The UK risks losing its position as a world leader in mobile connectivity, Britain’s mobile operators are warning.
In a draft letter to Cabinet Secretary Mark Sedwill, seen by the BBC, operators will urge the government to clarify its position over Huawei.
The letter asks for an urgent meeting between industry leaders and the government to discuss their concerns.
Operators say they can’t invest in infrastructure while uncertainty over the use of Chinese technology persists.
The companies are planning to send the letter to government as soon as this week.
They are concerned at the government’s inability to decide whether Huawei technology will be approved for use in new 5G networks.
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.
Huawei is the world’s leading supplier of next generation connectivity equipment, but it has faced a backlash from the US.
The US government has already banned the use of Huawei technology after citing concerns that the company may present a security threat by allowing the Chinese government a way to snoop on critical infrastructure.
The US has also threatened to limit intelligence co-operation with any country that allows Huawei equipment to be used in its own networks.
Earlier this year there were unconfirmed reports that the government was considering allowing Huawei equipment into the periphery of new mobile networks, but not into the “core” of systems that could end up managing crucial services such as hospitals, police forces and the energy network.
BBC
