In The Know - Huawei & Google Update

What's happening?  

Huawei and Google continue to feature in the news following Google's announcement.

The US Commerce Department has now granted a temporary license restoring Huawei's ability to maintain existing networks and provide software updates to existing Huawei handsets until August 2019.

We're continuing to monitor the situation to understand any potential implications for our customers.

What does this mean for our customers?  

Our customers who already have Huawei devices are asking us what the news means for them. If you are affected you can and should continue to update your devices as normal as things will stay the same for now.

In addition, customers who are considering purchasing a Huawei device may have questions and our priority is to make sure customers are fully informed about what a new Huawei device will and won't be able to do.

Google has confirmed that for existing Huawei and Honor smartphone users, things will stay the same for now, and customers don't need to take any action.

While the situation continues to be in the current holding pattern, we're monitoring what's happening so that we can keep our customers updated. In the meantime, customers can use their Huawei handsets as normal.

What if you are considering buying a Huawei device?

If you are considering purchasing a Huawei or Honor (which is a sub-brand of Huawei) device what you need to know is that currently the situation seems to now be in a holding pattern, with the granting of the temporary license, it may be possible that Google services may not work or updates may not be available for Google apps in the future. This includes services like Google Maps, Google Mail and YouTube.

If you are considering buy-in in the future key points to remember are:

• We are here to help you understand the current situation as far as we can
• While the situation appears to be in a holding pattern with the granting of the temporary license, customers should still understand that there is a possibility that a Huawei or Honor device they purchase may not continue to work in the same way as it does today.
• The latest version of Android is due to be launched later this year. It is possible that services like Google Maps and YouTube may not be available on new Huawei or Honor devices.
• The ongoing issue could also prevent upgrades to existing apps.
• We'll be continuing to monitor the situation so that we can keep all of our customers updated.

Frequently asked questions

Q. Can I return my Huawei/Honor device for a refund or exchange as a result of this issue?  

A. No - devices may only be returned if there's an unrelated issue with the handset which should be handled via BAU process.  

Q. Will my Huawei/Honor device continue to work as normal?  

A. Google has confirmed that for existing Huawei and Honor smartphone users, things will stay the same for now, and customers don't need to take any action. Huawei has now been granted a temporary license ability to maintain existing networks and provide software updates to existing Huawei handsets until August 2019. Customers can use and update their devices as normal.  

Q. I've seen some reports that security patches won't be made on Huawei/Honor devices, is that true?  

A. As far as we know, based on reports from Google and Huawei, security patches will continue to be made to Huawei/Honor devices both up to and beyond the date of the temporary licence that has been granted.

Huawei will continue to provide security updates and after-sales services to all existing Huawei and Honor smartphone and tablet products, covering those that have been sold and that are still in stock globally.

Q. Is my Huawei/Honor device safe to use?  

A. Yes. We're continuing to monitor the situation and will advise customers of any security concerns should they arise.  

Q. Are you continuing to sell Huawei and Honor devices?  

A. Yes. We do constantly review the range of devices we sell.

Q. Are you offering any compensation as a result of this issue?  

A. No. All existing Huawei/Honor devices currently continue to work as they should. We'll continue to monitor the situation.