European mobile operators have warned that proposed EU cybersecurity rules could cost them up to €40 billion to remove and replace equipment from designated “high-risk” suppliers, chiefly Huawei and ZTE. The legislation matters because it would reshape Europe’s telecoms infrastructure in the name of security and resilience, while potentially slowing network upgrades and increasing costs for consumers.

GSMA Intelligence estimates replacement costs of €30 billion to €40 billion, with a €35 billion midpoint split between mobile networks (€19 billion), fixed networks (€5 billion) and transport infrastructure (€11 billion). Operators could have only three years to remove targeted equipment, creating a substantial logistical challenge. Reduced competition among equipment suppliers could raise mobile-equipment prices by 24%, fixed-network prices by up to 19%, and transport-equipment prices by 10%, adding an estimated €8.5 billion in costs between 2027 and 2030. Operators may respond through higher customer charges, reduced investment, or both.