Finance

Telefonica ditches Huawei's 5G gear in Spain and Germany; keeps it in Brazil

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on July 30, 2025

1 min read

· Last updated: January 22, 2026

Add as preferred source on Google
Telefonica ditches Huawei's 5G gear in Spain and Germany; keeps it in Brazil
Global Banking & Finance Awards 2026 — Call for Entries

MADRID (Reuters) -Spanish telecom giant Telefonica is replacing all of its 5G equipment made by Chinese manufacturer Huawei in Spain and Germany to comply with local rules, but it intends to keep it

Telefonica Phases Out Huawei 5G Equipment in Spain and Germany

MADRID (Reuters) -Spanish telecom giant Telefonica is replacing all of its 5G equipment made by Chinese manufacturer Huawei in Spain and Germany to comply with local rules, but it intends to keep it in Brazil.

"In both Germany and Spain, we are reducing our exposure to Huawei following the rules we have in these countries," Chief Operating Officer Emilio Gayo told Reuters on Wednesday.

In both countries, telecom companies must phase out Huawei-made devices in core 5G networks over concerns the Chinese company's handling of the critical infrastructure could pose a potential security risk.

In Britain, where Huawei gear is also banned, "we have a very, very low exposure to Huawei," Gayo added.

However, neither Brazil nor other Latin American countries restrict the use of Huawei gear.

Telefonica's Chief Executive Marc Murtra said his company made sure that all equipment from every provider complied with the same strict standards, guaranteeing security for the company and its customers.

(Reporting by Inti Landauro. Editing by David Latona and Mark Potter)

Key Takeaways

  • Telefonica is replacing Huawei 5G equipment in Spain and Germany.
  • The move complies with local security regulations.
  • Huawei equipment remains in use in Brazil.
  • Concerns over Huawei's handling of critical infrastructure.
  • Telefonica ensures compliance with strict security standards.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Telefonica replacing Huawei's 5G equipment?
Telefonica is replacing Huawei's 5G equipment in Spain and Germany to comply with local regulations that require telecom companies to phase out Huawei-made devices due to security concerns.
What did Telefonica's COO say about the company's exposure to Huawei?
Chief Operating Officer Emilio Gayo stated that Telefonica is reducing its exposure to Huawei in both Germany and Spain, following the rules in these countries.
Is Huawei equipment banned in other regions?
Yes, Huawei gear is also banned in Britain, where Telefonica has a very low exposure to the company.
What is the situation regarding Huawei in Brazil?
In Brazil and other Latin American countries, there are currently no restrictions on the use of Huawei equipment, allowing Telefonica to continue using it there.
How does Telefonica ensure security with its equipment?
Telefonica's Chief Executive Marc Murtra emphasized that the company ensures all equipment from every provider meets strict security standards to guarantee safety for the company and its customers.

Tags

Related Articles

More from Finance

Explore more articles in the Finance category