BSNL union backs Rs 9,300-cr 4G tender to purchase from foreign firms

A BSNL employee union on Wednesday extended support for the company’s Rs 9,300-crore 4G tender that has a clause to facilitate procurement of network equipment from foreign companies and restrict purchase from Indian companies.

The All Unions and Associations of BSNL (AUAB) in a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 5 said that Indian companies do not have experience of managing large mobile networks and the state-run firm “cannot afford to procure sub-standard equipment from inexperienced companies”.

Domestic telecom product and equipment promotion body TEPC has charged BSNL of violating policy to give preference to indigenous technology companies and incorporating clauses that restrict the participation of Indian companies.