Manx Telecom says it will monitor the strategy the island’s government adopts over the use of 5G.

MT and rival Sure spoke out after UK prime minister Boris Johnson blocked Chinese company Huawei from 5G networks.

Manx Telecom said: ’While the fibre roll-out on the Isle of Man will pave the way for a 5G service in the future, the Isle of Man Government has yet to approve a strategy for 5G adoption. This may, when agreed, include similar provisions and prohibitions against certain suppliers, depending on what the Government feels is appropriate and proportional for the Isle of Man.

’Manx Telecom can confirm its fibre network has no dependency on Huawei and that future partnerships with any supplier to introduce a 5G network would be subject to rigorous scrutiny to ensure they were in the best interests of the Isle of Man.

’Like other telecoms operators, both here in the Isle of Man and in the UK, Manx Telecom currently uses Huawei as part of a multi-provider strategy in our existing mobile network to give us the flexibility to access and provide best of class services to our customers. As a matter of good practice we continually review supply chains to ensure Manx Telecom delivers services consistently and this includes rapid assessment for action where a supply could be compromised.’

Sure’s island chief executive Mike Phillips, said that its 5G trial proved that the technology has the potential to deliver faster broadband speeds. ’Throughout the trial, which incorporated Huawei’s 5G technology, we worked with the Isle of Man Government, Isle of Man Communications Commission and UK authorities to adhere to local, national and international policies and standards of application, safety and security.

’Sure’s decision on suppliers for 5G technology and the process for the issuing of 5G licences for local telecoms operators has yet to commence.’