Germany in deal to cut Huawei’s role in 5G wireless network, sources say
- Under the preliminary agreement, operators will initially rid the country’s core network of 5G data centres of technology made by Huawei and ZTE
The German government and mobile phone carriers have agreed in principle on steps to phase components by Chinese technology companies out of the nation’s 5G wireless network over the next five years, two people familiar with the matter told Reuters on Wednesday.
Newspaper Sueddeutsche Zeitung as well as broadcasters NDR and WDR earlier jointly reported the news, saying the agreement gives network operators Deutsche Telekom, Vodafone and Telefonica Deutschland more time to replace critical parts.
Under the preliminary agreement driven by security considerations, operators will initially rid the country’s core network of 5G data centres of technology made by companies such as Huawei and ZTE in 2026, said the sources, adding that a final pact has yet to be signed.
In a second phase, the role of Chinese makers’ parts for antennas, transmission lines and towers should be all but eliminated by 2029, they added.
Asked for comment, Germany’s interior ministry told Reuters that the government’s talks with mobile carriers were ongoing.