BSNL cancels 4G upgradation tender to bar Chinese companies; govt to decide new rules

Adhering to Centre's decision, government telecom carrier BSNL on Wednesday, has cancelled its upgradation tender, excluding  Chinese companies out of process, as per sources. Department of  Telecom (DoT) had recommended move a few weeks ago. Sources report that new rules for tender - which was worth Rs 7000 - 8000 crores - will be decided by government.

Coronavirus Live Updates: Section 144 imposed in Mumbai; India's total tally at 5,85,493

DoT recommends tender cancellation

On June 17, sources reported that telecom department has decided to keep Chinese companies out of state-owned BSNL's 4G network up-gradation tender. Sources say Centre is actively considering steps to also encour private telecom companies to speedily reduce ir dependence on 'made in China' equipment. India has also postponed its 5G auction process to next year in wake of Coronavirus pandemic.

DOT writes to PMO & MHA, confirms prohibition of all Chinese equipment for BSNL/MTNL

Chinese equipment banned in BSNL/MTNL

On Tuesday, DOT submitted a report to Prime Minister's Office (PMO) and Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) confirming that y have barred BSNL and MTNL from buying equipment from Chinese companies. It also stated that it favours barring China telecom gear makers like ZTE and Huawei from participating in 5G trials. Domestic players, however, have been given freedom to decide wher y want to furr buy Chinese gearmakers or t.

Telecom dept likely to rejig BSNL 4G tender to exclude Chinese firms: Sources

India bans Chinese Apps

This move comes two days after India banned 59 Chinese Apps including Tik-Tok. Centre has stated that it has received many complaints from various sources including several reports about misuse of se apps for stealing and surreptitiously transmitting users’ data in an unauthorized manner to servers which have locations outside India. Hence, in a move to protect sovereignty of Indian Cyber and to ensure interests of crores of Indian mobile users, government has stated that this was a major blow to China’s Digital Silk Route ambitions, amid ongoing India-China standoff at Line of Actual Control (LAC).

Govt of India bans 59 Chinese apps; Tik Tok, UC Browser, WeChat included in list

Chinese goods boycott sentiment

After 20 soldiers were martyred at LAC, several groups across nation have protested against sale of Chinese goods. Moreover, Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India (DFCCIL)- a PSU under aegis of Ministry of Railways has terminated a Chinese company’s contract. BCCI too has called a council meeting to rethink its sponsorship from Chinese companies. Centre too has taken several steps to decrease Chinese imports to make India more self-reliant. Apart from se, recently several Indian companies with Chinese funding have faced ire of public as 'ban Chinese goods' sentiment grows stronger.