Germany to Phase Out Huawei from 5G Network by 2029
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Loading... - Blair Hall
- 17 Jul 2024
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Germany plans to largely exclude Chinese components, specifically from Huawei and ZTE, from its 5G mobile network by 2029. The phased approach includes an interim milestone set for 2026. This decision follows an agreement reached earlier this week between government officials and major telecom operators such as Deutsche Telekom, Vodafone, and Telefónica.
Two-Stage Plan
Phase 1: Core Network by 2026
Objective: Ensure that the core network of 5G, which includes critical infrastructure elements like data centers responsible for processing and transmitting data, is free of Chinese hardware.
Significance: The core network is the backbone of the 5G infrastructure, making this an essential step towards securing the network from potential risks associated with foreign components.
Phase 2: Access Network by 2029
Objective: Ensure that the access network, which connects users to the core network through elements such as radio masts, is largely free of Chinese components by 2029.
Additional Measures: The management of the access network must also be completely free of Chinese components by this deadline.
Background and Context
EU Concerns: The European Commission’s 2020 “toolbox” for 5G security allowed member states to exclude high-risk vendors like Huawei and ZTE from their networks due to security concerns.
Current Status: According to a June report from the European Commission, only 10 EU countries have implemented restrictions on Chinese hardware in their 5G networks. Internal Market Commissioner Thierry Breton has criticized the slow pace of these implementations.
Implications for Telecom Operators
Agreement Details: The agreement, which will soon be formalized in writing, includes a provision to waive a potential legal ban but imposes fines on telecom operators if they fail to comply with the phased removal of Chinese components.
Operator Compliance: Telecom operators are expected to adhere to this timeline to avoid penalties, ensuring that the transition away from Chinese hardware is both structured and enforceable.
Strategic Importance
National Security: By removing Chinese components from its 5G network, Germany aims to mitigate potential security risks associated with foreign technology in critical infrastructure.
European Alignment: This move aligns Germany with broader European efforts to secure 5G networks and reduce dependency on high-risk vendors, reflecting a coordinated approach to digital and national security across the EU.
Germany’s decision to phase out Huawei and ZTE components from its 5G network by 2029 underscores the nation's commitment to securing its telecommunications infrastructure. This strategic move, involving a structured two-stage plan, ensures a comprehensive and gradual transition away from reliance on Chinese technology, in line with broader European security policies.
