In a move that is likely going to cost UK mobile networks (and therefore, their customers) billions, the UK government has today announced that mobile providers will be banned from buying any new Huawei 5G equipment after the end of this year. This will delay the rollout of 5G here in the UK by an entire year. In addition, all Huawei 5G kit must be ripped out before 2027.
Huawei has been the target of trade blocks and sanctions for some time, with the US stopping Huawei (and Honor) from working with Google and other US companies. It’s meant that new phones lack Google Play, YouTube, Gmail and Google Maps. A get-around has been put into place but it’s all very different to the experience on other mobile phones.
Huawei are now in further trouble. America and the UK have now turned their backs on the company following the belief that the company poses a national security threat. This is denied by Huawei.
In addition to the Huawei mobile infrastructure, the Huawei broadband kit is to be removed too.
Despite the evidence from the GCHQ National Cyber Security Centre, Brexit has meant that some are questioning if the UK’s desire to strike a trade deal with the US has had an impact on the decision making.
Major u-turn from UK government in large part due to pressure from the US. @Mike_Pence told me in Feb he was "profoundly disappointed" in UK govt for allowing Huawei in first place, and alluded that it could be deal breaker for US/UK trade deal. UK govt has caved. https://t.co/RYDIxkvSi6
— Wilfred Frost (@WilfredFrost) July 14, 2020
Welcome to the new UK.