Chinese telecoms giant Huawei has said that disrupting the organisation’s involvement in the rollout of 5G would do Britain “a disservice” as they urge the UK Government to continue with plans to allow the firm limited access to the UK’s 5G market.
In January, the British Government allowed a limited role for Huawei in building the country’s new data networks, however, in March a backbench rebellion within the Conservative party signalled efforts to overturn the move.
In an open letter, Huawei said they are focused on keeping the United Kingdom connected during the coronavirus pandemic.
However, many have called into question the role of the Chinese firm and have been urging the government to take a tougher line on the company fearing Chinese influence on British infrastructure among other concerns.
Huawei’s UK chief Victor Zhang says it has been working with partners like BT, Vodafone and EE to deal with the growth of data usage after it reported a 50% increase in home date use since the virus hit the United Kingdom.
Mr Zhang also says the current crisis has highlighted how many people, especially in rural communities, are “stuck in a digital slow lane”.
He wrote: “There are those who choose to continue to attack us without presenting any evidence.
“Disrupting our involvement in the 5G rollout would do Britain a disservice.”
The government has limited Huawei to 35% of the periphery, which includes its radio masts and also banned the firm from the most sensitive parts of the UK’s mobile networks such as military bases and government buildings.
However, many critics argue it is a security risk to allow the Chinese company to play any role at all because of fears it could be used by Beijing to spy on or even sabotage communications.
On 4 April a group of 15 Conservative MPs called for a rethink on relations with China in their own letter to the Prime Minister, written a day before he was admitted to hospital.
“Over time, we have allowed ourselves to grow dependent on China and have failed to take a strategic view of Britain’s long-term economic, technical and security needs,” the group wrote. Among the signatories were Iain Duncan Smith, David Davis and Bob Seely.
It is understood that Huawei waited until the Prime Minister was out of hospital before releasing the letter.
Below is a full transcript of the letter titled: Huawei Helping keep Britain connected.
An open letter from Victor Zhang, Vice President, Huawei – 2020.04.13
In these unprecedented times, it is only by working together and strictly following the Government’s advice, will we beat a pandemic that threatens human and economic catastrophe.
At Huawei we are focused on keeping Britain connected – the biggest contribution we can make to the UK’s national effort against coronavirus.
Since Covid-19 first hit the UK, data usage has soared by 50% or more. Homes have become offices, friends and families now stay connected through video, and students access lessons on-line. This has placed significant pressure on telecoms systems.
That’s why reliable mobile and broadband networks are crucial. During this pandemic our engineers – designated “essential” workers – are striving around the clock to keep Britain connected. We’re working with the likes of Vodafone, BT, EE and Three to keep businesses online and loved ones in touch. To support the effort, we’ve set up three new warehouses and are redistributing key spare parts around the country to ensure continuity of supply.
But while those in towns and cities are able to get online easily, not everyone has fast and reliable internet access. This crisis has highlighted how many people, particularly those living in rural communities, remain stuck in a digital slow lane. We are helping to turn that around so that no one is left without a decent connection. Our objective is the same as the UK Government’s – secure and resilient “GigaBit broadband” networks.
We have built trust in our UK business over 20 years by helping our customers – the mobile network operators – provide consumers with affordable, reliable calls and data. Despite this, there has been groundless criticism from some about Huawei’s involvement in the UK’s 5G rollout. And there are those who choose to continue to attack us without presenting any evidence. Disrupting our involvement in the 5G rollout would do Britain a disservice.
In my experience the UK has always chosen to work together with the frontrunners in any field, whether they come from the US, China or Europe. Huawei’s technology is among most advanced in this field and we want to use it to bring people together wherever they are and whoever they are.
When we emerge from this crisis, we look forward to continuing to play our role as a key partner in improving the networks, benefiting the economy and ultimately everyone in the UK, ending the postcode lottery of good connectivity.
Right now, by keeping Britain online, we are able to play our part in helping the country through this difficult period.
I sincerely hope you and your families keep safe and well. It is only by working together that we can overcome this global pandemic.
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