Latvia moves to end Huawei involvement in 5G network in February 2020

Context

On February 27, 2020, Latvia issued a joint declaration with the US, which noted that “secure fifth generation wireless communications networks (5G) will be vital to both future prosperity and national security” and stated that both sides “emphasize the importance of encouraging the participation of reliable and trustworthy network hardware and software suppliers in 5G markets, taking into account risk profile assessments, and promoting frameworks that effectively protect 5G networks from unauthorized access and interference.” The statement additionally declared that “it is critical for countries to transition from untrusted network hardware and software suppliers in existing networks to trusted ones through regular life cycle replacements.” This statement – despite not naming China or Chinese firms directly – was widely interpreted by observers as a commitment from Latvia to constrain the involvement of Chinese firms Huawei and ZTE in its 5G infrastructure development.

Notably, by the time of this declaration, Latvia already possessed a functioning 5G network, with Latvian foreign minister Edgars Rinkevics stating that Latvia is “one of the largest exporters of 5G technologies and IT solutions.” The broader context for this measure also includes great power geopolitical competition between China and the US.

Impact

According to 2019 reporting, Latvian telecommunications firm Bite Latvia signed an MOU with Huawei in 2016 to cooperate on 5G infrastructure development, and in 2018 this agreement was reaffirmed. In 2019, Bite Latvia’s technical director, Gints Butens, told press that the firm would not end its agreement with Huawei despite mounting international concerns around security. However, by May 2022, Bite Latvia had made a new 5G deal with Ericsson, under which it reportedly began to replace 5G stations previously supplied by Huawei.

Status

At time of writing (November 2024) Latvia continues to use non-Chinese firms for its 5G infrastructure. In 2023, during a bilateral meeting with the US, foreign minister Rinkevics was cited by local media as “express[ing] Latvia’s readiness to supply world-requested 5G equipment, fully developed and manufactured in a NATO member – Latvia.”

Key Takeaways

This case is another example highlighting the extent of US influence on the issue of digital infrastructure. Due to national security and alliance dynamics, the Latvian state was willing to suffer a significant economic hit through the replacement of Bite Latvia’s 5G Huawei Infrastructure with Ericsson.

References and Further Information

Dziadul, C. 2022. “Ericsson inks Latvian 5G deal.” BroadbandTV News. May 18. Available at: https://www.broadbandtvnews.com/2022/05/18/ericsson-inks-latvian-5g-deal/

Liu, N. 2020. “Latvia Joins US in Call for ‘Trustworthy’ 5G Hardware.” Voice of America. March 4. Available at: https://www.voanews.com/a/silicon-valley-technology_latvia-joins-us-call-trustworthy-5g-hardware/6185275.html

LRT. 2019. “Baltics caught between superpowers in China’s 5G battle – Investigation.” September 10. Available at: https://www.lrt.lt/en/news-in-english/19/1095729/baltics-caught-between-superpowers-in-china-s-5g-battle-investigation

LRT. 2020. “Latvia signs 5G declaration with US to sideline China.” February 28. Available at: https://www.lrt.lt/en/news-in-english/19/1146924/latvia-signs-5g-declaration-with-us-to-sideline-china

The Baltic Times. 2019. “Bite Latvija will not suspend its partnership with Huawei”. February 15. Available at: https://www.baltictimes.com/bite_latvija_will _not_suspend_its_partnership_with_huawei/

The Baltic Times. 2023. “Rinkevics in US expresses readiness to deliver 5G equipment, which is in demand around the world and manufactured in Latvia.” March 30. Available at:https://www.baltictimes.com/rinkevics_in_us_expresses_readiness_to_deliver_5g_equipment__which_is_in_demand_around_the_world_and_manufactured_in_latvia/

US Department of State. “Joint Statement on United States-Latvia Joint Declaration on 5G Security.” February 27. Available at: https://2017-2021.state.gov/joint-statement-on-united-states-latvia-joint-declaration-on-5g-security/