EU governments have removed the European Commission’s proposed 36-month deadline for European mobile operators to phase out equipment from suppliers deemed high risk, potentially giving carriers more time to replace Huawei and other Chinese technology. A document dated September 22 says the timetable should instead reflect the identified risk level, product and infrastructure lifecycles, replacement cycles, interoperability requirements and the availability of suitable alternatives. Industry executives have warned that replacement could cost up to €40 billion ($45 billion), diverting capital from fibre, 5G and 6G investment. EU countries must negotiate the proposal and amendments with EU lawmakers before the revised Cybersecurity Act can become law.