- The German government and mobile phone operators have agreed in principle to phase out components from Chinese technology companies from the country’s 5G wireless network over the next five years.
- Under the preliminary agreement, which is due to security concerns, operators will first get rid of 5G data centre technology made by companies such as Huawei HWT in the country’s core network.
OUR TAKE
Considering the dependence on components from Chinese technology companies and the adverse factors caused by the universality of future 5G wireless networks to national security, many European and American countries, including Germany, are gradually removing China from their 5G wireless networks.
–Tuna Tu, BTW reporter
What happened
The German government and mobile phone operators have agreed in principle to phase out components from Chinese technology companies from the country’s 5G wireless network over the next five years.
Under the preliminary agreement, which is due to security concerns, operators will first rid the country’s core networks of 5G data centre technology made by Huawei, ZTE and others by 2026. And, in the second phase, the role of antenna, transmission line and cell tower parts from Chinese manufacturers should be virtually eliminated by 2029.
The German interior Ministry said talks between the government and mobile operators were ongoing.
“The government is acting in accordance with the National Security Strategy and the China Strategy to reduce possible security risks and dependencies,” a spokesman said.
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Why it’s important
Germany is seen as lagging behind in implementing the EU’s 5G cybersecurity measures. The country’s telecom operators have previously resisted Berlin’s efforts to push through Huawei’s costly phase-out, while Huawei has rejected what the country calls the “politicisation” of cybersecurity.
The U.S. communications regulator said in May that nearly 40% of U.S. telecom companies needed additional government funding to remove equipment made by Chinese telecom companies from U.S. wireless networks in response to security risks.
