Greece becomes 5G conflict zone

5G internet infrastructures are expected to bring new investment, boost growth and bring additional wealth in the coming years. The champions of these networks are the Chinese, and in particular the Chinese telecommunications giant Huawei, which surpassed Apple in 2019 in mobile phone sales and threatens South Korean Samsung, despite being blacklisted by the USA.

It is indicative that a new GSMA (Global System for Mobile Communications) report estimates that mobile operators worldwide are currently investing around $ 160 billion (€ 146 billion) a year in expanding and upgrading their networks, with estimates that 5G technology can bring in global GDP of $ 2.2 trillion dollars (2 billion euros) over the next 15 years.

Mobile operators worldwide invest around $ 160 billion (€ 146 billion) a year in expanding and upgrading their networks

It is estimated that by 2025, 15% of global mobile connections will be served by 5G networks, while in absolute terms the number of connections will reach 1.4 billion. By then, 5G will cover about 30% of links to markets such as China and Europe and about half in the US.

In the context of the Sino-American trade war, Huawei's expansion efforts are facing obstacles in European countries such as Britain and Germany. However, the US, and President Trump personally, are primarily addressing national security issues in order to prevent Europeans from choosing Chinese solutions in the new telecommunications networks. The Greek telecommunications market may be small, however, a Chinese victory in Greek 5G will be a prestigious victory, and may send similar messages to other European countries, while interconnection between EU member states is bigger than ever. So the matter is diplomatic, not financial.

Indicative was Mr. X's message from Maximos Manor in the shadow of the conflict with the US. "China is committed to its economic openness that offers opportunities to all countries and boosts the international economy."