Page 15 - bne_Tech_01_2021

Telecom
January 2021 www.intellinews.com I Page 15
Georgia signs MoU with US on 5G security
Georgia and the US have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on strengthening cooperation in fifth-generation (5G) wireless communications networks.
At the core of the MoU is a set of agreed good practices that the two sides should implement in the development of their 5G networks with a view to avoiding security risks. More specifically, the good practices are broadly interpreted as a way of banning Huawei and other companies controlled by Chinese government, defined as “malign actors”, and providing the necessary technology used by telecom operators to develop their 5G networks.
The US and Georgia emphasised a statement from the Prague 5G Security Conference – framing the “Prague Proposals” – as an important step towards developing a common approach
to 5G network security, and ensuring a secure, resilient, and trustworthy 5G ecosystem. The Prague Proposals stress the need to develop, deploy, and commercialise 5G networks based on free and fair competition, transparency and the rule of law.
More specifically, under the MoU, Georgia agrees that in order to promote a vibrant and robust 5G ecosystem, “a rigorous evaluation of suppliers [of 5G hardware and software] should take into account the rule of law; the security environment; ethical supplier practices; and
a supplier’s compliance with secure standards and industry best practices.”
Specifically, evaluations should be made as
to whether network hardware and software suppliers are subject, without independent judicial review, to control by a foreign government.
Georgian Foreign Minister David Zalkaliani said that “today’s signing is yet another manifestation of the multidimensional strategic partnership’ between Georgia and the US.”
“The signing of the 5G memorandum and its successful implementation serves this very goal and will increase US companies’ interest in Georgia. Moreover, the launch of new and up-to-date technologies will contribute to Georgia’s sustainable economic development”, Zalkaliani added.
By signing the memorandum, Georgia has joined the US Clean Network programme “safeguarding the nation’s assets including citizens’ privacy
and companies’ most sensitive information from aggressive intrusions by malign actors”.
Zalkaliani said this “will ensure the well- functioning and sustainable ecosystem of the next-generation networks in Georgia and the development of digital services and the digital economy, in general, in line with international standards”.