2019-05-21T134045Z_1118503225_RC1F93C78B30_RTRMADP_3_NOKIA-5G-(Read-Only)
Rajeev Suri, Nokia's President and Chief Executive Officer, speaks during the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain February 25, 2018. Image Credit: Reuters

HELSINKI: Nokia Chief Executive Rajeev Suri said on Tuesday that the company had been a little slow in getting 5G technology up and running, citing merging its own technology plans with those of acquired Alcatel-Lucent as a reason.

Asked about the regulatory problems facing Chinese telecoms rival Huawei, he said: “Perhaps there is long term opportunity but more than that, it’s hard to say at this point.” Nokia last month reported a surprise quarterly loss after it failed to supply 5G telecoms equipment in time.

“We are late in 5G by a few weeks to a couple of months,” Suri told Nokia’s annual shareholder meeting.

Suri told investors he remained confident the company would reach its annual financial guidance.

— Reuters