# Argentina Restricts Chinese Telecom Tech Following US Security Standards New cybersecurity mandates could reshape national infrastructure and private mobile network operations. - **Source:** [Clarín – Política](https://www.clarin.com/politica) - **Published:** 2026-11-07 - **Topic:** [politics](https://brifing.si/c/politics) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/012aded7-d4b0-48d5-aa71-db783fdffd7d ## New Cybersecurity Mandate The Argentine government issued Disposition 7/26, establishing strict technical requirements for critical telecommunications infrastructure. Managed by the National Cybersecurity Center, the policy mandates the SCS 9001 certification developed by the US-based Telecommunications Industry Association. This move effectively restricts Chinese firms like Huawei and ZTE from participating in state-led technology procurement processes. ## Strategic Geopolitical Alignment This regulatory shift reflects the administration's closer alignment with Washington regarding regional telecommunications security. US officials have actively encouraged Argentina to reduce reliance on Chinese vendors, citing supply chain risks. The policy follows recent visits by US representatives who pledged 15 million dollars to support a new national cybersecurity operations center. ## Impact on State Assets The regulation immediately applies to all national government entities, including the state-owned technology firm Arsat. Agencies must now incorporate these security requirements into all future contracts for purchasing or operating critical network equipment. Authorities have granted a 90-day window to identify critical infrastructure and classify equipment based on potential security risk levels. ## Private Sector Concerns While the mandate currently targets state procurement, the ENaCom may soon extend these rules to private telecommunications operators. Industry data indicates that major mobile providers currently rely on Huawei for up to 70 percent of their network infrastructure. Such an extension could force costly equipment replacements and disrupt long-term network expansion plans. ## Industry Pushback and Criticism The Argentine Association of TIC, Video and Connectivity expressed concern over the reliance on a single private US certification. Critics argue that SCS 9001 evaluates management processes rather than technical equipment safety. They suggest that alternative international standards, such as ISO 27001 or Common Criteria, should be accepted to maintain technological neutrality. ## Economic and Legal Risks Industry experts warn that the government failed to conduct a formal economic impact assessment regarding these new requirements. Potential consequences include increased investment costs for small cooperatives and regional operators. Furthermore, legal analysts suggest the move might conflict with the Argentina Digital Law and existing international trade commitments under the World Trade Organization. ## Huawei's Official Response Huawei expressed surprise and concern regarding the resolution, stating that the requirements unfairly limit established providers with decades of local compliance. The company emphasized that procurement rules should guarantee equal conditions and fair competition. Huawei is currently evaluating all available legal alternatives to address the restrictions imposed by the new government framework. ## Future Market Implications The long-term impact remains uncertain as the ENaCom evaluates whether to enforce these standards on private licensees. While the decree does not currently ban existing equipment or consumer smartphones, the precedent set by this policy could lead to broader market shifts. Observers are now monitoring upcoming regulatory decisions for further clarity. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.clarin.com/politica/gobierno-restringe-tecnologia-china-sector-telecomunicaciones-podria-impactar-mercado-telefonos-celulares_0_BWnofkEPnf.html — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._