Britain turns to Japanese companies to develop its 5G network after Huawei ban: report


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London’s decision to ban the Chinese telecommunications giant comes after months of pressure from the Trump administration, which claims that Huawei is spying at the behest of Beijing and that the company’s team could be used in possible attacks, allegations. which both Huawei and the Chinese government have vehemently denied. .

Britain has turned to Japan for help in developing its 5G network, Nikkei reported. According to the newspaper, Japanese tech companies NEC and Fujitsu may replace Huawei after London banned the purchase of the Chinese tech giant’s equipment and ordered that all Huawei 5G devices be removed by 2027. It is understood that the British government will allow Japanese companies to compete with other giants like Ericsson of Sweden and Nokia of Finland, which dominate the market.

NEC is already in talks with the UK, Nikkei reported, adding that Fujitsu is looking for opportunities to sell its products in Europe. Both companies have a tiny share of the 5G base station market, controlling less than 1 percent, while Ericsson, Nokia and Huawei control almost 80 percent. However, after Huawei’s troubles in the United States and more recently in the United Kingdom, Fujitsu and NEC are aiming to increase their sales, and the Japanese government wants to help them.

Authorities in Tokyo have decided to invest $ 654 million to support the country’s technology companies, including NEC and Fujitsu, in developing base station equipment for 5G networks, Nikkei reported, noting that Japan wants to promote national development and the subsequent Network export to friendly countries, and a possible deal with Britain can become a touchstone for Tokyo’s strategy.

London’s intention to ban Huawei from its 5G network on July 14 marked a U-turn in a decision it made in January, when after months of deliberation and review, the UK ruled that the company’s team can be use, but introduced several restrictions. Britain’s decision follows months of pressure from the United States, which has repeatedly claimed that Huawei poses a risk to national security. In particular, the Trump administration has alleged that the company uses its devices and equipment to carry out espionage at the behest of the Chinese government, a claim that both Beijing and Huawei deny.

London’s decision is believed to be purely political, as the country is seeking to reach a trade agreement with the United States after its withdrawal from the European Union. In May, U.S. Vice President Mike Pence said Britain’s decision in January to give Huawei a role in developing its 5G network, which offers faster internet, could hamper the country’s deal after the Brexit with Washington.

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