Govt Bans Chinese Deals & Gear For Telcos; BSNL, MTNL Not To Use Chinese Equipment In 4G Upgradation

As per sources, the Department of Telecom (DoT) is set to tell Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) not to use Chinese equipment in its up-gradation to 4G network, which is the part of its rehabilitation package.

New Delhi: Amid the ongoing dispute between India and China, which has been further aggravated after face-off in Galwan Valley, the government has firmly decided to ban Chinese deald and equipment for all mobile service providers in India owing to “network security” issues, agencies quoted sources. As per sources, the Department of Telecom (DoT) is set to tell Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) not to use Chinese equipment in its up-gradation to 4G network, which is the part of its rehabilitation package. The Department has also conveyed to rework the tender in this regard, they added. A similar message will be conveyed to Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Ltd (MTNL), they stated. Also Watch: Indian govt bans use of Chinese equipment for 4G upgradation, directs BSNL & MTNL The sources have stated that the government will also direct the private mobile service operators to speedily reduce their dependence on made-in-China equipment. The service providers of the state have been asked to change conditions in such a way that Chinese companies are not able to participate in the process of tender. They have been asked to cancel all previous tenders for telecom equipment. Indian and Chinese armies are engaged in a standoff at multiple fronts including Pangong Tso, Galwan Valley, Demchok and Daulat Beg Oldie in eastern Ladakh. On Monday night, a violent face-off broke out between the two countries in Galwan valley area, in which 20 Indian soldiers were killed and 40 Chinese soldiers were killed, sources said. China has been accusing India for violating border protocols and has claimed sovereignty over the Galwan Valley region. India has denied all accusation and has said that China unilaterally  tried to change the status quo. The violent clashes led to pan-India protests against China calling for a boycott of Chinese products. On Twitter, hashtags like 'HindiCheeniByeBye' and 'BharatVsChina' have been trending.