This refers to N Bhalla’s letter to the editor titled “Storm over nothing” (June 3).
Questions are being raised not over the malware but on the rumoured Manchurian Chip that is hardwired into the system (presumably for self diagnostics). This chip offers the Chinese unparalleled access to our network which can be easily disrupted in times of emergency. Further, some of the Chinese equipment firms are promoted by the PLA and are even bankrolled with the taxpayers’ money. This is the reason why these firms can quote the lowest prices in any tender.
The Indian security establishment has woken up late and has issued orders to stall the sale of such equipment.
What is difficult to understand is the enthusiasm to support Chinese equipment in the face of such grave security risks. Moreover, no attempts have been made to acquire the technological know-how, given the huge amount of investments made to deploy these technologies. It does not necessarily mean that the European technology would be clean in any respect, but given the prevailing security scenario, these risks must be factored in before any go-ahead is given. Telecom companies may be affected by the order, but then no one has asked them to bid for astronomically high amounts for the remaining spectrum and acquisition of 3G licences.
Abhishek Puri, one email
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