Huawei could still be removed from UK 5G networks

Huawei
(Image credit: Future)

The UK government has confirmed it is carrying out another review into the use of 5G equipment from Huawei in the country's networks.

The Chinese giant is facing further scrutiny from the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) following a further recent clampdown from the US over security concerns. 

The US and Huawei have locked horns on multiple occasions over the past few years, with today's news coming shortly after the US announced new sanctions against Huawei and fellow Chinese technology firm ZTE.

Huawei UK 5G

The UK had said it would allow Huawei to participate in helping build its 5G network earlier this year.

However this decision came with several significant restrictions, including limiting the company to a 35% cap of all radio equipment, as well as preventing the company's kit being used in the core of the network.

"The security and resilience of our networks is of paramount importance," an NCSC spokesman told the BBC.

"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."

Huawei has hit back in typically bullish fashion against the news, stating that the reports "simply don't make sense".

"The government decided in January to approve our part in the 5G rollout, because Britain needs the best possible technologies, more choice, innovation and more suppliers, all of which means more secure and more resilient networks," said Victor Zhang, VP, Huawei.

"As a private company, 100% owned by employees, which has operated in the UK for 20 years, our priority has been to help mobile and broadband companies keep Britain connected, which in this current health crisis has been more vital than ever. This is our proven track-record.”

Via BBC

Mike Moore
Deputy Editor, TechRadar Pro

Mike Moore is Deputy Editor at TechRadar Pro. He has worked as a B2B and B2C tech journalist for nearly a decade, including at one of the UK's leading national newspapers and fellow Future title ITProPortal, and when he's not keeping track of all the latest enterprise and workplace trends, can most likely be found watching, following or taking part in some kind of sport.

Latest in Phone & Communications
GlocalMe KeyTracker
When I tested this global tracker, it trounced the Apple AirTag in so many ways
ThinkPhone 25 by Motorola
I reviewed the ThinkPhone 25 by Motorola and while it's not as fast as its predecessor, it's the superior phone in so many ways
FRITZ!Box 7690 WiFi 7 Router
FRITZ!Box tries to embrace both business and home customers with its new 7690 router
Ulefone Armor Pad 4 Ultra Thermal
Other than screen reflection, I’m still looking for the downside to the Ulefone Armor Pad 4 Ultra Thermal tablet
Unihertz Tank Pad 8849
Carrying the Unihertz Tank Pad 8849 provided me with a full workout
Doogee Fire 6
The Doogee Fire 6 is another rugged retro SoC phone that fails to justify its cost or your interest
Latest in News
Vision Pro Metallica
Apple Vision Pro goes off to never never land with Metallica concert footage
Mufasa is joined by another lion, a monkey and a bird in this promotional image
Mufasa: The Lion King prowls onto Disney+ as it finally gets a streaming release date
An American flag flying outside the US Capitol building against a blue sky
Sean Plankey selected as CISA director by President Trump
An Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 on a table with its retail packaging
Nvidia RTX 5060 GPU spotted in Acer gaming PC, suggesting rumors of imminent launch are correct – and that it’ll run with only 8GB of video RAM
Indiana Jones talking to a friend in a university setting with a jaunty smile on his face
New leak claims Indiana Jones and the Great Circle PS5 release will come in April
A close up of the limited edition vinyl turntable wrist watch from AndoAndoAndo
This limited-edition timepiece turns the iconic Technics SL-1200 turntable into a watch, and I want one