The Indian government is evaluating a plan to replace telecommunications equipment from Chinese manufacturers, specifically Huawei and ZTE, within domestic mobile networks. The Ministry of Home Affairs has directed the Ministry of Telecommunications to audit existing infrastructure and estimate the costs associated with its removal.
The initiative targets hardware and software installed prior to the 2021 Trusted Sources policy. Current regulations require operators to source new equipment exclusively from certified vendors, such as Nokia, Ericsson, and Samsung, a list that excludes Huawei and ZTE.
While Reliance Jio does not utilize Chinese equipment, it remains present in the networks of Bharti Airtel, Vodafone Idea, and the state-owned BSNL. Industry estimates suggest that replacing the infrastructure for Airtel and Vodafone Idea alone could reach $3 billion.
The funding source for this transition remains undecided. Operators are currently managing significant capital expenditures related to 5G deployment and fiber network expansion. Analysts warn that additional costs could potentially slow down infrastructure development and increase service prices.
