsUpdate, under what is known as ‘5G security’ legislation, mobile operators must remove core network technology provided by unauthorised suppliers within five years of a negative decision’s entry into force of law. A seven-year limit applies for the withdrawal of other equipment and software.
