Data theft, security issues key in selecting 5G vendors

NEW DELHI: A day after the US communications department tagged Chinese telecom vendors Huawei and ZTE as a “national security risk”, government sources here asserted that concerns over data theft and security implications will shape the crucial call on deciding 5G vendors for India.

“Fifth-generation telecom (5G) technology is absolutely crucial for accelerating and deepening the Digital India campaign. We also need to factor in cost considerations. But considerations of integrity of data of Indian citizens and national security will be given the utmost importance when the decision is made,” a senior government source told TOI.

The stance may have serious implications for the Chinese giant Huawei, which has long struggled to quell the rampant suspicion about it being an arm of the Chinese PLA, as well as ZTE. Restrictions on telecom vendors will leave a bigger dent than blocking the 59 apps.