House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement
UK telecommunications
28 January 2020 · Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
Proposed by Matt Warman Con Boston and Skegness
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
At a glance
Key points
- The UK Government intends to legislate for a comprehensive telecom security regime to be overseen by Ofcom.
- The Government aims to diversify the telecoms market by attracting new vendors and supporting disruptive entrants.
- Restrictions on high-risk vendors will be based on criteria published by the National Cyber Security Centre.
Issue summary
The statement addresses the UK's telecom security regime and supply chain diversification following the Telecoms Supply Chain Review.
Action requested
The Government intends to legislate to introduce a comprehensive telecom security regime overseen by Ofcom and will work towards market diversification by attracting new vendors, supporting disruptive entrants, and promoting open standards. Restrictions on high-risk vendors are proposed based on detailed criteria published by the National Cyber Security Centre.
Key facts
- The Telecoms Supply Chain Review was laid before Parliament in July 2019.
- High risk vendors will be excluded from safety related networks in Critical National Infrastructure and security critical network functions.
- A cap of up to 35% minority presence is set for high-risk vendors in other network functions, with tight restrictions including exclusions from sensitive geographic locations.