Leading telecom operators in Germany, Telefonica and Deutsche Telekom, have voiced their concerns and potential legal actions in response to proposed restrictions on utilizing network infrastructure from China’s Huawei and ZTE.
According to a recent Reuters news report, Telefonica Deutschland has expressed willingness to seek damages from the German government and pursue legal avenues if Berlin enforces restrictions that necessitate retroactive alterations to its network in Germany.
Deutsche Telekom has questioned the feasibility of Germany’s proposed timeline to curtail the use of Huawei in its network by 2026, emphasizing the challenges faced by the United Kingdom in implementing similar measures. The telecom giant also raised apprehensions regarding the potential negative impact on service quality for their customers resulting from such actions.
The German interior ministry plans to compel telecom operators to reduce their reliance on Huawei and ZTE equipment in their 5G networks following a review indicating an excessive dependence on these Chinese suppliers.
A staggered approach has been outlined to minimize disruptions as mobile operators phase out critical components from Chinese vendors in their 5G core networks by 2026. Additionally, operators, including Deutsche Telekom and Vodafone, are expected to limit the share of Chinese components in their RAN and transport networks to a maximum of 25 percent by October 1, 2026.
Currently, Huawei holds a significant share of 59 percent in Germany’s 5G RAN networks, as per a survey by telecommunications consultancy Strand Consult. The consultancy criticized the prioritization of secure networks in major cities, urging equal security considerations for the entire German population.
Germany’s slow progress in implementing the European Union’s security measures for 5G networks has drawn criticism. The measures, aimed at mitigating risks associated with vendors deemed “high risk,” were agreed upon three years ago, focusing on companies like Huawei and ZTE. Despite concerns of potential sabotage or espionage, both Huawei and ZTE deny that their equipment poses any security risk.
The German government clarified that it has not prohibited the use of new Chinese critical components in 5G networks, in response to a parliamentary inquiry. The government possesses the authority to do so since the enactment of an IT security law in May 2021. However, challenges in digitalization progress and potential resistance from the ministry for digital affairs loom as the interior ministry prepares to present its approach to the cabinet in the coming week.
