The German government is planning to ban mobile network operators from installing certain control elements from Chinese manufacturers Huawei and ZTE in their 5G networks. This ban will also affect components that have already been installed by the providers. The reason for the ban is concern about dependence on foreign products and the security of German mobile networks.

Background and consequences

Concerns about the security of German mobile networks are nothing new. For months now, the Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) and the Federal Ministry of the Interior have been investigating whether components in the 5G network equipment could jeopardize German security. The Chinese manufacturers Huawei and ZTE are considered important suppliers for the expansion of the 5G network, which is why the ban will have far-reaching consequences for mobile network operators. In other countries such as the USA and the UK, the use of Huawei components has already been banned.

Technical inspection without result

Although there is no concrete evidence of backdoors or espionage using Chinese components, the security authorities are particularly concerned about possible dependence on foreign products. The examination by the BSI and the Ministry of the Interior is therefore not only of a technical nature, but should also be evaluated politically. A foreign power could exert political pressure on Germany to influence the mobile network by switching off components or no longer supplying spare parts.

Authorization requirement for critical IT infrastructures

With the IT Security Act 2.0, the powers of the BSI were expanded and a new Section 9b was introduced in the BSI Act. Since September 2021, technical components for critical IT infrastructures must be approved by the BSI and the Ministry of the Interior before they can be used. If it is feared that public order or the security of the Federal Republic of Germany could be jeopardized by the use of the respective components, their use can be prohibited.

Conclusion

The ban on Huawei and ZTE components in the 5G mobile network is a further step towards sealing off German IT infrastructures from foreign products. Concerns about dependency in relation to China and the security of German mobile networks are justified, but there is no concrete evidence of espionage. The examination by the BSI and the Ministry of the Interior is intended to ensure that only components that do not pose a threat to public order or the security of the Federal Republic are used. It remains to be seen whether and how Huawei will react legally and as a company.