Germany Accepts Huawei in 5G Network Auction

Germany has not agreed to ban Chinese telecoms equipment maker Huawei from building its 5G networks, even while the US opposed Huawei on the grounds that its equipment can be used for spying.

The authorities in Germany have said that they won’t freeze Huawei in 5G network auction, defying a Washington-led crusade against the company over its alleged ties with Chinese intelligence. Instead, Germany plans to increase security requirements for all vendors as outlined by a German Government policy announced earlier.

US claims that Huawei equipment is not safe to use because it can easily steal commercial information and could be spying on behalf of Chinese Government. On Thursday, the Chinese company filed a lawsuit against the US government, claiming that a US ban on federal agencies for purchasing its equipment was unconstitutional. Huawei always denies the allegations. The brand maintains that there is no reason to restrict the company for building 5G infrastructure in any country

The Network Agency said the guidelines — still open to submissions from industry — would require compliance with national security regulations, telecommunication confidentiality and data protection “without doubt.”

Network operators would be required to prove that they are following the security guidelines Instead, Germany plans to increase security requirements for all vendors as outlined by a German Government policy announced earlier and BSI would constantly watch data traffic and supply chains to spot potential anomalies. A network “monoculture,” in which one supplier delivered all components, was to be “avoided,” and only trained professionals were to be used in security-sensitive areas to protect from security breach.