Despite threats of a possible ban on the use of its equipment, Chinese tech giant Huawei Technologies has stated that it is still open to discussions with the UK government to help ease its concerns. In the meantime, the company is actively working with its UK-based customers to come up with possible solutions in light of the country's proposed ban in the use of its services and products for its 5G network rollout.
The company's attempt to reach out to the UK comes as the US Department of Commerce threatened to pass a new law that would restrict Huawei's access to US-made components. In response to the US action, Huawei had stated that it publicly opposes the measure that it claims is targeting it specifically.
On Sunday, Huawei Vice President Victor Zhang claimed that the US action was not made to protect its national security but is likely part of its strategy to elevate its market position. The executive added that the company had always held its world-leading products and technologies in high regard and that it has managed to help the UK and other countries stay connected throughout the global lockdowns.
Due to continued pressure from the United States, the UK government had announced in January that it would be considering passing new measures to protect its telecoms network from Chinese influence. The statement was seen as a potential precursor to wider restrictions on Huawei's role in the country's 5G network development.
Earlier in the week, reports indicated that the UK may be pushing ahead with its plans to phase out Huawei's equipment from its 5G mobile networks. If implemented, the action could deal a massive blow to Huawei's prospects, which would be a big win for the United States. Sources close to the discussion claim that UK government officials are apparently drawing out plans to implement the phasing out of Chinese-made equipment.
Some of Huawei's UK-based partners have openly opposed the government's plan of action. Vodafone UK's chief technology officer, Scott Petty, mentioned in an interview that the ban would result in the UK losing its leadership in 5G. He added that companies will likely stand to lose a lot of time and money in the replacement of their existing equipment.
Huawei has been supplying telecommunications equipment to the UK for more than 20 years. The Chinese firm also has deep-rooted operations in Britain, with more than 1,600 employees at its facilities located all around the country. Last week, the company announced that it would be building a new state-of-the-art research center in Cambridge.
