NATION’S SECURITY PARAMOUNT
The government should understand the need to always be on toes as far as security concerns of the country are concerned. The time has gone when only armies used to pose threat to nations because today the science has advanced to the level next and even a common cell phone can act as enemy nation’s most effective spy. In this context, the Union Government’s step to ban dubious Chinese telecom equipment manufacturers ahead of the 5G rollout is quite appropriate because country cannot afford to put at stake the safety and security of the people at the hands of Dragon nation’s blacklisted companies. Reportedly, the Union Government has mandated telecom companies to source devices only from ‘trusted sources’ for expansion or upgradation of existing networks. In this regard, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has issued a notification, amending the rules for telecom licenses. It is pertinent to mention that the aforesaid move which is quite justified is aimed at preventing Chinese vendors such as Huawei and ZTE from providing telecom gear to Indian telecom operators for the upcoming 5G services. Reports have averred that Chinese tech giants Huawei and ZTE are yet to complete paperwork to seek ‘trusted sources’ approval. Several countries including the US, UK and Sweden have blocked operators from using equipment made by Huawei over security concerns while Canada has accused Huawei of spying for the Chinese government. Looking into all this and the bitter relations with China, it is advisable that good care should be taken to ensure that the Dragon nation cannot dent the interests of the country through such means. Already government has prohibited many Chinese apps in the country to ensure security as lately China has become a threat for the country. The government should tread very carefully in the matter as in today’s world much can happen digitally and therefore any kind of lethargy can prove dangerous for the country and its people. The step to ensure trusted gears for the telecom industry is a laudable step and one and all in the country should support government on this decision.