Telcos told to stop sourcing 4G telecom equipment from Chinese firms

The major private operators - Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel, and Vodafone Idea - are procuring their 4G equipment from multinational companies, such as Nokia, Ericsson, ZTE, Huawei, and Samsung.

The Department of Telecommunications is learnt to have directed state-owned Bharat Sanchar Nigam (BSNL) and Mahanagar Telephone Nigam (MTNL) to exclude Chinese gearmakers from supplying 4G telecom equipment. Private telecom operators have been asked to consider staying away from such Chinese firms.

The decision was taken during a meeting of the telecom department, late on Wednesday evening, sources said. It is learnt that BSNL and MTNL representatives were not part of the meeting, but have been informed about the decision. When contacted, the private operators said they were unaware of any such decision by the DoT.

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