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leroux
Community Champion

Huawei row: UK to let Chinese firm help build 5G network

The government has approved the supply of equipment by Chinese telecoms firm Huawei for the UK's new 5G data network despite warnings of a security risk.

There is no formal confirmation but the Daily Telegraph says Huawei will build "non-core" components such as antennas.

The US wants its allies in the "Five Eyes" intelligence grouping - the UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand - to exclude the company.

Huawei has denied that its work poses any risks of espionage or sabotage.

But Australia has already said it is siding with Washington - which has spoken of "serious concerns over Huawei's obligations to the Chinese government and the danger that poses to the integrity of telecommunications networks in the US and elsewhere".

A spokesman for the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport has said it is reviewing the supply of equipment for the 5G network and will report in due course.

Digital minister Margot James responded to the reports by tweeting: "In spite of Cabinet leaks to the contrary, final decision yet to be made on managing threats to telecoms infrastructure."

According to the Daily Telegraph, Huawei would be allowed to help build the "non-core" infrastructure of the 5G network.

This would mean Huawei would not supply equipment for what is known as the "core" parts - where tasks such as checking device IDs and deciding how to route voice calls and data take place.

3 Replies
Caute_cautim
Community Champion

However, there is a more informed Minister lobbying for this to be reviewed, because it makes no difference with 5G, whether you are in the core or at the edge, they are apparently all interconnected and have similar problems.  Given the exponential increase in capabilities within a 5G network i.e. IoT and many other interconnected capabilities. Whether this is true or not, has not been fully determined, but it adds a worrying issue - on the basis that China can advocate the turning on of espionage capabilities within equipment manufactured by them, and who would be the wiser?     Perhaps an exercise should be conducted, whereby the Chinese Government turn on the espionage capabilities or firmware updates to make this happen in test conditions and see what the overall effects are?  Or perhaps the UK Government should do the same, given the current state of the firmware and SDLC environment? And then make an informed decision.


@leroux wrote:

The government has approved the supply of equipment by Chinese telecoms firm Huawei for the UK's new 5G data network despite warnings of a security risk.

There is no formal confirmation but the Daily Telegraph says Huawei will build "non-core" components such as antennas.

The US wants its allies in the "Five Eyes" intelligence grouping - the UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand - to exclude the company.

Huawei has denied that its work poses any risks of espionage or sabotage.

But Australia has already said it is siding with Washington - which has spoken of "serious concerns over Huawei's obligations to the Chinese government and the danger that poses to the integrity of telecommunications networks in the US and elsewhere".

A spokesman for the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport has said it is reviewing the supply of equipment for the 5G network and will report in due course.

Digital minister Margot James responded to the reports by tweeting: "In spite of Cabinet leaks to the contrary, final decision yet to be made on managing threats to telecoms infrastructure."

According to the Daily Telegraph, Huawei would be allowed to help build the "non-core" infrastructure of the 5G network.

This would mean Huawei would not supply equipment for what is known as the "core" parts - where tasks such as checking device IDs and deciding how to route voice calls and data take place.


 

Regards

 

Caute_cautim

Caute_cautim
Community Champion

This is why everyone is up in arms over 5G, looks at its potential:  https://www.rfpage.com/how-5g-technology-works/

 

Regards

 

Caute_cautim

Caute_cautim
Community Champion

There is more coming shortly from the UK Espionage Act to be released shortly - to close the gaps that exist currently:  https://www.theregister.co.uk/2019/05/20/espionage_act_proposal/

 

Regards

 

Caute_cautim