Local telcos cautious about using Huawei to provide 5G

Despite pressure from the US to block the firm, Huawei could be used on the 5G network throughout the UK and the Channel Islands with restrictions. Guernsey will be in talks with the cyber security centre to monitor, police and assess its implications.

Home Affairs president Mary Lowe said the committee was aware of the decisions made by the UK National Security Council to allow Huawei’s 5G use with a ban on supplying kit to what has been described as the sensitive parts of the network, known as the core.

‘Officers are evaluating this decision and liaising with their colleagues in the National Cyber Security Centre and other agencies,’ she said.

‘The Committee for Home Affairs will be discussing this issue in the near future. It is for exactly this circumstance that the Committee for Home Affairs published, and the States endorsed, the Telecommunications Supply Chain security policy late last year.’

Concerns have been raised in various countries that using Huawei’s tech could allow the Chinese state to spy on people, something that the company denies. The Telecommunications Supply Chain security policy sets out the island’s response to threats that continue to affect the telecoms industry and states its support with the UK Government’s position regarding the use of new technology, including the requirement to enable the roll-out of 5G network technology.

Some telecommunication companies within Guernsey said they would also be aligning themselves with the UK’s decision to allow its continuation with restrictions.

A spokesperson for JT said they would monitor the situation.

‘On security issues, JT stays fully aligned with the UK, and we will be carefully reviewing all the technical advice and guidance which they have recently produced, as we plan our 5G networks in the Channel Islands,’ the spokesperson said.

‘Keeping our networks secure means we need to be very careful about how much information we publish, so at this point we would simply like to restate our commitment to the highest standards and to underline the importance of this issue to JT.’

Airtel-Vodafone, on the other hand, said for now they would use Nokia as their only tried and tested core network.

‘Airtel-Vodafone is conscious of the concerns of the UK government and the National Cyber Security Centre regarding national security risks that cannot be mitigated if using Chinese vendors Huawei and ZTE in core mobile network infrastructure,’ said Airtel-Vodafone head of technical Rohit Khullar.

‘Throughout our 11-year history in the Channel Islands, we have only used Nokia as our core network partners and we are committed to using only tried, tested and trusted suppliers for any future technology roll-outs such as 5G.’

Sure’s Guernsey chief executive Justin Bellinger did not rule out any providers for 5G. ‘Sure is currently conducting an extensive 5G tender process, involving a number of suppliers from around the world, and is working with the States of Guernsey, Cicra and the UK authorities to adhere to local policies and requirements. Our free 5G trial is under way in Guernsey and is providing some exciting results. We’ve put customers at the heart of our trial to understand what the practical applications of 5G technology will be and have gained some great insights so far.’

Sure will be applying for a full 5G commercial licence.

‘Safety and security will be key considerations in the licence award process and Sure will comply fully,’ he added.

‘Our intention for the future is to develop a comprehensive 5G network that harnesses the truly transformational potential of this technology for the benefit of the people and businesses in Guernsey.’

In the UK, Huawei will be allowed to account for only 35% of the kit in a network’s periphery, which includes radio masts and it will be excluded from areas near military bases and nuclear sites.

In Guernsey, Huawei has been given the green light to be part of the free 5G trial in parts of the Vale and St Peter Port.

Beyond Huawei, the world’s four main providers are Finnish company Nokia, Swedish company Ericsson, South Korean company Samsung and ZTE, part-owned by the Chinese government.