Deutsche Telekom CEO Timotheus Höttges has sharpened his opposition to tougher European limits on Huawei. His stance comes as Europe debates network security, sovereignty, and vendor dependence.
The issue centers on Germany’s 5G networks. Deutsche Telekom still uses Huawei equipment across large parts of its radio access network. This network layer includes base stations that connect phones and devices.
European officials worry that Chinese vendors could create security exposure. They point to possible software backdoors or remote interference. Huawei has repeatedly denied these claims. It also says critics have not produced public evidence.
However, the political mood has changed. The EU previously advised operators to avoid “high-risk vendors.” Now, officials are considering firmer rules under cybersecurity legislation. Germany also appears ready to classify more 5G radio functions as critical infrastructure.
That shift matters for operators. Deutsche Telekom has already removed Huawei from its 5G core. The core acts like the network’s brain. The company also works on replacing Huawei’s radio management software.
Even so, regulators may demand more. They could require operators to remove Huawei from wider radio networks. That would make current compromise plans less effective.
Höttges argues that such action would hurt European telecoms. He warned investors about high costs and slower technology upgrades. “So, therefore, I’m fighting against it.” He added, “I think there is no necessity to push that forward.”
His argument is not only financial. Höttges says Europe uses Chinese technology across many sectors. He cited energy, solar panels, and connected cars. His point is simple. Telecoms should not face isolation from broader supply chain realities.
Yet security officials see mobile networks differently. They carry sensitive personal, business, and government traffic. They also support emergency services and industrial systems. A disruption could affect national resilience.
The debate also touches Europe’s technology sovereignty goal. Deutsche Telekom recently chose Nvidia chips for an AI data center in Munich. Höttges said European alternatives were limited. That choice now looks more complicated after reports involving Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang.
According to the original report, Huang faces scrutiny over an alleged affair with a Chinese government spy. He has admitted unfaithfulness to his wife. Nvidia’s board is reportedly reviewing the matter.
This controversy highlights a broader dilemma. Europe wants secure and independent technology stacks. Yet telecom and AI supply chains remain deeply global. Replacing one dependency often creates another.
Network vendors could gain from a Huawei ban. Nokia and Ericsson would likely see more German demand. Deutsche Telekom already selected Nokia for some Huawei replacement work. Progress, however, appears slow.
The cost estimates also vary widely. Höttges cited a possible €40 billion industry burden across Europe. Analyst John Strand has estimated Germany’s Huawei swap-out at about €2.5 billion. The gap shows how uncertain the transition remains.
Meanwhile, German operators are sharing software work. Deutsche Telekom says it resells its new management system to Vodafone and Telefónica in Germany. That cooperation could reduce costs.
Still, replacing only management software may not satisfy regulators. Huawei’s base station software would remain in place. Critics argue that this leaves the key trust question unresolved.
For now, Germany faces a difficult choice. Faster 5G evolution favors continuity and lower disruption. Stronger security policy favors a cleaner vendor break. The final decision will shape Europe’s path toward 6G.
