Colombian Experts Flag Concerns on China’s 5G Technology

Colombia commenced the rollout of its 5G network in February of this year through key telecommunications providers, Claro, Wom, and the collaborative efforts of Tigo-Movistar. These operators were granted official authorization to leverage the requisite spectrum for deploying 5G technology in Colombia as of December 20 of the preceding year. The introduction of this network, primarily through Chinese mobile phones, has sparked concerns within the country regarding the lack of adequate infrastructure and legislation to address challenges in cybersecurity.

Experts caution that Colombia must swiftly adapt to the intricate nuances of these networks, particularly to shield against risks associated with Chinese providers. Carlos Augusto Chacon, Executive Director of the Institute of Political Science of Colombia (ICP), underscored this concern, remarking to Dialogo Magazine on March 25th that “Chinese legislation establishes a regulatory environment wherein companies, especially those dealing with critical technologies such as 5G networks, are obligated to collaborate with the government in activities that may compromise privacy and data security outside China.”

Colombia’s cybersecurity at risk with China’s 5G tech

It’s worth noting that the State Intelligence Law (2017) compels Chinese companies to assist and cooperate with state intelligence operations, intensifying worries about data sovereignty and privacy. Moreover, the advancement of this technology involves a wider spectrum of frequencies, resulting in more antennas and interconnected devices, consequently heightening vulnerability to interference and potential cyber-attacks.

IBM’s X-Force Threat Intelligence Index 2024 report revealed that Colombia ranks as the second highest country in Latin America in terms of cyber-attack incidents. These assaults involved identity theft and exploitation of technological vulnerabilities within public and private sector systems.

To mitigate these risks, Chacon emphasizes the imperative of diversifying suppliers to avoid over-reliance on a single provider for critical components of the 5G infrastructure. An analysis by the consulting firm International Data Corporation (IDC) of cellphone market trends in the first quarter of 2024, revealed the prominence of three Chinese-origin brands—Xiaomi, Transsion, and Oppo— among the top five most commercially successful brands in the country.

Benefits of 5G Technology in Colombia

While concerns persist regarding the potential misuse of 5G technology by Chinese entities for espionage or state interference, the benefits of its deployment are undeniable. These include enhanced connection speeds, support for simultaneous connectivity of numerous devices, and reduced latency. This augments the quality of real-time communication applications, spanning from online gaming to telemedicine services.

Mauricio Arias Fernandez, Technology Consulting Partner at PwC-Colombia, emphasizes the critical need for public awareness and education to effectively address cybersecurity risks. “Vigilance in data management is paramount,” he stated to the Colombian media outlet 360.

While the nationwide availability of 5G signal remains pending, its expansion is progressing swiftly. A study by the French firm nPerf, cited by the Mexican magazine El Economista on March 20, indicates that 13 cities across Colombia now have access to 5G connectivity, courtesy of the aforementioned operators. Notable among these cities are Bogota, Medellin, Cali, Bucaramanga, Barranquilla, and Cartagena.