No parts from Huawei or ZTE
Government tightens requirements for radio network components
10.07.2024, 17:28
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After a long struggle, an agreement has been reached. In order to protect the radio networks from Chinese influences, components from certain companies will no longer be allowed to be used from 2029. This will apply to the so-called core network as early as the year after next.
From 2029, the German government will no longer tolerate any components from Chinese manufacturers in the modern 5G mobile network. Government sources have said that from 2026, the so-called core network will no longer be allowed to contain any components from manufacturers that are classified as security-critical. These include the Chinese companies Huawei and ZTE. In a second step, the mobile phone companies will then no longer use components from such companies in their transport networks and, for example, in antennas by 2029.
A spokesman for the Federal Ministry of the Interior said that the review of critical components in 5G mobile networks “will be completed shortly”. Discussions are still ongoing with all network operators involved. “The federal government is acting on the basis of the National Security Strategy and the China Strategy in order to reduce possible security risks and dependencies,” the spokesman emphasized. He did not want to give any details.
However, several sources in the government said that at least the basic agreement had been reached. Contractual penalties would be due in the event of violations. A written agreement with the companies has not yet been signed. The aim is to build the modern mobile network, which is considered to be part of the critical infrastructure, as securely as possible against harmful external influences. Companies such as Huawei have always rejected accusations of espionage or unauthorized data leakage. However, Western governments see a great deal of influence from the communist leadership in Beijing on Chinese companies and fear problems if the geopolitical situation escalates.
“Central nervous system” of the business location
When asked by Süddeutsche Zeitung, NDR and WDR, Telekom referred the matter to the federal government. Telefónica explained that the company does not comment on ongoing talks with authorities. Vodafone did not initially respond, nor did the Federal Ministry of the Interior. It is in charge of the negotiations.
The three media outlets quoted government circles as saying that Russia’s attack on Ukraine had changed the risk assessment of critical infrastructure. Under no circumstances should there be dependencies in the digital sector like there once was with Russian gas. The federal government sees the 5G network as the “central nervous system” of the business location, which must be particularly protected.
Within the federal government, Digital Minister Volker Wissing, Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, Economics Minister Robert Habeck and Interior Minister Nancy Faeser agreed that security must be increased by no longer allowing critical components to be installed. The length of the transition periods for companies was controversial. Wissing had argued, for example, that network stability and costs must also be taken into account. The government’s goal is also to expand 5G networks as quickly as possible. The government also stressed that no regulations are planned specifically against Chinese companies. All manufacturers who want their products to be used in the 5G network from 2029 onwards must meet certain security criteria.