Trump urges US businesses to step up 5G and ‘6G’ networks
US President Donald Trump sparked confusion today as he appeared to soften the country’s stance towards Huawei and called for the rollout of ‘6G’ technology.
In a series of tweets, Trump urged US businesses to step up the move to 5G technology and called for the adoption of 6G – which does not exist – as soon as possible.
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“I want 5G, and even 6G, technology in the United States as soon as possible,” he wrote. “It is far more powerful, faster, and smarter than the current standard. American companies must step up their efforts, or get left behind.”
In an apparent reference to Chinese telecoms firm Huawei, Trump also said he wanted the US to lead the development of the new network through competition, not by “blocking out currently more advanced technologies”.
The comments appear to contradict current US policy on 5G, as the country has urged its allies to enforce a ban on the use of Huawei equipment in their 5G infrastructure.
Earlier today secretary of state Mike Pompeo warned the US would not partner with countries that adopt the Chinese firm’s technology.
“If a country adopts this and puts it in some of their critical information systems, we won’t be able to share information with them, we won’t be able to work alongside them,” he told Fox Business Network.
“We’re not going to put American information at risk,” he added.
Huawei is coming under pressure from Western governments amid fears Chinese authorities could use the firm’s technology for spying.
But the company has hit back at the US, accusing it of launching a politically motivated smear campaign and insisting it will not be cowed.
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UK security services are set to publish their annual findings on the security of Huawei’s equipment in the coming weeks.
The review will reportedly state the UK can mitigate the risks linked with the Chinese telecoms giant. The National Cyber Security Centre, which publishes the report, has said a final verdict has not yet been reached.