Samsung enters Europe with Vodafone 5G UK deal

British telecoms group Vodafone has chosen Samsung Electronics to supply its 5G network equipment in Britain.

It's something of a breakthrough for the South Korean company in Europe's telecoms gear market.

Mobile operators are increasingly considering Samsung to replace China's Huawei as a supplier.

Executives from Spain's Telefonica and France's Orange have previously told Reuters that they've held talks with the firm.

Britain has already ordered all Huawei equipment to be removed from its 5G network by the end of 2027, citing national security risks.

Samsung is thought to be banking on Europe to maintain growth in its network equipment business as 5G rollouts widen.

The European telecoms equipment market is dominated by Nokia, Ericsson and Huawei.

But Samsung has entered the picture after it unexpectedly landed a $6 billion deal with U.S. giant Verizon in September.