17 July 2022

India's Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has updated and further tightened telecom licence conditions, telling operators they must use equipment only from vendors with "trusted sources" approval for not just network upgradation but also expansion.

The latest amendment is being seen as a step to close a loophole in the procurement rules and block Chinese vendors Huawei and ZTE from providing telecom gear to Indian telcos, according to industry executives.

"With effect from 15th June 2021, the licensee shall only connect trusted products in its network, and also seek permission from designated authority for upgradation or expansion of existing network utilising the telecommunication equipment not designated as trusted products," the telecom department said, adding the word 'expansion'.