Shifting Gears: Germany Aims to Decouple Mobile Networks from Chinese Technology
Germany’s Federal Ministry for Digital Affairs is charting a course to significantly reduce reliance on Chinese technology within its national mobile network infrastructure, according to a confidential strategy paper leaked to the Handelsblatt. The plan, spearheaded by Minister Karsten Wildberger, signals a hardening stance on technological sovereignty and a deliberate effort to bolster the position of European providers.
The core of the strategy revolves around restructuring German network policy to prioritize European vendors as the foundation for secure and resilient infrastructure. Thomas Jarzombek, State Secretary in the Digital Ministry, emphasized the intention to “strategically strengthen the market position of trustworthy companies and minimize technological dependencies through diversified supply chains”. While embracing market-driven mechanisms, the ministry appears prepared to leverage regulatory intervention to achieve these goals.
A key element involves a long-term industrial perspective, spanning five to ten years, with potential future interventions regarding the acquisition of European network providers by foreign investors. Currently, government incentives often fail to adequately account for the costs associated with implementing enhanced security measures, frequently perceived as a financial disincentive. The ministry aims to rectify this by incorporating stricter regulations and targeted funding programs to make investments in trusted providers economically viable.
Crucially, the initiative highlights the urgency to increase European representation and influence within international standardization bodies. Jarzombek acknowledged the current imbalance, noting the overwhelming presence of Chinese teams in these forums compared to limited European participation. The impending standardization of the next generation of mobile technology, 6G and its associated security protocols, are central to this concern. Germany aims to actively reshape the standardization process, potentially challenging the prevailing influence and shaping a future where data security within mobile networks is firmly rooted in European principles and values.
This move underlines a growing tension between economic considerations and national security concerns, raising questions about the potential impact on network costs and the potential for trade friction with China.