(Alliance News) - Vodafone Group PLC said removing Huawei Technologies Co Ltd from the UK's telecom infrastructure would a deal a terminal blow to its 5G technology, the Financial Times reported Tuesday.
Vodafone backed the Chinese telecommunications equipment firm as the UK faces mounting political pressure to exclude Huawei, even though the company's gear is central to delivering 5G, new mobile technology that delivers vast amounts of data over wireless networks at fast speeds.
However, Scott Petty, chief technology officer of Vodafone UK, told the Financial Times: "The UK's leadership in 5G will be lost if mobile operators are forced to spend time and money replacing existing equipment."
A full ban could require the UK's telecom companies to rip out and replace billions of pounds worth of existing equipment.
Petty said that, rather than stripping out Huawei equipment, "efforts should instead be focused on expanding 5G coverage, developing 5G capabilities for UK industry, and investing in the next stage of this important technology."
https://www.ft.com/content/c2fd1c70-3eaa-4e80-8ad3-e88e7bec7d12
Huawei said it is committed to bringing better internet connections to all parts of the UK.
In an open letter, published in several national newspapers on Monday, the Chinese firm said it was "committed as ever" to building internet networks "quickly, affordably and securely".
Huawei said it has been working in the UK for 20 years and will continue to invest even though "some now question our role in helping Britain lead the way in 5G".
Last week the prime minister's official spokesman revealed that the UK's National Cyber Security Centre had launched a review looking at the impact new US sanctions against Huawei could have on the UK's networks.
Concerns have been previously raised over the company's role in the UK's 5G network because of fears over close ties to the Chinese state.
By Paul McGowan; paulmcgowan@alliancenews.com
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