The UK government is set to impose restrictions on telecoms operators to prevent them using technology from China's Huawei across more than half of their networks, reports The Telegraph.
According to unnamed telecoms industry sources, officials are understood to be preparing to recommend a 50 percent limit on the proportion of network equipment that can be supplied by the Chinese company. This recommendation is set to be made as part of a government review into the telecoms supply chain, which is scheduled for completion in spring 2019. This review was launched in response to growing security concerns over Huawei technology being used by the Chinese government to disrupt or intercept critical communications.
The new strict rules would apply to the UK's four mobile networks for core network equipment and specialist radio equipment attached to masts, including new 5G networks. According to sources close to the talks, details of how these rules would apply are still being considered. For example, it is not clear if the government would apply any restrictions retrospectively, potentially forcing network operators to replace existing network equipment. Telecoms industry officials are arguing that any new rules should only apply to new procurement.
