Germany has announced a planned ban on key 5G components supplied by Chinese companies such as Huawei and ZTE, citing national security concerns. Interior Minister Nancy Faeser confirmed the decision on Thursday, describing a phased implementation that begins in 2026 and extends over a longer timeline than initially expected.
Under the new plan, Huawei and ZTE components deemed critical will be removed from 5G core networks by the end of 2026, one year later than previously planned. For radio access networks (RAN), the deadline for eliminating Huawei equipment has been pushed back to the end of 2029, a three‑year extension compared with earlier timetables.
Officials framed the extended schedule as a compromise that accommodates German telecom operators, many of which are already undertaking network upgrades. The longer phase‑out window aims to reduce the immediate financial burden on providers and allow smoother migration to alternative suppliers.
The move follows detailed negotiations with major national carriers—including Deutsche Telekom, Vodafone, and Telefonica—and agreements are expected to be signed with all three. The government says the collaborative process helped shape the staggered timeline and practical steps for implementation.
Faeser stressed that authorities carefully assessed the risks tied to critical components from Huawei and ZTE in Germany’s 5G infrastructure. She said the decision is intended to protect Germany’s economic security and secure communications for citizens, businesses, and the state.
Germany’s decision aligns with actions taken by other partners, such as the United States, the UK, and Sweden. It comes amid criticism from the European Commission, which last year urged national governments to accelerate bans and warned that Chinese vendors present “materially higher risks” for critical and sensitive parts of telecom networks.
So far, only 10 of the 21 EU countries that have passed laws allowing vendor restrictions have actually enacted bans. That slow pace has drawn scrutiny from both the EU and the US as policymakers work to “de‑risk” critical sectors and diversify supply chains away from heavy reliance on China.
A 2022 study by consultancy Strand Consult estimated that Chinese components made up about 59 percent of Germany’s 5G setup, underscoring the scale of changes required to meet the new rules. Replacing such a large share of equipment will require significant planning, investments, and coordination across the industry.
As Europe’s largest economy, Germany’s policy shift is being closely watched across the continent. The decision represents a notable realignment in the country’s approach to Chinese technology within critical infrastructure and could influence other European governments weighing similar measures.
The phased approach provides operators with time to adapt networks and secure alternative vendors, while signalling a firm intention to reduce reliance on Chinese technology in essential communications systems. However, the extended timeline means the transition will proceed more slowly than some international partners prefer.
See also: 5G and security: The dual telecoms challenges facing the new UK government
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