5G is expected to pave the way for new innovations, new markets, and economic growth for nations all over the world. Being first may not be the best though, because those countries will take the risk of having a vulnerable security system.
5G has only been around for a few years. Because of the major change in network infrastructure compared to previous networks, there are many new security vulnerabilities to the new system that have yet to be vetted–some which are probably still unknown!
In fact, a recent report from top U.S. national security agencies stated that these new developments “introduce serious risks that can threaten national security, economic security, and impact other national and global interests.”
The architecture and development of new technologies will be impacted by adversarial nations as they contribute to new security controls and technical standards. For example, the 5G-dominant nations can sell their emerging technologies in order to influence standards that specifically benefit their technologies and limit the consumer’s choice to use other equipment, which will ultimately force other nations to use untrusted suppliers in their networks.