India’s Telecom Firms Avoid Chinese Suppliers for 5G Operations
- Telecom department allows companies to commence 5G trials
- Border standoff prompts Indian players to shun Chinese gear
India’s wireless operators’ decision to avoid Huawei and ZTE echoes actions by the U.S., U.K. and Australia.
Photographer: VCG/Visual China GroupIndia’s wireless carriers have avoided partnering with Chinese telecom players for 5G services, the fallout of a bloody border standoff between the neighbors, as they start trial operations in the South Asian nation.
Bharti Airtel Ltd., Reliance Jio Infocomm Ltd., Vodafone Idea Ltd. and state-run Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Ltd. have tied up with equipment makers Ericsson AB, Nokia Oyj, Samsung Electronics Co. and state-run Centre for Development of Telematics, the telecom department said in a statement on Tuesday. Reliance Jio will also conduct trials using its own technology. The trial duration will be for six months, including a two-month period for procurement and setting up of equipment.