Germany Moves to Phase Out Chinese Tech from 5G Network

Germany plans to eliminate components from Chinese tech firms in its 5G network within five years. Mobile operators have agreed in principle to remove Huawei and ZTE technology from core data centers by 2026, expanding the phase-out to antennas and towers by 2029, driven by national security concerns.

Germany is set to remove Chinese technology components from its 5G wireless network over the next five years. Mobile operators like Deutsche Telekom, Vodafone, and Telefonica Deutschland will first eliminate Huawei and ZTE technology from core data centers by 2026, with a broader phase-out by 2029.

The preliminary agreement, influenced by national security concerns, aims to sever dependencies on Chinese tech. Germany's interior ministry confirmed that talks with mobile carriers are still ongoing. A spokesperson cited the government's national security and China strategies as motivating factors.

The Chinese embassy has not commented. Germany has lagged in implementing EU 5G security measures, facing resistance from telecom operators against the costly phase-out. U.S. telecoms have faced similar financial challenges in removing Chinese equipment.

(With inputs from agencies.)