(Nov. 30) announced specific plans to remove Chinese tech firm Huawei’s equipment from the UK’s 5G network. From September next year, UK companies will no longer be allowed to use Huawei equipment.
The U.K. government decided to ban Huawei equipment from the U.K.’s 5G network this summer. Previously, Huawei had been allowed to play a limited role in the construction of the UK’s 5G network. However, at the repeated urging of the U.S., the British government changed its stance and adopted a tougher policy towards Huawei.
The U.S. believes that Huawei has close ties to the Chinese military and Chinese government, and may be using Huawei equipment for espionage activities that are harmful to Western interests, so it has taken severe sanctions against the Chinese company, which is strong in 5G technology. European countries such as the United Kingdom, which had been open to the idea, have opted to side with the United States and ban the use of Huawei products. Huawei strongly denies the U.S. allegations.
In July, Oliver Dowden, the UK Minister of Digital Culture, Media and Sport, said that mobile network operators will not be allowed to purchase Huawei equipment from the end of 2020, and that Huawei equipment should be completely removed from the UK’s network infrastructure by 2027.
Dowden also outlined a specific plan to reduce Huawei’s market share in the UK to zero. One of the key measures is that Huawei equipment must be banned from the UK’s 5G network in September 2021. However, network operators will be able to continue to maintain Huawei equipment installed before the specified date.
Today I’ve set out a clear path to completely remove high-risk suppliers from our 5G network,” Dowden said Monday in a U.K. government press release, “by using new and unprecedented powers to screen telecoms equipment for threats to our national security. and prohibition to implement this plan.”
On Tuesday, the UK Parliament will consider the Communications (Security) Bill. The bill calls for stricter safety standards in 5G and fiber-optic networks and increased penalties for those who violate the rules.
The fines could be up to 10% of the operator’s revenue, or £100,000 per day.
The UK is an important pivot point for Huawei in Europe, where it has a major research and development center with huge investments. The shift in the UK’s position is a major blow to Huawei.
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