KATHMANDU: The UK’s mobile providers have been banned not to procure new Huawei 5G equipment post 31 December.
They have also been ordered to remove all the Chinese firm’s 5G kit from their networks by 2027.
Digital Secretary Oliver Dowden told the House of Commons of the decision.
It follows sanctions imposed by Washington, which claims the firm poses a national security threat which Huawei denies.
Dowden said the move would delay the country’s 5G rollout by a year.
The technology promises faster internet speeds and the capacity to support more wireless devices, which should be a boon to everything from mobile gaming to higher-quality video streams.
5G connections are already available in dozens of UK cities and towns, but coverage can be sparse.
“This has not been an easy decision, but it is the right one for the UK telecoms networks, for our national security and our economy,” Dowden added.
(With inputs from Agencies)
Comment