UK set to grant HUAWEI access to 'non-contentious' parts of 5G networks

Huawei’s carrier business has come under scrutiny amidst the switch to 5G connectivity, as the US insists that the brand’s network infrastructure represents a security threat.

Now, after months of wrangling, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson is reportedly set to grant HUAWEI access to the country’s 5G networks. According to the Sunday Times (subscription required), citing several sources, the move will give the Chinese brand access to “non-contentious” parts of 5G networks in the UK.

The decision could complicate the UK’s relationship with the US, as Washington previously pressured its allies to drop HUAWEI from all 5G networks.

News of the UK potentially embracing HUAWEI again comes over three months after two British committees found there was no technical reason not to use the company’s tech in 5G networks. The committees acknowledged geopolitical and ethical problems related to using HUAWEI tech, but noted that these concerns were unrelated to its safety and efficacy.

“The benefits of 5G are clear and the removal of HUAWEI from the current or future networks could cause significant delays,” a leader of one of these committees was quoted as saying.

We’ve contacted HUAWEI for comment regarding this development and will update the story accordingly. What do you make of the UK’s reported decision though? Sound off in the comments below.