Telecom department to ask firms to cut dependence on China

Web Desk

The Telecom department has decided to rule out the use of Chinese equipment in the upgradation of the 4G equipment of the state-owned Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited.

The ministry has decided to “firmly tell BSNL” not to use Chinese equipment in view of security issues. Sources said the department has also decided to rework the tender in this regard, according to NDTV news.  The government is also considering asking private operators to reduce their dependence on equipment made by Chinese firms.

Telecom companies such as Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea have been working with Huawei in their current networks, while ZTE works with state-run BSNL.

The government’s decision came after 20 Indian soldiers were killed in a clash with Chinese troops on June 15 evening. This was the first time in nearly five decades that fatalities were reported at the Line of Actual Control, the de facto border with China.