PHDCCI writes to DoT seeking BSNL 4G tender with clause for source code

“The game changing requirement of only Indian source code with unrestricted and irrevocable access to BSNL/DoT for the offered “Core” and depositing of Indian/Foreign source code of “RAN” in an escrow account shall mean full control possibilities by the Indian Government against any current & prospective misuse of 4G equipment for snooping.

We do understand that we, the Indian manufacturers having been always side-lined from the bulk of the 4G telecom business of Core and RAN, may not be able to match the pricing of the hugely competitive, subsidized, politically & militarily motivated technologies developed by the Chinese, Americans etc.

Your current decision on top of the Government’s “National Directive on Security” will ensure level playing field for all indigenous technologies and ensure that this time, the Indian companies do not lose out on the business. More importantly, it would help India not lose out from the availability of indigenous technologies.

The Government may have to shell out some higher cost to buy indigenous technologies through its wholly owned subsidiary i.e. BSNL, initially but within a few years, it will reap 100s of billion dollars’ worth of additional GDP and huge tax collection on top of adding highly paying jobs for the tech India and the manufacturing sector,” writes Sandeep Agarwal, Mentor, PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry.