The state-run research and development organisation, Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DoT), has requested the Department of Telecommunications to not include China-based vendors Huawei and ZTE in the National Optic Fibre Network (NOFN) project.
According to C-DoT these vendors are not allowed to participate in tenders in the United States, Canada, Europe and Australia on the grounds of security risk posed by foreign vendors? equipments in the country?s communications? networks. Similarly, the Indian government too should weigh the pros and cons of allowing these companies to become a part of NOFN.
Further, in a letter to DoT, C-DoT emphasises that it has developed cutting-edge technology called Gigabit capable Passive Optical Network (GPON) which can be used for the NOFN project. As per C-DoT, GPON is capable of providing the infrastructural support required by the authorities for implementing NOFN project. Further, about seven to eight manufacturers? posses the capability to manufacture required gear based on GPON, which will pave way for competitive bidding.
GPON technology is used for broadband connectivity over optical fibre. C-DOT has indigenously designed and developed GPON technology, which can be used to provide triple play (voice, video and data) through fibre-based networks.
The present GPON standards specify 2.5 Gbps (gigabit per second) downstream and 1.25 Gbps upstream data capability to customer premise.
