Huawei Global Rotating Chairman Ken Hu has said that they have secured 25 5G commercial contracts, ranking them number one in the world and have shipped more than 10,000 base stations already.
“Almost all network customers have indicated they want Huawei, as the market leader with the best equipment for at least the next 12 to 18 months, for faster and more cost-effective upgrades to 5G.
“Some security concerns based on the technology for 5G were very legitimate, but able to be clarified or mitigated through collaboration with operators and governments,” said Hu while addressing a press conference in China today morning.
Hu said “Rare cases” have arisen where some countries are hijacking 5G issues for groundless speculation based on “ideological or geopolitical considerations”.
He delivered strong messages of confidence in Huawei’s business growth and prospects, citing the trust of hundreds of network operators, nearly half of the Fortune 500 companies and hundreds of millions of consumers.
“Other security concerns disingenuously raised as excuses to block market competition would slow adoption of new technology, increase costs for network deployment and raise prices for consumers.
“If Huawei could compete in the US for 5G deployment from 2017 to 2020 some US$20 billion of capital expenditure in wireless infrastructure would be saved, according to some economists,” said Hu.
Huawei revenue is expected to exceed US$100 billion in 2018.
Hu addressed directly allegations against Huawei, stating that “it is best to let facts speak for themselves while emphasizing repeatedly the company’s security record was clean”. There had been no serious cybersecurity incident in 30 years.
“Security is our highest priority and overarches everything,” said Hu.
“Huawei has subjected itself to the strictest reviews and screening by regulators and customers while understanding concerns. However, no evidence indicated our equipment posed a security threat.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in China had formally clarified that no law requires companies to install mandatory backdoors. The company is open to concerns about its openness, transparency and independence as well as dialogue. Any proof or evidence could be shared with telecom operators, if not to Huawei or the public,” said Hu.
Hu described the company’s recent achievements as exciting and recalled his almost 30-year history with Huawei during which its people, culture and management had grown.
“This is a journey of transformation that has helped us grow up from an unknown vendor to the 5G leader.”
BY PAUL TENTENA
