Aggressive Huawei
Huawei held an event at the Lotte Hotel, Seoul on Jan. 28 to demonstrate Public Safety-LTE (PS-LTE) technology, officially announcing its intent to be involved in the Korean government's national disaster safety communications network project. “Huawei has technology and a lot of experience with the construction of LTE networks and disaster safety communications networks around the world,” said Qingwen Wang, Huawei's vice president of the LTE production line. He added, “We'd like to be involved in all businesses, including the Korean project.”
The top-ranked communications equipment supplier developed LTE-based technology for disaster emergency networks and commercialized the technique in 2012. Now, Huawei is participating in 30 national disaster safety communications network projects worldwide.
In particular, Wang stressed its cooperation with Korean small and mid-sized companies. He remarked, “Huawei purchased parts and services worth US$800 million from Korean firms last year,” adding, “Our company will open our technology and cooperate with local firms, which will create a win-win situation.”
When asked about security concerns, he responded by saying, “We supplied our LTE network to the British government, and there have been no reported problems related to security.” Wang added, “Our company will supply equipment in accordance with all standards demanded by the Korean government.”
In fact, U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) objected to using Huawei's equipment out of security concerns in 2013, when LG U+ tried to build an LTE network in Seoul with LTE equipment supplied by Huawei. At that time, the carrier constructed the LTE network in Yongsan, which houses one of USFK's bases, using LTE equipment made by another company.
Meanwhile, the national network project is currently in the Information Strategy Planning stage. It is estimated to be worth 2 trillion won (US$1.8 billion), including 10 years of maintenance, and scheduled to be completed by late 2017. Nokia and Ericsson-LG have already officially announced their intention to take part in the project. Alcatel-Lucent is also scheduled to showcase PS-LTE technology on Jan. 30 and make its desire for the project official.