UK’s largest mobile operator gets ready to launch 5G network but will exclude Huawei

EE — Britain’s largest mobile operator — is getting ready to launch the country’s first 5G service next week, but it will not offer Huawei smartphones until the Chinese company’s future becomes clear following its precarious situation at the heart of a trade war between China and the United States.

EE, owned by former British telecoms monopoly BT, said it planned to launch its 5G network in six cities, including London, from May 30. The company plans to have 1,500 5G sites up and running by the end of 2019.

The operator had planned to offer Huawei 5G smartphones as part of the 5G network rollout but EE CEO, Mark Allera told reporters the company will wait until they can be certain that the devices would be getting updates and support for their lifetime.

The EE 5G smartphone range will now include models by Samsung, LG and OnePlus.

Huawei is in a bit of a tough situation at the moment after U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order effectively applying tough restrictions banning American companies from doing business with Huawei.

[via Malay Mail]