UK Reverses Huawei 5G Policy: Operators Given Until 2027 to Remove Equipment
Policy Shift Driven by US Sanctions
The UK government has officially reversed its stance on “high-risk” 5G vendors linked to China, citing tightened US sanctions against Huawei as the primary reason. Digital Minister Oliver Dowden announced that telecom operators will be barred from purchasing new 5G equipment from Huawei and ZTE by the end of 2024. Additionally, all existing Huawei 5G infrastructure must be removed by 2027.
Key Policy Changes:
- Procurement Ban: Effective December 31, 2024, for new Huawei/ZTE 5G equipment
- Removal Deadline: All installed Huawei 5G kit must be phased out by 2027
- Legislation Pending: A Telecoms Security Bill to enforce these measures is delayed until autumn
Security Concerns Take Priority
Dowden emphasized that the UK’s National Cyber Security Center (NCSC) reassessed Huawei’s risks following US sanctions, concluding that future Huawei equipment could no longer be deemed secure.
“Given the uncertainty around Huawei’s supply chain, the UK can no longer guarantee the security of affected 5G equipment,” Dowden stated.
Economic and Operational Impact
The policy reversal carries significant consequences:
- 5G Rollout Delays: Expected to be pushed back 2-3 years
- Cost Implications: Estimated at £2 billion, including:
- £1 billion from January’s restrictions
- £500 million from the procurement ban
- “Hundreds of millions” for removing existing equipment
Industry Warnings
BT had previously cautioned that rapid removal of Huawei equipment could:
- Cause network outages
- Create security vulnerabilities
- Delay fiber broadband upgrades
Political Backlash and Future Challenges
The government faces criticism from multiple fronts:
- Opposition Parties: Accused the government of a “screeching U-turn”
- Rebel MPs: May push for amendments to accelerate the removal timeline
- Industry Concerns: Huawei claims the decision will:
- Slow UK digital progress
- Increase consumer costs
- Widen the digital divide
Looking Ahead: Diversification and Alternatives
The UK plans to:
- Work with Five Eyes allies to diversify 5G supply chains
- Explore alternatives from vendors like Samsung and NEC
- Promote open RAN networks for long-term vendor flexibility
A technical consultation will determine policies for non-5G Huawei equipment, particularly in fiber networks.
Industry Responses
Huawei UK:
“This decision threatens to move Britain into the digital slow lane… It’s about US trade policy, not security.”
BT:
Estimates compliance costs can be absorbed within existing budgets while maintaining network resilience.
This policy reversal marks a significant shift from the UK’s January stance, reflecting growing geopolitical tensions and security priorities in 5G infrastructure development.
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