India Plans Push for Locally Made Telecom Gear to Boost Self-Reliance
The Indian government is preparing a major push to increase the use of domestically produced telecom equipment, a move that could significantly reshape the industry and reduce reliance on foreign suppliers. According to reports, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has asked private telecom operators to present roadmaps for shifting more of their networks to locally manufactured products. If voluntary adoption falls short, the government may introduce mandatory timelines for implementation.
This strategy could impact global equipment makers like Cisco, Nokia, Ericsson, and Samsung, while benefiting Indian players such as Tejas Networks, HFCL, Sterlite, and VVDN. The move aligns with India’s broader self-reliance drive amid global trade tensions and rising tariffs. While telcos agree in principle, they insist local products must match imported gear in price and quality. To avoid costly replacements, the policy may only apply to new orders.
The approach also has national security implications, as telecom is considered a critical sector. BSNL already sources only local equipment, with its 4G rollout led by C-DoT, TCS, and Tejas, and the same model planned for its 5G network. A similar framework could be extended to private operators, with priority categories identified for local manufacturing.
Meanwhile, private telcos oppose direct spectrum allocation for private 5G networks, citing potential risks to security and revenue loss from auctions. They suggest captive non-public networks (CNPNs) be built via licensed operators using spectrum leasing or network slicing to balance enterprise needs with industry sustainability.
Source: Business Standard
