The island’s two main telecoms providers have told the Courier they will continue to monitor the situation with Chinese firm Huawei and its role in 5G networks.

After months of waiting, the UK government has finally confirmed that Huawei will be allowed to play a role in establishing 5G across the British Isles.

Concerns about the Chinese government’s possible influence over the company and the safety of data transmitted by 5G had led to claims the government may block it. But this week it was confirmed the company will be used for some sections of the network.

Service provider Sure is currently conducting a trial of 5G in the island’s capital and chief executive Mike Phillips said this includes working with a ’number of suppliers from around the world’ as well as the Manx government and UK authorities ’to adhere to local policies and requirements’.

He also gave an indication as to how the company is prioritising the roll out of 5G as its trial continues.

Mr Phillips said: ’Our 5G trial, the first of its kind in the Isle of Man, is underway and providing some exciting results. We’ve put customers at the heart of our trial to understand what the practical applications of 5G technology will be and have gained some great insights so far.

intention

’Our intention for the future is to develop a comprehensive 5G network that harnesses the truly transformational potential of this technology for the benefit of the people and businesses of the Isle of Man.’

However, while Sure is focused on 5G, Manx Telecom is focussing its efforts in the island on fibre broadband.

A spokesman for the company said: ’Like many telecoms providers, both here in the Isle of Man and further afield, Manx Telecom currently uses Huawei to access and provide best of class services.’

He added: ’At present, Manx Telecom is fully committed to delivering fibre broadband across the Isle of Man to offer Manx residents and businesses a wider choice of faster broadband speeds. Manx Telecom’s fibre network has no dependency on Huawei.’

The spokesman added that when ’in due course’ it deploys 5G technology, it will work to the government’s regulatory policy.