Tech

UK's BT Group To Stop Using 'Core' Huawei Network Technology

The company also says it won't accept Huawei's bid for its upcoming 5G project.

UK's BT Group To Stop Using 'Core' Huawei Network Technology
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One of the U.K.'s biggest mobile providers says it won't use Huawei technology in what it deems the core of its 3G, 4G and upcoming 5G cellular networks. 

BT Group says it'll get rid of the Chinese tech giant's equipment in its existing 3G and 4G networks and won't accept the company's bids for its 5G network. BT says it's making the move because of security concerns.

A little background here: For a long time, Huawei has faced allegations of ties to the Chinese government, which the U.S. has repeatedly accused of cyber espionage and hacking. Both Huawei and the Chinese government have denied these allegations, but that hasn't stopped countries from regulating, or altogether banning, Huawei tech.  

Just a few days ago, New Zealand blocked its top provider, Spark, from using Huawei tech in its 5G mobile network, and Australia issued a similar ban in August. The Wall Street Journal also recently reported the U.S. has pressured allies to reject Huawei technology.

Also, Canadian authorities arrested Huawei's chief financial officer Saturday for extradition to the U.S., although it's not clear what charges she's facing. 

All of this comes as Huawei actively courts providers around the world moving toward 5G, the faster and more advanced successor to 4G.