Huawei Welcomes UK Parliamentary Committee Report On 5G Restrictions
[Sydney, July 16th 2019] – Huawei Australia warmly welcomes the conclusion of the Science & Technology Committee of the UK Parliament that there is no evidence to suggest that banning Huawei from the UK’s telecom networks would constitute a proportionate response to any potential security threats.
The conclusion of the cross-party committee in their final report to the UK Minister for Digital, Jeremy Wright, confirms our own position that it is perfectly possible for governments and network operators to work with Huawei on deploying 5G technology in a safe and secure manner.
This is already being done in most parts of the world with Huawei already signing 50 contracts for commercial 5G deployment – with over half of these being in Europe.
The UK Parliamentary committee report is yet another repudiation of the rushed and chaotic decision to exclude Huawei from 5G by the Turnbull Government – based on inaccurate technical advice - in its dying final hours.
It was particularly noteworthy that the Science & Technology Committee report also concluded – in direct contradiction to claims made by the Turnbull Government – that the Core Network and Radio Access Network can be separated on 5G networks.
The UK Government has taken a much more intelligent approach to the 5G security issue and has conducted and open and transparent process with which Huawei has provided full co-operation.
By contrast, in Australia Huawei has yet to even receive written confirmation of the 5G ban being in place and has still not been given an explanation as to why it was imposed.
By contrast the UK is already establishing itself as 5G leader in Europe with both Vodafone and EE launching commercial 5G networks using Huawei technology on their radio access networks – and more launches are planned before year-end.
Photo above: Jeremy Mitchell, Director of Corporate and Public Affairs
Jeremy Mitchell, Director of Corporate and Public Affairs at Huawei Australia said:
“It is very pleasing to see the UK government take an evidence based approach to this matter – there are clearly lessons to be learned here for the Australian Government.
“Huawei complies with all the local laws and regulations wherever we operate and we have always been willing to engage with the Australian Government to answer any questions they may have or to work through any concerns.
“We remain open to talking with the Australian Government and to taking whatever measures necessary to demonstrate the safety and security of our equipment – just as we are already doing in the UK and Europe.
“With so many Australians feeling let down by the speeds being delivered on the National Broadband Network it is crucial that Australia gets the best possible 5G networks – as things stand that is not going to happen – and it will be Australian mobile users that pay the price.”