In January of this year, the United Kingdom closed an agreement with Huawei to build its 5Gem network on British soil. Despite the initial pressure from the American government, there are now more guarantees that the country governed by Boris Johnson maintains its position, in the sense that any changes are expected in the face of what was initially decided.
According to Reuters, the guarantee was given by the head of diplomatic service at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Boris Johnson's executive. Also a permanent undersecretary, Simon McDonald, said that China is a very important partner of the United Kingdom "and considers that" it is possible to proceed with Huawei's decision and have the strategically independent relationship that I have been talking about ".
To legislators, and when asked whether he would advise the Minister to change his position on Huawei, Simon McDonald recalled that the "Government has decided to continue with an investment, but under very strict conditions". "As far as I know a firm decision is not being reconsidered," he said.
At the time, the government gave Huawei the green light, but imposed limitations to create mechanisms so that telecommunications companies are not dependent on a particular technological company. In the same way that it can prevent the brand itself from accessing crucial areas of the network. So-called high-risk companies, such as Huawei, in addition to being excluded from sensitive network cores, will have a maximum of 35% share in low-risk parts.
But why did the UK make this decision? The country believes that a total ban by Huawei would mean that the territory would face difficulties in the development of the 5G network, indicating that it has the necessary technological means to protect the country from possible espionage situations. The decision will be able to maintain the 5G status quo in the UK, as no British telecommunications operator has any intention of using technology manufactured by Huawei at the center of its fifth generation mobile networks.
Following this decision by the British government, Huawei announced in February that it chose France as the location for the construction of its first equipment factory for 4G and 5G networks in Europe. The investment of 200 million euros in the first phase of construction of the facilities, which will allow the creation of 500 jobs.
