Deutsche Telekom still big spender on Huawei despite EU ban plan

Deutsche Telekom is still pouring money into Huawei equipment even as Brussels moves closer to a de facto ban on the Chinese vendor in 5G networks.

Fresh Chinese customs records show Deutsche Telekom entities in several European countries remain significant Huawei customers. The operator appears to be buying more from Huawei than big peers such as Vodafone and Orange, despite the European Commission urging member states to phase out what it calls “high-risk vendors” from 5G infrastructure. The EU wants its non-binding 5G security guidelines, known as the “toolbox,” to become mandatory, which would force stricter limits or outright exclusion of suppliers like Huawei from critical network parts. For now, Deutsche Telekom’s procurement patterns suggest it is holding its line on Huawei while the political and regulatory fight over 5G security continues.