Telecoms gear provider Nokia reported Thursday a rise in fourth-quarter earnings thanks to strong demand for new-generation mobile networks, the so-called 5G systems that have been the focus of a high-stakes dispute between the U.S. government and Nokia rival Huawei. Nokia's net profit for the October-December rose to 741 million euros ($852 million) from 716 million euros a year earlier. CEO Rajeev Suri said the company's performance is expected to improve further this year as "a fast and meaningful shift" into 5G networks takes place. There are also allegations that Huawei, the world's leading provider of networks, could allow the Chinese government to spy in certain countries through its systems. Some industry experts believe Huawei's legal troubles could benefit Nokia and its Nordic rival, Ericsson.

Source: ABC News January 31, 2019 08:37 UTC