In a significant development, Britain has asked Japan to help build its 5G wireless networks using components from China’s Huawei Technologies, said a report Japanese news daily, the Nikkei.

According to the report, Britain has named Fujitsu Ltd and NEC Corp as potential alternatives to Huawei.

Officials of both countries have had a meeting last Thursday after Britain ordered a purge of Huawei equipment from its 5G networks by the end of 2027.

The Nikkei’s report states, Britain’s move will bring in new equipment suppliers and will help foster competition and help reduce costs for its wireless carriers.

Last week, Oliver Dowden, Britain’s digital minister had, Britain is working with its allies to encourage increased competition in the 5G space.