Network expansion in Germany: Ban on Chinese 5G components?

The federal government apparently has serious concerns about the use of individual Chinese components in the important 5G network. It threatens the first ban, how NDR and WDR experienced.

The federal government will apparently prohibit the use of some components from Chinese manufacturers when expanding the 5G network. Corresponding information from security circles is available NDR and WDR before. Accordingly, the Federal Ministry of the Interior, with reference to current tests, assumes that bans could already be imposed in the summer. The coalition partners should agree on how to proceed

According to the information, the danger is less seen than a possible data outflow, but rather the possible consequences of the current extreme market power of Chinese providers. The hurdle for a ban is nevertheless high: Public order or security in the Federal Republic would have to be threatened by the operation.

Six applications for use in the 5G network, which apparently related to around 100 individual components, had been approved without any problems since 2021. Two other applications are now being examined more closely, it is said. For example, it should have been noticed that providers wanted to make 4G components usable for the 5G network through the back door – but strict rules apply to the modern 5G network.

Apparently, the test process should be reformed

It will probably not remain with individual decisions: According to the information, the federal government apparently wants to reform the entire test process. Network operators such as Telekom, Vodafone or Telefónica would then probably have to rely on suppliers other than Huawei or ZTE for the 5G network, for example Ericsson or Nokia. Such an exchange is considered complex and expensive.

One reason for the attitude of the federal government are apparently new security concerns. It is unclear exactly what these consist of. There should be knowledge that such components are already being used in relevant areas that are actually being objected to. According to the law, complaints can still be made about components even if they are already in use. Huawei has always dismissed the security concerns in the past. In response to a recent inquiry, the company explained in a more general manner: “Restrictions from an always reliable manufacturer with a very good security record are certainly not part of making infrastructures more secure.” The company declined to comment on speculation.

The new, very fast mobile communications standard is described as 5G technology. Because more and more areas of life – communication, energy supply or logistics – are networked with each other, many consider 5G to be the future most important infrastructure in Germany. That is why the government wants to particularly secure the 5G infrastructure, also against espionage or sabotage.

Worry about dependency

The Russian war of aggression against Ukraine and its consequences have left their mark on the federal government. The suddenly throttled gas supply had shown how dependent one was on Russia. According to security circles, a sudden “kill switch”, in which the corresponding 5G components suddenly fail, could also have a major impact. It is possible that a number of complex systems that depend on the 5G network would be temporarily affected – in addition to everyday communication, for example, also energy suppliers. According to an analysis by the telecommunications consultancy Strand Consult, Huawei is currently responsible for 59 percent of the 5G network in Germany. The older and slower 4G is similar.

In 2021, the rules were rewritten in the IT Security Act. Since then, the Ministry of the Interior has been able to prohibit or restrict the use of critical components in a so-called critical infrastructure. So far, the regulation only applies to 5G networks. A possible general exclusion of companies like Huawei had been discussed for several years. Espionage or sabotage were named as possible dangers. Great Britain or the USA had therefore excluded the company from the 5G expansion at an early stage.

overview is missing

The federal government at the time decided on a middle course: a general exclusion was waived – also so as not to offend China. At the same time, a test procedure was installed, according to which competitors can not only be excluded for purely technical reasons.

A request from the Union faction in the Bundestag had recently shown that the government lacked an overview of the components. The federal government apparently wants to change that. In the coming months, it should be determined exactly where potentially problematic components have been installed. A report from the USA last year showed why this could be important. Chinese components were often installed in the vicinity of military bases. Media reports said the secret communications could have been intercepted and disrupted.