Huawei helps Monaco achieve nationwide 5G coverage in European first

China's telecommunications giant Huawei has helped Monaco become the first country in Europe to be entirely covered by a 5G network, reports AFP.

People attend an event on Tuesday, July 9, 2019 for the announcement that Monaco has full 5G network coverage. [Photo: VCG/VALERY HACHE]

"We are the first state to be entirely covered by a 5G network," said Monaco Telecom President Etienne Franzi at a ceremony inaugurating the Huawei-supported service on Tuesday. The company president added that "5G is the promise of a better quality of life for all and exceptional opportunities" in Monaco.

The rollout follows the signing of a cooperative agreement last September between Monaco Telecom, the principality's main communications provider, and China's 5G pioneer Huawei.

The logo of the telecommunications giant Huawei. [File Photo: VCG]

Huawei's Vice President Guo Ping told AFP that the rollout of Monaco's 5G network is a significant milestone for the company. "It allows us to make a shop window in a number of areas, notably linking 5G development to this intelligent state," said Guo. "It can serve as a model for other operators and states."

Last month the company announced that it had obtained 46 commercial 5G contracts in 30 countries around the world, according to a report by Xinhua News Agency.