Mobile phone operators in the UK are calling on the government to clarify its position on Huawei.
According to a letter seen by the BBC to Cabinet Secretary Mark Sedwill, operators say the UK risks losing its place a global leader in mobile connectivity without clarification on the Chinese phone manufacturer.
Huawei is facing growing concerns about the quality of its security, with several countries banning the company. Google was forced to ban Huawei from using its Android operating system after Donald Trump blacklisted the phone manufacturer.
The UK is yet to announce its decision as to whether or not Huawei can be used to develop 5G infrastructure, which mobile operators will tell the government is delaying their ability to invest in the new technology.
EE, which became the first mobile network to launch 5G in May, said it has delayed the launch of 5G on Huawei handsets "until we get the information and confidence and the long-term security that our customers … are going to be supported". Vodafone has also suspended its orders for 5G-enabled Huawei phones.
A government spokesperson said: "The security and resilience of the UK's telecoms networks is of paramount importance. We have robust procedures in place to manage risks to national security and are committed to the highest possible security standards.
"The Telecoms Supply Chain Review will be announced in due course. We have been clear throughout the process that all network operators will need to comply with the government's decision."
