Indian firms seek line of credit for telecom carriers to procure locally-made gear

NEW DELHI: The domestic telecom equipment makers and suppliers have urged the Narendra Modi-led government to allow line of credit or soft loan to incumbent telecom operators that could encourage them to purchase locally-made network products.

“There is a need to allow a domestic line of credit to telecom service providers so that electronics in networks up to 75% should be purchased within India,” Sandeep Agarwal, Chairman— Telecom Committee of the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) told ETT.

Early this week, the representatives of the domestic trade groups such as Telecom Equipment Promotion Council (TEPC), Telecom Equipment Manufacturers’ Association (TEMA) besides the PHD Chamber submitted the proposal to the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to press their demand.