There is a dispute in the federal government about the handling of technology components from China in German mobile networks. Above all, the Federal Ministry of the Interior led by Nancy Faeser (SPD) and the Digital Ministry led by Volker Wissing (FDP) have different assessments.
It’s not just about the concern that the Chinese state could exert influence on the Chinese high-tech companies Huawei and ZTE in order to spy on mobile phone connections in Germany or cause a blackout in the event of a conflict.
The Interior Ministry also argues that there is an economic dependency – similar to what was once the case with the Nord Stream Baltic Sea gas pipelines. Accordingly, the telecommunications providers have become “significantly structurally dependent on Huawei and ZTE” when building 5G networks for super-fast mobile communications. In addition to Faeser, Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and Economics Minister Robert Habeck (both Greens) also see this critically.
All Chinese network components in federal authorities should be removed
According to Faeser’s ideas, from January 1, 2026, so-called critical components from Chinese suppliers will no longer be allowed to be used in Germany’s public mobile communications networks. As government circles in Berlin announced on Tuesday, this planned complete ban affects the “core network”.
Beyond the core network, the dependence on Huawei and ZTE should also be reduced by October 1, 2026, it said. There should also be a strict ban in security-relevant regions. For example, in the capital region of Berlin/Brandenburg or in the Cologne/Bonn region with numerous federal authorities and ministries, all Chinese network components would have to be removed.
Ministry spokesman: “There is no decision from the federal government”
However, a spokesman for the Digital Ministry pointed out on Wednesday that there was “no decision from the federal government here”. “High standards and strict regulations regarding the use of critical components already apply to the 5G expansion.” This differentiated approach has proven itself.
The spokesman said that the department is currently discussing whether the current global challenges require further measures. “At the same time, it must be taken into account that the nationwide supply of stable, fast and affordable mobile Internet remains secure, that network operators retain control of their own network and that no dependencies arise.”
Industry criticizes unrealistic schedule
The mobile communications companies Deutsche Telekom, Vodafone and Telefónica had previously criticized the required removal of numerous components from the Chinese manufacturers Huawei and ZTE from their networks. In particular, the required three-year deadline for replacing components in the “access and transport network” met with resistance.
“With a view to the approval process, available capacities from alternative suppliers, available capacities from construction companies and the further expansion of mobile communications desired by customers and politicians, a target date for the exchange of 2026 is definitely unrealistic,” said a Telekom spokesman. This has also been shown by experiences in other countries. In Great Britain, for example, even an exchange over a period of seven years appears to be too ambitious. “We are now talking about ten years.”
If necessary, companies want to assert claims for damages
A spokesman for Telefónica Deutschland said that if the federal government insists on restructuring the network beyond the core network, his company would examine claims for damages against the Federal Republic of Germany. Telefónica also has the opportunity to have a potential decision to ban components or suppliers reviewed by the courts.
A spokesman for Telekom also pointed out that the previous expansion had been carried out “on the basis of the valid legal situation and in close cooperation with the supervisory authorities”. “Whatever the future decision of the federal government turns out to be, we will examine it in detail in the interests of our shareholders.”
Ericsson, the leading European mobile communications equipment manufacturer, assured on Wednesday that it would be able to deliver replacement components for the German 5G mobile networks at short notice. “We have sufficient capacity,” said CEO Börje Ekholm to the “Handelsblatt”.
Due to long approval processes and high personnel requirements among network operators, changing manufacturers would generally take a lot of time. “A short-term exchange would not fail due to delivery problems,” he said.
2023-09-20 18:26:00
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