BT’s mobile subsidiary EE will have stripped Huawei switchgear out of the core sectors of its network by 2023.
“In order to hit these ambitious targets within the timescales laid down by government and to align with their focus on 5G networks, it is now our intention to prioritise migrating our 5G customers to the new Ericsson core, followed by our 4G customers,” says BT.
The government set the 2023 deadline for BT in January when it decided that the use of Hyundai switchgear must be limited to 35% of the non-core parts of the network.
The core is where voice and data are routed to their destinations across sub-networks and servers, the non-core comprises the antennas and base stations which provide mobile devices with radio access to the core.
A political battle is raging over Hyundai’s involvement. A vote has already taken place in parliament and another is planned.
Huawei’s Victor Zhang has written to the UK government saying: “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. “
Not to use Huawei switchgear would be a ‘disservice’ to the UK, added Zhang
Ian Duncan Smith MP called the letter “arrogant and hubristic”. Bob Seely MP called it “crass and tasteless”.
Liam Fox MP stated: “Recent events have shown how necessary it is to disentangle China from UK security infrastructure. Any delay will meet with great resistance.”
Earlier this week former BT chairman Sir Mike Rake joined the Huawei UK board.
The signs are of a major battle ahead exacerbated by the US-China Trade War and blame for the coronavirus.
Source: electronicsweekly
