TEMA and PHDCCI write to DoT seeking inclusion of locally available tech for KLI undersea fibre link project

As per industry sources, domestic telecom gear makers have urged the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to include technologies available with indigenous players for the Rs 10.72 billion Kochi-Lakshadweep Islands (KLI) submarine cable connectivity project.

To this end, the Telecom Equipment Manufacturers Association of India (TEMA) and the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) have written separately to the DoT stating that the proposed norms may lead to a foreign vendor bagging the deal.

TEMA and PHDCCI have highlighted that even though repeaterless cables at a lower cost can be deployed under the project, government is in favour of using repeater submarine cables, which is available with select foreign vendors only.

Earlier in December 2020, the Cabinet had approved the KLI submarine cable connectivity project with an outlay of Rs 10.72 billion. The project is expected to be completed by May 2023.