Sarah Travers
Germany has unveiled a plan to systematically eliminate components manufactured by China’s Huawei and ZTE from its 5G wireless network within the next five years. This substantial move is likely to further complicate Germany’s already sensitive relationship with China, the world’s second-largest economy. Prominent mobile network operators, including Vodafone, Deutsche Telekom, and Telefonica, have committed to expunge these components from their 5G core networks by the end of 2026.
The phase-out initiative will also cover the physical aspects of the 5G network, such as transmission lines and towers. By the conclusion of 2029, these components must be removed from access and transport networks. This comprehensive eradication is part of Germany’s broader strategy to protect its telecommunications infrastructure from potential security threats.
Interior Minister Nancy Faeser underscored the critical importance of this move, emphasizing the need to safeguard Germany’s communication systems for its citizens, businesses, and government. The German authorities stressed the necessity for secure and resilient telecommunications infrastructure to prevent sabotage and espionage. To reduce security risks and dependencies, Germany plans to collaborate with more reliable manufacturers in the future.
In response, Huawei maintained that there is no concrete evidence or scenario proving its technology poses cybersecurity threats. The company expressed its commitment to continue working with customers and partners constructively, focusing on cybersecurity improvements and supporting the digital transformation of mobile networks in Germany. However, ZTE has not commented on the situation.
This decision might further strain Germany’s relations with China, its largest trading partner. Recently, Germany obstructed the sale of a Volkswagen subsidiary to a Chinese state-owned firm on national security grounds, provoking strong objections from Beijing. Additionally, China is currently involved in a trade conflict with the European Union, which raised tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles last month. A spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs criticized the politicization of economic, trade, and technological issues, suggesting it would only disrupt normal technological exchanges.
Germany’s stance on Huawei and ZTE has evolved more slowly compared to other major economies. The United States, United Kingdom, Australia, and Japan have already prohibited Huawei from constructing their 5G networks due to concerns that the Chinese government could exploit Chinese tech firms for espionage. The US added Huawei to a trade restriction list in 2019, complicating the company’s ability to source semiconductor chips from American suppliers. These restrictions were tightened further earlier this year.
Huawei’s annual report indicates that Europe, the Middle East, and Africa represented 21% of its revenue last year. This phase-out in Germany could potentially impact Huawei’s market share in the region, as the country plays a significant role in the telecommunications sector.
The German government’s decision is seen as a proactive measure to bolster national security and reduce reliance on foreign technology that could be compromised. This move aligns with a global trend of scrutinizing and regulating the involvement of Chinese companies in critical infrastructure projects.
As Germany advances with this phase-out, the telecommunications sector will undergo considerable changes. Mobile network operators will need to identify alternative suppliers for their 5G infrastructure, ensuring the transition is seamless and does not disrupt services. The German government is expected to support these efforts to maintain the integrity and reliability of its telecommunications network.
Germany’s plan to eliminate Huawei and ZTE components from its 5G network signifies a decisive step towards protecting national security and fostering a secure telecommunications infrastructure. While this move may strain relations with China, it highlights the importance of safeguarding critical infrastructure from potential threats and ensuring the reliability of communication systems for the future.
