Indian Government Launches Trusted Telecom Portal

On Tuesday evening, the government launched a Trusted Telecom portal as a part of the national security directive on the telecommunications sector.

The Whole Trusted Sources Debate

This move comes with 5G on the cusp of a rollout in the country, and trials ongoing. The trials did not include any Chinese vendors as well. This move is to further ensure that China-made gear stays out of India's core 5G network.

Since Last December, the National Cyber Security Coordinator (NCSC), Lt Gen (Retd.) Rajesh Pant has been compiling a list of these trusted sources and products for telecom. NCSC also holds to power to designate a specific product or source as trusted. The Cyber Wing of the National Security Council Secretariat will maintain the portal. The NSCS will also mandate telecom service providers to use equipment through trusted or authentic sources only.

Reliance Jio deployed Samsung's gear for its 4G, while Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea continued to partner with Huawei and ZTE.  The two older telcos had entered into a deal with Huawei before telecom license amendment in March this year. The amendment mandated the use of equipment procured through a 'trusted source' from June 15, 2021. However, the new directive does not require the telcos to replace existing equipment.

Airtel expanded its NLD network with Huawei, and Vi had upgraded its network with tech from Huawei. Both deals together, according to market analysts, are said to be worth more than ₹500 crores.

The most noise has been around Huawei only - it has been accused of backdoor access in telecom networks. The Shenzhen-based company has of course opposed the claims, but telcos in Italy and Australia had found backdoors some time ago. Interestingly, companies like Ericsson and Nokia, who are participating in the 5G trials, also partly manufacture their equipment in China-based facilities.

Trusted Telecom Portal

In April this year, the government unveiled the beta version of the portal for TSPs and OEMs. The government aimed to collect sample data to better classify products as trusted products.

This new portal will act as a certifying window and gear suppliers can track approval progress of their applications. The portal will also make telcos present details of network products along with suppliers' name. The authorities will decide if the TSP can use a certain product/source or not, after the authorities have examined the network.

Through this initiative, the government aims to bring enhanced supervision and facilitate effective control by telcos and designated authority over nationwide telecom networks.