The German government has reportedly decided to wrap up business deal with US telecoms provider Verizon Communications in the wake of security concerns.
The government’s decision follows the reports of US Intelligence agencies monitoring German communications networks to the extent of tapping German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s cell phone.
Furthermore revelations made by former National Security Agency contractor, Edward J. Snowden which said that American spying agencies have access to telecom companies’ data, has also forced the German government to take strict action in this regard.
Verizon has been providing internet access to some of German government agencies since 2010. The contract is set to expire sometime next year. Cancellation of Verizon’s contract by the German government indicates how US based companies are losing their overseas businesses, because of NSA spying.
German telecom giant Deutsche Telekom AG is said to replace Verizon, once the current contract gets over in 2015. According to the reports, DT is already serving the German government for the most sensitive phone calls and data.
The German interior ministry on Thursday said it is reorganizing its information and communication systems to provide an increased level of security for its critical networks.
Disappointed by the government’s decision, Detlef Eppig, Managing Director of Verizon Germany said Verizon German is a German company and that it completely complies with the German law. He also added that in no way the US government can access its customer information stored outside the US.
