Chile is rapidly deploying 5G, but with strict security rules, an official says

SANTIAGO (Reuters) – Chile is fast-tracking an ambitious plan to roll out a 5G mobile technology network across most of the country within two years, a chief executive told Reuters , but it will ensure strong surveillance at a time of global tensions in cybersecurity.

With the United States and China opposing cybersecurity and data protection, Chile, which counts the two countries as major trading partners, will keep doors open for any company that adheres to its strict rules , Pamela Gidi, Undersecretary of Telecommunications told Reuters.

“As long as (the rules) are respected, we have no influence or are going to affect the supply chain or the nationality of the companies,” she said.

Fifth-generation technology networks are expected to power everything from high-speed video broadcasts to self-driving cars. As a result of the long battle over the security of emergency communications technology, Washington listed dozens of Chinese companies, including telecommunications equipment giant Huawei Technologies Co.

The blistering two-year schedule would put Chile well ahead of regional neighbors, and Gidi said she hoped it would attract Amazon Web Services. The Amazon.com Inc unit has long been obsessed with the idea of ​​installing a southern cone data center in Chile or Argentina.

“We clearly think (the use of 5G) can help Amazon and other companies decide in the future to settle in Chile,” she said.

WOM, a mobile brand launched by London-based investment firm Novator Partners, won a government bid in February to establish 5G spectrum in Chile, as well as Spain-based Movistar and Chilean telecommunications company, Entel.

Chilean market analysts have speculated that WOM will hire Huawei, a leader in the sector, to provide the necessary technology.

WOM did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Huawei declined to comment, but has denied U.S. allegations that it poses a security risk and says it adheres to local laws in the countries in which it operates.

Gidi said WOM was free to choose how best to roll out the technology within the terms of its contract.

“We will give freedom to companies that narrow down the spectrum to make their commercial decisions freely while maintaining the technical standards (cybersecurity).”