Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on July 30, 2025
1 min readLast updated: January 22, 2026
Add as preferred source on GoogleTelefonica is phasing out Huawei 5G equipment in Spain and Germany due to security concerns but will continue using it in Brazil.
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)
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.
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.
Yes, Huawei gear is also banned in Britain, where Telefonica has a very low exposure to the company.
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.
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.
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