FRANCE will authorize the use of some of Huawei’s equipment in the rollout of its 5G network, two sources close to the matter said, despite U.S. calls to exclude the Chinese telecom giant from the West’s next-generation communications.

The ANSSI, the French cybersecurity agency, is due to tell telecom operators which equipment they are allowed to use for the deployment of their 5G network in France, but has not made public any decision.

The two sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the ANSSI had decided to approve the use of Huawei gear, but only for what they described as non-core parts of the network, as these pose less significant security risks.

“They don’t want to ban Huawei, but the principle is: ‘Get them out of the core mobile network,’” one of the two sources said.

A spokeswoman for the ANSSI declined to comment.

Core mobile networks carry higher surveillance risks because they incorporate more sophisticated software programs that process sensitive information such as customers’ personal data.

French authorities’ decision over Huawei’s equipment is crucial for two of the country’s four telecom operators, Bouygues Telecom and Altice Europe’s SFR, as about half of their current mobile network is made by the Chinese group.

State-controlled Orange has already chosen Huawei’s European rivals, Nokia and Ericsson.

Up to now, sources close to the French telecom industry have said they fear Huawei will be barred in practice even if no formal ban is announced.

By granting a partial authorization to Huawei, France would follow Britain’s footsteps, as British Prime Minister Boris Johnson granted Huawei a limited role in the country’s 5G network. (SD-Agencies)