Binde said that as Huawei is one of the main developers of 5G infrastructure, anything that affects the company will affect the introduction of 5G networks. But LMT will not be affected, as it does not use Huawei's technologies.
Huawei phones are the third most popular models in Latvia. "According to official notices, all the devices stored in European warehouses will continue to be supported. Nothing will change for the end-users," said Binde.
As for the introduction of the 5G network generally, Binde said there are still unclear things as concerns the technology but that LMT is ready to roll out the network quickly. "We've set up network infrastructure that can be used to connect the fifth-generation network. We can quickly roll out the network and we're working on [introducing] services. A great part of these can be introduced in the existing network," said Binde.
Most recently, US officials have temporary halted the ban on supplying Huawei with US technologies.
Founded in 1992, LMT is the oldest mobile operator in Latvia. LMT shareholders are Sobera Holding B.V (24.5 percent) and Telia Company (24.5 percent), Lattelecom (23 percent), the state-owned Latvian State Radio and Television Center (23 percent), and the Latvian Privatization Agency (5 percent).
