LONDON: Two British mobile operators, EE and Vodafone, are pausing the launch of Huawei 5G smartphones that can be used on ‘next-generation’ mobile networks. The companies said they are holding off amid uncertainty about the devices from the world’s No. 2 smartphone maker.

The U.S. government last week restricted technology sales to Chinese telecom gear suppliers because of alleged security risks, though Washington announced a 90-day grace period for telecom carriers to find other suppliers.

EE’s CEO Marc Allera said sales would not resume until it gets “the information and confidence and the long-term security” that customers will be supported over the device’s lifetime. (Agencies)