Vodafone Idea Limited (Vi) has awarded a network gear order worth Rs 20 billion to China-based ZTE. The telco has given orders for broadband network equipment in telecom circles of Gujarat, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh-Chhattisgarh.
The National Security Directive on Telecommunication Sector, which was approved by the Cabinet Committee on Security on December 16, 2020, requires service providers to procure equipment from trusted sources. As per this directive, the government provides a list of trusted sources and products that can be used for installation in the country’s telecom network. The trusted telecom portal is utilised for all activities related to the implementation of the directive, including the determination of trusted sources and products.
As per sources, the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS), which oversees the trusted telecom portal and grants clearance for permissible telecom equipment, has been informed about the network order by Vi, as ZTE has not been given the trusted sources approval by NSCS. Thus, the matter will be now examined by the council.
