German 5G networks: No more critical components from Huawei by 2029
The German government and network operators have apparently reached a compromise on how to deal with Huawei technology. Not everything has to go.
(Image: heise online/vbr)
A solution is emerging in the dispute over the use of technology from Chinese manufacturers in German mobile networks. The German government and the mobile network operators have agreed in principle to no longer use technology from Huawei or ZTE for critical components of the wireless networks until 2029.
"A decision has been made on how to proceed," confirmed a spokesperson for the Federal Ministry of the Interior (BMI), according to reports by Süddeutsche Zeitung and NDR. However, nothing has apparently been signed yet, which is why the BMI and network operators do not want to reveal any details.
Replacing network management
According to information from industry circles, the compromise stipulates that components from Chinese manufacturers will no longer be used in the core network from 2026. The network operators have long since begun the dismantling process here, and Huawei no longer plays a significant role in the core networks. ZTE is barely represented on the German market anyway.
There has recently been controversy over the question of how and by when the dismantling of the wireless networks should take place. The German government initially pushed for the complete removal of Huawei technology - and for this to be done promptly by 2026. Network operators warned that this would affect network quality and increase costs. Possible claims for damages were also on the table.
For the wireless network, the compromise now apparently stipulates that Huawei technology will no longer be used for critical components until 2029. This relates in particular to network management systems (NMS), which ensure the operation of the antennas and base stations. The antennas themselves are not critical and can theoretically also be operated with an NMS from another manufacturer.
To achieve this, Huawei would have to open up the proprietary interfaces of the antenna technology to third-party providers. Whether Huawei will take this step is still completely open. The company also has other options. Huawei is not yet aware of an agreement, a spokesperson said on Wednesday evening. The equipment supplier is waiting with a statement until there is an official declaration from the German government.
Alliance for open interfaces
The government apparently has an alliance for open interfaces in mind. While there are already trends towards opening up mobile networks and experiments with open standards such as Open RAN, the traditional business model of equipment suppliers such as Huawei, Ericsson and Nokia is to sell closed systems consisting of proprietary hardware and software.
The deadline of 2029 means that network operators now have some leeway. If Huawei refuses to open its interfaces, the network operators could replace the antennas by 2029. The first 5G antennas have been in operation for around five years, which would correspond to a normal life cycle.
And even if Huawei were to join this alliance for open interfaces, it is likely to take some time before third-party software is adapted to the antennas in such a way that it can be used in live operation. Experience with Open RAN shows that this coordination is anything but child's play. Nevertheless, in this scenario, it is conceivable that Huawei could continue to sell antennas to German network operators.
Fear of sabotage and espionage
The Federal Foreign Office, the Ministry of Economics, the Federal Ministry of the Interior and the Chancellery have been trying for years to force Huawei out of the German mobile networks. This is driven by concerns that China could gain access to German mobile networks via providers such as Huawei. There are also fears of espionage.
The network operators deny that the security risks feared by politicians exist and pose a real threat. The Chinese companies Huawei and ZTE also reject the accusations. Evidence for the accusations made by politicians is not yet known.
"The Federal Government is acting on the basis of the National Security Strategy and the China Strategy to reduce potential security risks and dependencies," says the BMI. Huawei and ZTE are also under pressure in the USA, the EU, Canada and other countries.
(vbr)
