Huawei 5G to be removed from the UK by 2027

The UK have made a U-turn again on policy, deciding that mobile providers cannot use Huawei 5G equipment.

This means that they cannot buy new equipment after 31 December, as well as having to remove all kits from their networks by 2027. The Digital Secretary told the House of Commons that this would delay all 5G rollout by a year. This only affects future equipment as there is no security justification to remove 2G, 3G and 4G that is supplied by Huawei.

Trump has since taken credit for this, saying ‘If [other countries] want to do business with us, they can’t use it’ as it is ‘a big security risk.’

Chinese state media also said that there will be retaliation against the UK. This is because China cannot ‘remain passive’ and seem easy to bully. A foreign ministry spokeswoman said that China strongly opposed the decision, suggesting a strain on the relationship between the UK and China. It is unclear what the fallout of this will be, especially from Huawei themselves, however it is clear this will add to growing tension between the Uk and China, as well as the UK being increasingly involved with the US.

Written by Anna Male

Artwork by Isabel