Germany to Reduce Huawei's Role in 5G Wireless Network
Germany and mobile carriers have agreed to reduce Huawei's role in the 5G network over the next five years. The initial phase will involve removing technology made by Huawei and ZTE from the core network by 2026. In the second phase, Chinese manufacturers' parts for antennas, transmission lines, and towers will be almost completely eliminated by 2029.
According to sources familiar with the matter, the agreement will give network operators Deutsche Telekom, Vodafone, and Telefonica Deutschland more time to replace critical parts.
Under the terms of the agreement, the initial phase will involve removing technology made by companies such as Huawei and ZTE from the country's core network of 5G data centers by 2026. In the second phase, the role of Chinese manufacturers' parts for antennas, transmission lines, and towers will be almost completely eliminated by 2029.
The German government's talks with mobile carriers are still ongoing, according to a spokesperson from the interior ministry. The spokeswoman stressed that the government is acting in accordance with national security and China's objective to decrease potential security vulnerabilities and dependence.
Germany has been chastised for falling behind in implementing the European Union's security procedures for 5G networks. The country's telecom carriers have already fought Berlin's efforts to phase out Huawei, while the Chinese tech giant has condemned what it sees as the "politicisation" of cybersecurity in Germany.
The costs of this transformation are enormous. In May, the US communications regulator warned that roughly 40% of American telecom companies require more government financing to remove Chinese-made equipment from their wireless networks in order to address security concerns.
Germany and mobile carriers have agreed to reduce Huawei's role in the 5G network over the next five years.
The initial phase will involve removing technology made by Huawei and ZTE from the core network by 2026.
In the second phase, Chinese manufacturers' parts for antennas, transmission lines, and towers will be almost completely eliminated by 2029.
Source: REUTERS