Aishwariya Dhal 
A huge storm for Chinese telecom equipment manufacturers prior to 5G deployment, the center ordered telecom companies on Monday to procure equipment only from “trusted sources” to extend or upgrade existing networks.
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) issued a corresponding notice on Monday to strengthen the rules for telecommunications licenses.
The main objective of this move is to prevent Chinese companies such as Huawei and ZTE from providing telecommunications equipment for future 5G services to Indian carriers.
“From June 15, 2021, License may only include trusted products in its network and has competent authority to upgrade or extend its existing network with telecommunications equipment that is not designated as a trusted product, “stated the DoT notice
The government has clarified that these instructions will not affect the ongoing annual maintenance contract or software renewal of existing equipment.
In 2021, DoT made changes to its telecom licensing standards, adding “defense” and “national security” as parameters for purchasing reliable telecommunications products. The competent authority can then ask the telecommunications company not to use products that are considered unsafe. In the latest notice, DoT has added the word “expansion” to the license terms. Chinese tech giants have not yet done the paperwork to get approval for a “trustworthy source” as per which they are not safe for use.
“We have found that these Chinese telecom gears are not safe at all. It is dangerous to use these devices,” said an official with the telecom ministry.
Before, operators blocked the uses of Huawei devices in several countries, including the United States, United Kingdom and Sweden, for security concerns. Also, Canada have accused Huawei of spying for the Chinese government.
The government’s action plan at the forefront of telecommunications seems to be highly valued and awaited by central security and intelligence agencies.
