Defence Committee to hear from Vodafone and BT in its final evidence session on the Security of 5G

• Watch the session
• Inquiry: The Security of 5G
• Defence Committee

Purpose of the session

The session will cover the mobile network operators' reactions to the most recent Government restrictions on the use of Huawei in the UK's 5G. BT and Vodafone will provide an update on their operations in the UK and their relationship with vendors and Government and the impact of the Government's restrictions on the use of high-risk vendors in 5G.

The Committee will further examine the potential delays and economic costs of these restrictions and ask whether the Government must provide compensation to operators. Additionally, the Committee will explore network security practice and the planned Telecoms Security Bill.

Witnesses include Howard Watson, Chief Technology and Information Officer at BT Group, a position he has held since 2016. Prior to this role he worked as Managing Director of Architecture and Global IT Platforms and as the group's Chief Architect. He has also worked in senior roles at Cartesian, Virgin Media, Telewest, GEC Plessey Telecoms and GPT.

The Committee will also hear from Scott Petty, Chief Technology Officer at Vodafone UK since 2018. Petty is responsible for defining and implementing Vodafone's technology strategy and driving thinking across topics such as artificial intelligence, 5G, and full-fibre broadband. Petty has worked for Vodafone in various roles including Group Enterprise Technology Director.

Witnesses

Tuesday 28 July 2020 - remote participation by witnesses and members of the Committee

At 2:30pm

• Howard Watson, Chief Technology and Information Officer, BT Group
• Scott Petty, Chief Technology Officer, Vodafone UK

Further information

• About Parliament: Select committees
• Visiting Parliament: Watch committees

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