India allows only Trusted Source Telecom OEM Products for Telco's and Internet Service Providers

India has taken a big decision on shortlisting and only allowing telecom products based on "Trusted Source" for Telco's and ISP. This is a major shift on Government policies and expected to stop unbridled cheap and malware prone Chinese and other Asian countries telecom equipment's import and safe guards against malware attacks on Critical infrastructure through IT and Telecom Networks.

As per Department of Telecom, Government of India notifications dated 10th March 2021 and 12th March 2021, The government on Wednesday amended the unified licence for procurement of telecom equipment. According to the amendments to come into effect from June 15, the licensee (operator) and ISP's will only use ‘trusted products’ in its network and seek permission from ‘designated authority’ for upgrading the existing network.

The designated authority for this purpose will be the National Cyber Security Coordinator and, in this regard, the licensee will have to provide any information as and when sought by the designated authority.

Please find below link for detailed policy notifications.

https://dot.gov.in/circulars/amendment-unified-license-agreement-procurement-telecommunication-equipment-reg

https://dot.gov.in/dataservices/amendment-relating-procurement-telecommunication-equipment-internet-service-provider

The author is Telecom professional and Views are personal.