Telekom Malaysia and China’s ZTE embark on an R&D partnership for network and digital transformation strategies, raising questions about potential geopolitical ramifications. Reflecting Malaysia’s growing interest in collaborating with Chinese suppliers, the deal’s long-term effects remain to be seen.
The GSMA, an industry organization representing the interests of global mobile network operators, has announced that major vendors ZTE, Ericsson, Huawei and Nokia have passed an independent security audit of product development and lifecycle management processes and intend to submit a network kit for evaluation in the second test round. This testing system is called the Network Equipment Security Scheme (NESAS) and claims to have been designed to increase industry confidence in telecommunications network equipment while promoting a more coordinated mobile market. NESAS was jointly established by GSMA and 3GPP. NESAS provides an industry-wide security assurance framework to improve the level of security throughout the mobile industry. The scheme defines security requirements and an assessment system for secure product development and product life cycle processes, and uses 3GPP-defined security test cases to assess the security of network equipment. The audits are conducted by world-class security auditing companies on…
The Chinese telecommunications, enterprise and consumer technology and equipment provider ZTE Corporation has launched its first domestic cybersecurity lab in Nanjing, China, thus confirming its commitment to the ICT industry to counter cybersecurity threats. The company is also planning to expand across the globe with similar facilities in the near future, with the first installations being in Italy and Belgium. According to a statement by ZTE, the opening of a new lab represents an important milestone for the company as it aims to increase transparency and enhance trust with third parties, including customers, global regulators and other stakeholders. This initiative is in direct response to the national security concerns that are prompting several countries to apply restrictions on the use of equipment from Chinese vendors in 5G rollouts. Zhong Hong, Chief Security Officer at ZTE, said, “The security lab is an open and cooperative platform for the industry.…
ZTE Corporation and Intel have jointly launched the Light Cloud platform for access networks at the 5G Summit being held at Mobile World Congress 2019 in Barcelona. The Light Cloud solution is based on Intel’s innovative Edge products, impeccably integrated into ZTE’s flagship optical fiber access platform, Titan, thus merging Multi-access Edge Computing (MEC) and Network function virtualization (NFVI). The solution employs lightweight blade servers equipped with Intel Xeon D processors. When embedded in an OLT or BRAS device, the blade servers transform it into lightweight cloud infrastructure, thus reducing high capital costs and making a positive environmental impact. The infrastructure opens up computing and storage possibilities based on telecom access equipment, and allows the deployment and distribution of application-sensitive services. The access layer with cloud features is supported by built-in blade servers, and facilitates the ability to offer a wide range of cloud applications and services, including…
The global telecommunications solutions provider ZTE and the mobile operator Hutchinson Drei Austria announced another strategic step to expand their partnership in preparation for the 5G rollout in Austria. The cooperation between mobile operators and telecommunications equipment providers is fundamental for the implementation of this cutting-edge technology, and a Joint Innovation Lab initiative was launched to develop, test and optimize the latest 5G technology solutions. The ten-year partnership between ZTE Austria and Hutchinson Drei Austria has already shown great results in upgrading the network for higher quality standards and service improvements, as demonstrated in the most recent Pre-5G trials in Austria. “The first result of the joint innovation initiative was the successful evaluation of the Pre-5G technology, which enabled us to create a commercial Pre-5G in Vienna already at the beginning of this year. This move was a breakthrough in the European telecoms market, which made Austria a true 5G…
After President Trump asked the U.S. Commerce Department to find an agreement to save ZTE Corp., an agreement has been found. It all started when an investigation found out that ZTE was doing business with Iran and North Korea by sending U.S. products. Despite the opposition of several members of congress, mostly Democrats, but also many Republicans, that are accusing Trump of bending under Chinese pressure, ZTE will be able to trade with American companies. ZTE was banned from doing any business with the U.S. since April 15th and has lost $3 billion. ZTE will have to pay a $1.3 billion fine to the U.S. in addition to a $900 million fine they already paid last year. Part of the deal, aside from the fine, includes a change in management and will have to get parts from U.S. suppliers. The situation between ZTE and the U.S. Administration created some tensions…
U Mobile plans to exit DNB and build its own 5G network, aiming to cover 80 percent of Malaysia’s populated areas within a year. Partnering with Huawei and ZTE, the company will focus on advanced 5G features and enhanced indoor coverage while continuing to offer 5G services through a wholesale agreement with DNB.
India’s telecom operators must report all Chinese-made equipment still active in their networks, as part of a security review targeting firms like Huawei and ZTE. The move aims to limit future reliance on untrusted vendors while allowing existing systems to operate under strict oversight amid rising geopolitical and trade tensions with China.
U Mobile is ambitiously spearheading Malaysia’s second 5G network rollout, notably without state funding or local partnerships. Led by Tan Sri Vincent Tan, the company aims to deploy 5G within 15 to 18 months.
The FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel is advocating for a fast-tracked spectrum auction to replace Chinese telecom equipment, addressing national security risks. This urgent move, linked to cybersecurity threats like the Salt Typhoon attack, is pivotal for securing telecom networks.
