Huawei launches media blitz as UK weighs its role in 5G networks

Huawei is launching a newspaper and internet campaign to mark 20 years of business in the UK.

In an open letter to the public, the Chinese telecoms company says it is “as committed as ever” to provide “the best equipment” to the UK’s 5G mobile and full-fibre broadband providers.

This comes amid a new security review that could lead the UK government to ban use of Huawei’s 5G network kit. Huawei’s boss said he expects the UK to act in the nation’s interest.

Speaking to media, Victor Zhang, vice president of Huawei and head of its UK operation said the advertising campaign was about giving people the facts amid all the “noise” surrounding the company.

He added that he hoped the UK would take an “evidence and fact-based approach” and warned of huge economic impact if greater connectivity was delayed by the company’s exclusion, potentially running into the tens of billions of pounds of lost productivity benefits.

“We need to work closely to address the issue, but we need to take action to accelerate the broadband deployment,” he said.

“We don’t have time to delay this.”