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UK government reportedly planning u-turn on use of Huawei 5G tech

Earlier this month the Trump presidency extended its ban on the use of Huawei technology in the country until May 2021, with the continued trade war between the US and the Chinese firm set to continue. Now the company’s dealings in the UK could suffer too, with the National Cyber Security Agency looking into the use of Huawei 5G technology.

This comes after an announcement in January that the UK would use Huawei 5G hardware for non-core elements of its network as the region sought to embrace the new broadband standard.

According to The Guardian an emergency review was called yesterday, with a move on the cards that could see the removal not only of Huawei 5G equipment, but all of the firm’s hardware up until 2023.

“Following the US announcement of additional sanctions against Huawei, the NCSC is looking carefully at any impact they could have to the UK’s networks,” an unnamed spokesperson told the publication.

While the US has made its position on Huawei, along with the imposing of sanctions, clear in the past, this most recent one has reportedly given the UK even greater pause for thought. This as concerns have been raised that the inability of US vendors to sell technology to Huawei, could prompt the organisation to look to other less well-vetted vendors instead.

Consequently, it may pose a larger security risk than it did only a few months ago.

Regardless of the security concerns being raised, Huawei has stood firm in its assertions that no cybersecurity risks are posed by using its 5G hardware, or any other technology for that matter.

“We are happy to discuss with NCSC any concerns they may have and hope to continue the close working relationship we have enjoyed for the last 10 years,” VP, Victor Zhang, told The Guardian.

With Huawei battling Nokia and Ericsson to be the leaders in terms of the 5G landscape across the globe, the continued fight against the US, as well as a potential loss of business with the UK, does not bode well.

Locally though, there appears to be no concerns, with most networks in the country turning to Huawei to assist with their 5G plans.

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