Telefonica to Replace Its Huawei 5G Gear in Spain, Germany Amid National Security Concerns
Udumbara
Spanish telecom company Telefonica will replace all of its 5G equipment in Spain and Germany, manufactured by Chinese technology company Huawei, keeping in line with local regulatory requirements.
It does, however, intend to retain its Huawei 5G equipment in Brazil, Telefonica confirmed on July 30.
The move aligns with local government directives ordering telecom companies to phase out Huawei-made devices in their core 5G networks due to national security concerns.
“In both Germany and Spain, we are reducing our exposure to Huawei following the rules we have in these countries,” Telefonica Chief Operating Officer Emilio Gayo said.
Gayo added that in the UK, where Huawei equipment is also banned, “we have a very, very low exposure to Huawei.”
Telefonica confirmed it would continue using Huawei equipment in Brazil and other Latin American markets, which have not restricted the use of Huawei gear.
Multiple European nations have proposed restrictions, or all-out bans, on the use of equipment made by Huawei, as well as the partially state-owned Chinese technology company ZTE, due to concerns over their close ties to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
The toolbox noted that the advanced technology of 5G networks creates new security challenges, such as increased potential for cyberattacks.
It said concerns had arisen regarding third-party vendors, particularly from non-EU countries, “participating in the development and deployment of 5G networks, raising issues of supply-chain attacks and espionage.”
In the second stage, the use of Chinese-made parts such as antennas, transmission lines, and towers would be eliminated by 2029, Faeser said.
“We are protecting the essential infrastructure of Germany’s economy and the communication networks for citizens, businesses, and the government,” Faeser said in a July 11 statement.
Dozens of other nations, including France, Denmark, Estonia, Italy, Latvia, Portugal, and Sweden, have also implemented restrictions or bans on the use of such equipment from Chinese companies.
Huawei claims that the CCP does not interfere in its business, or the security of its products, and says it would reject outright any attempt to “force our hand—from any country or organisation.”
“We are happy to sign any ‘no-spy’ and ‘no-backdoor’ agreements if that would provide further comfort to our customers and governments around the world.”
The Epoch Times has contacted Huawei and ZTE for further comment.
