Business · Trade · 1 hr ago
Orange seeks Huawei repayment if Europe bans its network equipment
Orange Spain is negotiating with Huawei, a supplier of equipment for its mobile network, over future purchases.
Orange wants Huawei to repay the remaining value of any equipment and software that must be removed if Spain or Europe bans Chinese technology from mobile networks.
The company says repayment should happen automatically if a ban takes effect.
Orange had planned to invite four suppliers to compete for future network contracts, but has paused that process and is negotiating with its current suppliers, Ericsson and Huawei.
Ericsson became Orange’s main supplier in 2024, while Huawei became its second-largest.
The European Commission has proposed a law that would ban Chinese suppliers from mobile networks and require their equipment to be replaced within 36 months; Spain’s government opposes the proposal.
The proposal is expected to be approved in early 2027, but the sources do not say what the final rules will be.
Orange Spain is seeking a clause requiring Huawei to repay the net book value of equipment if Spain or Europe bans Chinese network technology.
The repayment would cover hardware and software Orange must remove after a ban and would be automatic, according to Expansión.
Orange has paused a planned four-company tender and is negotiating bilaterally with current suppliers Ericsson and Huawei.
The European Commission’s proposed Cybersecurity Act could ban Chinese manufacturers from mobile networks and require their equipment to be replaced within 36 months.
The proposal faces opposition from Spain’s government and is expected to be approved in early 2027, according to the article.
- Who
- Orange Spain and Huawei.
- What
- Orange is seeking repayment for network equipment investment if a ban forces it to remove Huawei equipment.
- When
- Expansión reported the demand on 13 October 2026.
- Where
- Spain and potentially European networks.
- Why
- Orange wants protection from financial losses if Chinese network equipment is prohibited.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Orange’s parent group agreed with Ericsson, making it the main supplier and Huawei the second supplier.
The European Commission proposed the Cybersecurity Act, according to Expansión.
Expansión reported that Orange Spain was seeking a repayment clause from Huawei and had paused its four-company tender.
The proposed Cybersecurity Act is expected to be approved, according to the article.
- Huawei share of Orange Spain’s mobile network
- Around 43%
- Huawei share of Vodafone’s mobile network
- Nearly 70%
- Tender invitees
- Ericsson, Huawei, Nokia and Samsung
- Proposed replacement period
- 36 months
- French state’s stake in Orange’s parent group
- 23%
Sources
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