Govt tightens norms for sourcing telecom gear

The government will identify “trusted” sources of telecom equipment that can be used by India’s cellular operators on their networks as part of the national security directive for the sector approved by the Cabinet Committee on Security.

A list of manufacturers, to be certified as ‘Indian trusted sources’, will be created and the names of the firms whose equipment cannot be used will also be shared, minister for communications, electronics and IT Ravi Shankar Prasad said on Wednesday. Globally, there are five major telecom equipment makers, of which two are Chinese.

“Considering the need to ensure India’s national security, the cabinet has accorded approval for the national security directive on the telecom sector. Under the provisions of this directive, to maintain integrity of the supply chain security, the government will declare a list of trusted sources,” Prasad said.