Wednesday 15 July 2020
The States of Guernsey and local telecommunications operators are reviewing the decision by the UK with regard to the use of Huawei equipment in telecommunications networks.
The States has had regular contact with the UK NCSC (National Cyber Security Centre) and the decision is one the States, the Guernsey Competition and Regulatory Authority and local operators had anticipated. The potential threat, the mitigations, commercial and other aspects meant that there was an expectation and broad agreement of the need for similar requirements locally.
The Committees for Home Affairs and Economic Development have worked with telecommunications operators to ensure that they are aware of the UK's stance and the likely need to adopt a similar approach against a similar timeline as that set out in the UK, and will meet again with them in the coming weeks to continue these discussions.
Deputy Mary Lowe, President of the Committee forHome Affairs said
"Our close, constitutional relationship with the UK means it's important we are aligned on national security matters and I'd like to thank the NCSC for its work in keeping us informed in the run up to this decision. It means we're in a position to respond swiftly to mirror these steps, and ensure our local operators can do the same."
A Telecoms Strategy Policy Letter will be laid before the States Assembly later this year; it was originally a key part of the Committee for Economic Development's Digital Framework but has taken on additional prominence as a core part of both the Revive and Thrive Recovery Strategy. The decision to prevent Huawei equipment to be used in any 5G network, and for Chinese High Risk Vendors' equipment to be removed from all networks by 2027, is not expected to have any impact in the delivery of either 5G or fibre to the home in the Bailiwick, if it is agreed by the Assembly.
Deputy Charles Parkinson, President of the Committee forEconomic Development said
"The need for digital connectivity was highlighted during lockdown. Enhancing our connectivity both in terms of fixed and mobile networks and improving our fibre to the home connectivity is essential to our economy going forward, and it is one of the short term actions we need to get on with, in our Revive and Thrive Recovery Strategy. We're confident that the national security steps being taken with regard to Huawei will not affect how quickly we introduce improved connectivity. That must remain a priority, particularly at this time as we look to build back and grow our economy, following the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic."
