EU Court of Auditors Concerned Over Security, Delays on 5G

The guardian of European Union’s finances said conflicting rules over vetting 5G technology suppliers pose a security risk to the bloc. 

In a 69-page report, “5G roll-out in the EU: Delays in deployment of networks with security issues remaining unresolved,” published Monday (Jan. 24), the European Court of Auditors (ECA) called for renewed energy to advance the roll-out of 5G, but expressed concern over potential security problems. 

“While 5G has the potential to unleash many opportunities for growth, it comes with certain risks,” the study said. “Furthermore, owing to the cross-border nature of threats involved, any significant vulnerability or cybersecurity incidents in one member state would affect the EU as a whole.” 

The report also reveals that member states have experienced considerable delays in implementing their 5G networks, and that’s jeopardizing reaching the EU’s objectives of cell access and coverage. 

It is estimated that 5G could add up to 1 trillion euros ($1.1 trillion) to EU’s gross domestic product by 2025, the total value of goods produced and services provided in a country for one year. There are also estimates that it could create or transform as many as 20 million jobs.  

In its 2016 Action Plan, the European Commission established a 2025 deadline for 5G to be rolled out across large cities and major transportations routes. Last spring, the deadline for achieving full 5G coverage was moved to 2030. 

Still, researchers noted just half of the 27-member states have included those objectives in their national 5G strategies.  

The implementation of 5G has not been without controversy in the United States. 

Related: Battle Over 5G Between US Airlines, Mobile Carriers Heats Up 

CEOs of major U.S. airlines and cargo carriers have warned of a “catastrophic” aviation crisis when AT&T and Verizon start deploying new 5G services.  

In a letter signed by the largest U.S. carriers, the companies called on the White House to block the rollout of 5G towers located within two miles of airports runways.