全球智库信息集成服务系统

• The United States has a weak position in two 5G sectors: network infrastructure and microchip foundries — the very top and bottom of the 5G technology stack.
• In between, in other 5G sectors — mobile devices, mobile device operating systems, and microchip design — the United States has a relative advantage over or is at parity with China.
• Huawei, a Chinese company, supplies 5G networks to many foreign countries, which gives China a security advantage in those countries, enabling China to collect national security, intellectual property, and foreign policy secrets. However, because the United States blacklisted Huawei, the company has lost significant market share in the 5G mobile device market. In response, Huawei has introduced its own mobile device operating system into a market dominated by Apple and Google. Also because of the blacklisting, it has lost access to new U.S. chip design tools and the 5- and 7-nanometer foundry sectors.

Fifth-generation (5G) networks are being deployed in the United States and globally and, one day, will replace many older, third- and fourth-generation cellular networks. 5G will provide much higher data rates and lower message latency than older cellular networks. 5G could also provide or support a variety of new applications, such as holographic communications, autonomous vehicles, and internet-of-things communications. However, security concerns have been raised about 5G networks built using Chinese equipment and 5G phones made by some Chinese companies. The United States is reliant on foreign suppliers for 5G infrastructure and key microchips that go into every 5G phone.

This report describes 5G security issues, the 5G supply chain, and the competitive landscape in 5G equipment and mobile device markets. It describes where U.S. and Chinese companies have technology or market advantages in the emerging 5G security competition between the United States and China. The report provides recommendations for securing U.S. 5G networks and mobile devices and those used by U.S. allies and foreign partner nations.

• Chapter One

  Introduction

• Chapter Two

  The Rise of Chinese Firms in Global Telecommunication Markets

• Chapter Three

  Elements of the 5G Security Competition

• Chapter Four

  Competition in the 5G Supply Chain

• Chapter Five

  Potential 5G Architecture Vulnerabilities

• Chapter Six

  Options for a U.S. 5G Security Strategy

• Chapter Seven

  Findings and Recommendations