UK mobile providers must remove Huawei 5G kit by 2027 announces government

Starting next year, UK telecoms providers will be banned from purchasing new Huawei 5G equipment thanks to a new government announcement, citing security concerns. Telecoms have also been told to remove all of the Chinese company’s 5G technology from their networks by 2027. 

This change in policy will disrupt the UK’s rollout of 5G infrastructure, though the government believes that this decision is the right one of the nation in the long term. 

US sanctions against Huawei have forced the company to part ways with chipmakers like TSMC and transition away from restricted technologies. These changes will for Huawei to utilise more Chinese-made technology in their products, which has, in turn, raised concerns regarding the quality and security of the company’s future products. 

The government believes that there is no need to remove existing Huawei 2G, 3G and 4G equipment at this time, as Huawei’s new restrictions only apply to the company’s 5G equipment and future products. New restrictions will also be applied to new Huawei broadband infrastructure. 

Over the next two years, the government expects operators to stop purchasing new Hauwei broadband equipment. This two year transition period is designed to prevent the UK from becoming overly reliant on single suppliers, such as Nokia.  

While security is a major reason behind these new changes, political considerations could also be a factor in the government’s decision, as the UK’s planned trade deal with the US will have a major impact on the UK’s future. China’s recent treatment of Hong Kong has also strained the nation’s relations with the UK.