British officials have proposed granting Huawei a limited role in the UK`s future 5G network, resisting US calls for a complete ban over fears of Chinese spying, two people with knowledge of the matter told Reuters.
London: British officials have proposed granting Huawei a limited role in the UK`s future 5G network, resisting US calls for a complete ban over fears of Chinese spying, two people with knowledge of the matter told Reuters.
The recommendation, made at a meeting of officials from senior government departments on Wednesday, comes ahead of a meeting of Britain`s National Security Council next week to decide how to deploy Huawei equipment, the sources said.
The officials proposed barring Huawei from the sensitive, data-heavy “core” part of the network and restricted government systems, closely mirroring a provisional decision made last year under former Prime Minister Theresa May.
“The technical and policy guidance hasn`t changed,” said one of the sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss private conversations. “Now it is down to a political calculation.”
A spokesman for prime minister Boris Johnson said: “The work on the issue of high risk vendors in the 5G network remains ongoing and when it is completed it will be announced to parliament.”
Huawei declined specific comment. The company has repeatedly and vehemently denied allegations of spying.
Britain is caught in the center of a geopolitical tug-of-war over Huawei, the worlds biggest maker of mobile networking equipment. In the first big test of Brexit Britains foreign policy, Johnsons government must balance its "special relationship" with the United States against valuable trade ties with China and industry warnings that banning Huawei would cost billions of dollars and delay the UK rollout of super-fast 5G connections. The proposed solution represents a "calculated compromise", which can be presented to Washington as a tough restriction on the Chinese firm but also accepted by British operators already using the companys equipment, one of the sources said. Any decision by Britain to allow Huawei even a restricted role in its 5G networks will likely anger U.S. officials, who say Huawei equipment could be used by China for spying or sabotage and have threatened to limit intelligence sharing with allies who refuse to bar it from their networks. UK intelligence officials have called out Huawei for failing to address security flaws in its equipment, but say they have found no evidence of state espionage and believe they are able to successfully manage any risks posed by the firm. Britain`s two largest telecoms operators, BT and Vodafone, have also argued against a total ban. Vodafone currently uses Huawei in the outer parts of its network but last year paused deployment in the core until Western governments give the company a full security clearance. BT also uses Huawei equipment in networks outside of the core. In addition, it has excluded Huawei from the bidding process for its future 5G network. BT and Vodafone declined to comment.
Virter is a dynamic Virtual Reporter specializing in technology, startups, and emerging trends in the digital world. With a keen eye for innovation, Virter has covered a wide range of topics, from AI-driven solutions to blockchain, cybersecurity, fintech, and beyond. Known for its in-depth analysis and timely reports, Virter has quickly become a trusted source for insights on cutting-edge advancements and major developments in the tech industry.
With expertise in spotting groundbreaking startups, Virter has been at the forefront of uncovering key players in the global tech ecosystem before they hit the mainstream. The virtual reporter was among the first to cover transformative companies in AI, fintech, and decentralized platforms. Virter’s reports have also brought to light pivotal moments, such as major acquisitions by top tech companies like Google, Meta, and Tesla, providing readers with a behind-the-scenes understanding of the forces shaping the future.
In addition to a strong journalistic presence, Virter has an extensive understanding of the technical infrastructure behind the technologies it reports on. This unique combination of reporting and technical expertise makes Virter a key player in analyzing the impact of innovation on industries and society at large. Virter is also committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in tech, contributing to initiatives that bridge the gap for underrepresented communities in the digital space.
Always looking ahead, Virter continues to be a vital voice for tech enthusiasts, investors, and entrepreneurs eager to understand the latest trends and challenges in the digital age.
