Q& A

What is Huawei?

The Chinese firm – whose name is pronounced ‘wah-way’ – is the world’s biggest seller of telecomms equipment and the second-largest smartphone maker. In Britain it supplies around 19 per cent of the market through its Huawei and Honor handsets. It was founded in 1987 by Ren Zhengfei, now 74, a former officer in China’s People’s Liberation Army.

What’s all the fuss about?

Critics argue its equipment could be used for spying on the West. Huawei denies this. However, Beijing’s National Intelligence Law requires all organisations and citizens – if asked – to assist the country’s spies.

Why is Google involved?

Huawei has been ‘blacklisted’ by the US government. In response, Google has restricted Huawei’s use of Android, the US firm’s widely-used software for smartphones.

Will the Google ban affect my Huawei device?

Not straight away. Huawei phones using Android will function as normal – but they will miss out on future versions, including security fixes. Apps can be updated, but may not be compatible with phones’ older software.

Is the future bleak?

When Google launches new versions of Android they are unlikely to be available on Huawei phones. Instead, the Chinese firm could launch its own, more basic version of the mobile phone operating system. However, new handsets may no longer include popular apps such as YouTube or Google Maps – which are licensed from Google.

Will any other Huawei products be affected?

That’s not clear. Huawei also sells laptops which run on Windows 10 – another operating system made by a US tech firm – so these could face similar restrictions in future.

What about 5G in Britain?

Huawei is thought to be a year ahead of its competitors in terms of its technological expertise. It is said to have been chosen by Theresa May to build part of the 5G super-fast mobile phone network in the UK. The move split the Cabinet and a leak about the plans saw Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson sacked. The implications of the latest developments remain to be seen.