Huawei is 'helping keep Britain connected' during pandemic: vice-president

LONDON - Huawei is "focused on keeping Britain connected" and that is "the biggest contribution we can make" to its national effort against the novel coronavirus pandemic, said Huawei's Vice-President Victor Zhang in an open letter released Monday.

Since COVID-19 first hit Britain, data usage has soared by 50 percent or more, which has placed significant pressure on telecoms systems. "That's why reliable mobile and broadband networks are crucial," said Zhang.

During the pandemic, Huawei's engineers, designated "essential" workers, are striving around the clock to keep Britain connected, said Zhang.

"We're working with the likes of Vodafone, BT, EE and Three to keep businesses online and loved ones in touch. To support the effort, we've set up three new warehouses and are redistributing key spare parts around the country to ensure continuity of supply," said Zhang.

To support the effort, Huawei has set up three new warehouses and are redistributing key spare parts around the country to ensure continuity of supply.

Saying that the crisis has highlighted many Britons still remain stuck in a digital slow lane, Zhang said Huawei is helping to turn that around so that no one is left without a decent connection.

"Our objective is the same as the UK Government's -- secure and resilient 'GigaBit broadband' networks," he said.

Zhang pointed out that despite this there has been groundless criticism from some about Huawei's involvement in Britain's 5G rollout, and "there are those who choose to continue to attack us without presenting any evidence."

The British government has announced its new plans to safeguard the country's telecoms network, which is widely seen as approving a restricted role for Huawei in helping build the country's 5G network.

"In my experience the UK has always chosen to work together with the frontrunners in any field, whether they come from the US, China or Europe....When we emerge from this crisis, we look forward to continuing to play our role as a key partner in improving the networks, benefiting the economy and ultimately everyone in the UK," he said.

"It is only by working together that we can overcome this global pandemic," he added.