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PLDT, Smart eyeing ‘multi-vendor scenario’ amid US concerns about Huawei


PLDT Inc. and mobile subsidiary Smart Communications Inc. are now considering a diversified approach to procuring equipment, amid warnings from the United States that Huawei’s technology could have implications on security.

Other vendors are being eyed by PLDT to supply its equipment for a 5G rollout, president and CEO Manuel Pangilinan said in a press conference in Makati City on Wednesday.

“With respect to 5G, I’ve asked at least four vendors to provide effectively a private plan in separate locations so that we are able to test their platforms,” Pangilinan told reporters.

Among the vendors are Ericsson AB, Nokia Corp., Huawei Technologies, and ZTE Corp.

Panigilinan said PLDT is still open to having a deal with Huawie as well as tapping Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd.

“I think we wish to have a multi-vendor scenario in terms of the procurement of our accessibility network,” he said.

Amid trade tensions with China, the United States has urged its allies not to do business with Huawei—claiming the company’s equipment could be used for spying. The company has denied the allegation.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo earlier said that America may be forced to lessen trade with Europe and other countries which continue to do business with Huawei.

“The concerns raised by the US with respect of 5G, I believe, are legitimate and something we are aware of, and quite sensitive … as well,” Pangilinan said.

Roughly 60 percent of PLDT-Smart’s equipment was sourced from Huawei, Pangilinan noted.

He speculated that part of the concern in the US revolves on military implications, and that to an extent Huawei “might have access to data sharing by the network and by the mobile devices.”

“We’re prepared to talk to all five vendors for 5G technology and determine which one we want … to choose,” he said.

PLDT plans to make 5G technology commercially available this year.

Rival Globe Telecom Inc. is making its first 5G network service available in the second quarter of 2019.

Last week, Globe president and CEO Ernest Cu said business operations remain unaffected by concerns hounding Huawei. —VDS, GMA News

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