German government nears agreement in dispute over installation of Chinese parts in 5G mobile network
The German government is reportedly nearing an agreement in the dispute over the installation of Chinese components in the modern 5G mobile network. "Süddeutsche Zeitung", NDR, and WDR reported on Wednesday that government representatives and mobile network providers have reached an understanding on the basics of a solution.
This solution would mean that no components from critically evaluated manufacturers, such as Chinese manufacturers Huawei or ZTE, would be allowed in the so-called core network after 2026. In a second step after 2029, components from critical manufacturers should no longer be present in the management system of the so-called access and transport network of the 5G network. This includes, for example, antenna masts.
Penalty clauses would apply for violations. The agreement should be formally sealed in writing soon, it was reported. The German government initially declined to comment.
In May, the German government had decided at a top-level meeting with Chancellor Olaf Scholz on a swift solution. At that time, it could not yet be definitively determined how much transition period companies would be granted in the event of a necessary expansion of such components in the 5G and 4G network. Telecom companies like Deutsche Telekom reportedly use neither Huawei nor ZTE products in the 5G core network. Therefore, the question was mainly about whether there should be stricter security requirements in the antenna network due to technical development.
The Media report mentioned that the Federal Government is close to an agreement, which will prohibit the use of parts from critically evaluated manufacturers, such as Huawei and ZTE, in the 5G mobile network's core network after 2026. Telecom companies may face penalty clauses if they violate this agreement, as outlined in the Media report. Despite the progress, the German Government has remained silent on the matter, choosing not to provide further comments.
