The European Commission unveiled draft cybersecurity rules that would require phasing out telecom equipment from “high-risk” vendors (widely interpreted as Chinese suppliers like Huawei and ZTE) in critical sectors. For the wireless industry, this means mobile operators across Europe must rip and replace key 5G components within about 36 months of the rules taking effect. Such an overhaul creates huge demand for network engineers and technicians to swap out hardware, as well as compliance and cybersecurity specialists to ensure new equipment meets security standards. Telecom firms warn the effort will cost billions, but it also represents a surge in projects – and likely hiring – for those skilled in 5G/6G infrastructure and risk management as carriers work to meet the EU’s mandate.

Source: Reuters – https://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecom/eu-phase-out-high-risk-tech-targets-huawei-chinese-companies-2026-01-20/