The UK is set to end the use of Huawei technology in its 5G network as soon as this year amid security concerns, according to reports.
Boris Johnson is poised to strike a major policy change after GCHQ is believed to have reassessed the risks posed by the Chinese tech company, newspapers have stated.
A study set to be presented to Mr Johnson this week will declare that US sanctions on Huawei will force the company to use technology that is “untrusted”.
The prime minister’s decision to allow Huawei a limited role in Britain’s 5G network has caused tension between London and Washington DC in recent months.
A report by GCHQ’s National Cyber Security Centre has decided the US sanctions barring Huawei from using technology relying on American intellectual property has had a “severe” impact on the firm, the Sunday Telegraph reported.
The newspaper stated that officials are crafting proposals to prevent new Huawei equipment being installed in the 5G network in as little as six months.
The involvement of the Chinese tech firm in Britain’s 5G network also caused concern among a number of prominent figures on the Conservative backbenches.
The Mail on Sunday reported that the National Cyber Security Centre was instructed to carry out a review on the situation.
It also reported the organisation found that US sanctions had a major impact on the firm’s viability, the newspaper said.
PA
