Bahrain plans to roll out a 5G mobile network by June, partially using the technology of the Chinese company Huawei, despite the US warnings that the equipment of the Chinese telecommunication giant can be used for spying, Reuters reported.

The US warned countries against using of the Chinese technologies, having stated that Beijing can use Huawei for espionage. China rejected the charges.
VIVA Bahrain, a subsidiary of Saudi Arabian state-controlled telecoms firm STC, has signed an agreement to use of the products of Huawei for creation of a 5G network.

“We have no concern at this stage as long as this technology is meeting our standards,” Bahrain’s Telecommunications Minister Kamal bin Ahmed Mohammed told Reuters, commenting on the US concerns regarding Huawei technology.

According to the minister, Bahrain will be one of the first countries in which 5G will be available throughout the territory. The government does not restrict any foreign company in providing equipment for the 5G network in Bahrain, he said.

The base of the Fifth fleet of US Navy, which is used for patrol of several important shipping lanes, including near Iran, is located in Bahrain.

The United States warned that the countries that if Huawei technology is used, they will reduce the level of cooperation in a number of areas, for example, intelligence sharing.

Australia and New Zealand have banned operators from using Huawei equipment, but the European Union is expected to ignore US calls.