The UK Bans Huawei From Its 5G Network

by Kay Lee

The UK has banned the use of equipment manufactured by Huawei in the development of 5G networks. Operators must stop purchasing company’s new devices by December 31, 2020.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson developed the corresponding plan. According to it, the UK should become more self-sufficient and less dependent on China.

British 5G Towers Are Set on Fire Due to Coronavirus Conspiracy Theories
Locals of Birmingham and Merseyside set fire to three 5G stations. The reason for this protest gesture was the belief that the outbreak of the novel coronavirus occurred due to the harmful effects of the fifth-generation networks.
The Internet ProtocolIvan Tkachenko

But as stated in the government, this decision was made after adopting new US sanctions against Huawei. US authorities have banned any companies from using US software or technology to cooperate with the Chinese manufacturer. For example, in May, it became known that Taiwan's largest semiconductor manufacturer TSMC stopped accepting new orders from Huawei.

But for the UK, the refusal to cooperate with Huawei threatens economic and political problems. Earlier, the head of the HSBC Bank warned the government of possible conflicts with China in the case of a refusal of Huawei equipment.

Donald Trump Extended Sanctions Against Huawei Until May 2021
U.S. President Donald Trump has extended an order that prohibits U.S. companies from using telecommunications equipment manufactured by companies that pose a threat to U.S national security.
The Internet ProtocolIvan Tkachenko

In the UK, 5G networks have been actively implemented for several years. The main part of the equipment was from Huawei, which is the leader in the number of patents related to 5G network technology.

Now, operators will have to spend money on replacing equipment from the Chinese company, which should be removed from 5G networks by the end of 2027. This way, the development of 5G technology in the UK will be delayed.