The United States wants to lead in 5G.
Pixabay Graphic / CNET Illustration
5G networks across the United States could receive a boost from the federal government, according to a report published Thursday by The Wall Street Journal. Trump administration officials are considering the move to better compete against Huawei globally, according to the report.
The Trump administration has reportedly met with American network companies, including Cisco, to discuss the acquisition of Western European network giants Ericsson and Nokia. It also seeks to grant tax and financing exemptions to Ericsson and Nokia, the Journal reported, citing unidentified sources.
It comes after The White House reportedly planned a 5G meeting by early April with Nokia, Ericsson, Dell, Intel, Microsoft and Samsung on the best way to combat Chinese network giant Huawei. But the spread of COVID-19 it meant that the meeting had to be postponed.
Huawei was blacklisted last year by the United States when it was added to the United States “list of entities” (PDF). Additionally, President Donald Trump at the same time signed an executive order essentially banning the company in light of national security concerns that Huawei had close ties to the Chinese government. Huawei has repeatedly denied that charge.
The Trump administration, Cisco, Nokia, Ericsson, Dell, Intel, Microsoft and Samsung did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
