In a recent development, the UK government has banned the installation of equipment by Huawei in 5G telecom networks. This decision comes in light with the government’s plan to remove the Chinese manufacturer from its critical infrastructure.
According to the experts and telecom companies, this decision will not only cost an extra 2 billion pounds but will also delay the 5G disbursement by several years. On the other hand, Huawei denied all allegations that its equipment is being used for spying.
Oliver Dowden, culture secretary of UK is of the view that this decision sets a much clear path and direction. He said: “This will be done through new and unprecedented powers to identify and ban telecoms equipment which poses a threat to our national security.”
This development has caused frustration among the British telecom sector which in the past has dealt with several policy changes by the government. An executive of telecom industry said that the government didn’t consult the stakeholders before giving the deadline.
The telecom companies have been procuring Huawei equipment to complete the early phases of building 5G networks. This ban means most of the equipment is now useless.
Mr Dowden also told about the government’s plant to ring in new players. He said: Our plans will spark a wave of innovation in the design of our future mobile networks.”
The government will invest £250m to mitigate the impact of removing Huawei from the UK’s 5G network by the 2027 deadline, This includes a partnership with Japan’s NEC and the creation of a national telecoms laboratory to further research.