INDIA has ordered state-run telecoms Bharat Sanchar Nigam (BSNL) and Mahanagar Telephone Nigam (MTNL) to use locally-made rather than Chinese telecom equipment to upgrade their mobile networks to 4G, Reuters reports.
New Delhi's move comes amid a backlash against China's Huawei and ZTE companies after the recent killing of 20 Indian soldiers by Chinese People's Liberation Armys in a Himalayan border dispute.
The instruction is aimed at Chinese telecom gear makers Huawei and ZTE, a reliable source said, after India last year announced an almost US$8 billion plan, some of which was earmarked for network upgrades.
'Since that plan will be funded by public money they (BSNL, MTNL) should try to ensure they buy made in India equipment,' said the government source, who declined to be named as the order was not public.
SeaNews Turkey
New Delhi's move comes amid a backlash against China's Huawei and ZTE companies after the recent killing of 20 Indian soldiers by Chinese People's Liberation Armys in a Himalayan border dispute.
The instruction is aimed at Chinese telecom gear makers Huawei and ZTE, a reliable source said, after India last year announced an almost US$8 billion plan, some of which was earmarked for network upgrades.
'Since that plan will be funded by public money they (BSNL, MTNL) should try to ensure they buy made in India equipment,' said the government source, who declined to be named as the order was not public.
SeaNews Turkey