The United Kingdom (U.K.) has today, i.e., Tuesday, January 28, 2020 said that it will allow China based Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd., to help build U.K.’s next generation of super-fast wireless networks, but with restrictions.
Huawei will be banned from supplying kit to sensitive parts of the network, known as the core. In addition, it will only be allowed to account for 35% of the kit in a network’s periphery, which includes radio masts. Also, it will not be allowed near military bases and nuclear sites.
Speaking on the occasion, the Vice President of Huawei for U.K.- Victor Zhang said, “Huawei is reassured by the UK government’s confirmation that we can continue working with our customers to keep the 5G rollout on.”
He further added, “It gives the UK access to world-leading technology and ensures a competitive market.”
“We agree a diverse vendor market and fair competition are essential for network reliability and innovation, as well as ensuring consumers have access to the best possible technology,” added Victor.
READ THE HUAWEI STATEMENT HERE
The move will not go down well with United States (U.S.). who has been pressurising U.K. for complete ban of Huawei. The announcement follows months of public debate in the U.K. over how to respond to concerns raised by the United States (U.S.) Government about potential national security risks posed by Huawei components.
The U.S. believes that Huawei is leaking private and confidential data to Chinese Government which poses a threat to national security of the U.S. and other nations using Huawei equipment and services. However, Huawei has rejected all the claims and has said that the company is independent from the Government and has never compromised on security and privacy terms.
Separately, Meng Wanzhou, the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd. and daughter of the Huawei Founder – Ren Zhengfei is undergoing trial in Canada for being extradited to U.S. She was arrested in Vancouver by Canadian Authorities on December 1, 2018. Meng was later released on bail with restrictions on freedom of movement. She is presently undergoing court trial with regards to extradition request placed by U.S. She has been accused of misleading HSBC Holdings Plc about Huawei’s business in Iran.
Huawei’s business has been severely impacted with U.S. asking its allies to ban Huawei completely.
Huawei’s products are often described as superior and cheaper than those sold by Finnish company – Nokia, Swedish company – Ericsson, South Korean company – Samsung and China base ZTE.
Though U.K. has seen some investment from China recently, it still holds more strong relations with U.S. Now with U.K. leaving European Union (BREXIT) on January 31, 2020, it is banking on a new trade deal with the U.S. We have to wait n watch how the move to allow Huawei will impact the relations of the U.K. with the U.S.
