China’s link to UK’s 5G network likely to be axed in six months
CHINESE company Huawei’s involvement in the UK’s mobile network is expected to be phased out after spy chiefs raised new security concerns.
The Government is reviewing the controversial firm’s role in 5G following a report warning that US sanctions will force it to use “untrusted” technology.
Cabinet minister Matt Hancock said the National Security Council is looking at the risks and will “make the right decision”.
Use of Huawei’s technology in the network is likely to be dropped within six months.
A report by GCHQ’s National Cyber Security Centre found sanctions imposed by Washington restricting the company’s use of American-made chips has had a “severe” impact on the firm.
UK officials are now drafting proposals to prevent new Huawei equipment being installed in the 5G network as quickly as possible.
Mr Hancock said: “When we came out with an interim report on this earlier in the year, there were a number of conditions that needed to be met.
“So I’m sure that the National Security Council will look at those conditions and make the right decision on this, to make sure that we have a very strong telecoms infrastructure... that is secure. We have been looking very closely at this.”
Boris Johnson gave Huawei permission to build 35 per cent of Britain’s 5G internet infrastructure in January on condition that it had no involvement in sensitive parts of the network, such as nuclear sites and military bases.
But the decision caused fury in the US, which had imposed sanctions over fears the company could be used for state spying. President Trump was said to have gone “apoplectic” when he spoke to the Prime Minister about his decision.
It also sparked anger on the Tory backbenches. Senior figures warned it would be like letting the fox into the hen house and insisted protecting intelligence-sharing ties with the US should be Britain’s top priority.