BSNLs proposes joint venture with China’s ZTE

BSNL’s proposed 50:50 joint venture with China’s ZTE to manufacture CDMA mobile and fixed wireless terminals (FWTs) is facing difficulties. The venture is “no longer a priority” as in the coming months, BSNL’s telecom expansion would be primarily GSM driven. BSNL is to set off a $4.7 billion expansion of its CellOne network, involving an addition of 62 million lines across all telecom circles. Though DoT has cleared BSNL’s participation with ZTE, the home ministry and national security agencies are reportedly hesitant on security grounds as ZTE is a Chinese company.