Germany could take 5 years to cut off Huawei from 5G network: Report

Germany has been planning to strip Huawei from its 5G network but looks like it would take 5 years to bring this work into action. A new report says that the German authorities agreed to step in the ‘rip and replace’ program though this may take time.

The German government talked to its telecom carriers to remove Chinese technology from their network cores. After a long discussion, both sides agreed to gradually cut Huawei, ZTE, and other Chinese network equipment from their cores.

Further inputs cite that the government has divided this work into two major steps. In the first step, telecom operators will remove the 5G data centers made by Huawei, ZTE, and others in Germany. This work will likely be completed by the end of 2026.

The second step counts replacing Chinese parts for antennas, transmission lines, and towers. If not altogether, all these components should be removed by 2029 – said the government.

Evaluating the time and processes, Germany could take at least 5 years to cut the role of Huawei and other Chinese 5G network equipment from its cores.

Germany could take at least 5 years to cut off Huawei from 5G network (Image Credits: Huawei)

According to sources, these steps will give enough time to telecom operators like Deutsche Telecom, Vodafone, and others to remove critical parts from cores.

When asked, a German ministry spokesperson said that the country is taking these measures for security. This will also help Germany to become self-dependent. The government is constantly in touch with telecoms and has yet to sign the agreement.

“The government is acting on the basis of the national security strategy and China strategy to reduce possible security risks and dependencies.” – spokesperson.

Although the details say that Germany is moving at a snail’s speed in the “Rip and Replace” program. Many operators have also opposed this agreement and the U.S. regulations due to the high expenses required for this work.

The U.S. has been working for years to get rid of Huawei and its 5G network equipment from its cores. It also forced other countries to join the plan and phase out the Chinese technology. But it doesn’t seem that easy. Germany hasn’t signed the final agreement but might take this action in the coming days.

|| Source – Reuters ||