Govt Approves Applications For 5G Trials; Telcos Not To Use Chinese Technology

New Delhi: The Department of Telecom (DoT) on Tuesday approved applications of telecom companies Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel, Vodafone and MTNL to conduct 5G trials.

The list of telecom gear makers approved for trials include Ericsson, Nokia, Samsung, C-DOT and Reliance Jio’s indigenously developed technologies, The Indian Express reported. Significantly, Chinese gear makers will not be part of 5G trials.

“The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) approved today permissions to Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) for conducting trials for use and applications of 5G technology. The applicant TSPs include Bharti Airtel Ltd, Reliance JioInfocomm Ltd, Vodafone Idea Ltd and MTNL,” DoT said in a statement.

Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea had initially applied for trials using technology of China’s Huawei. Then they submitted fresh applications, stating that trials will be done without Chinese vendors’ technology.

“These TSPs have tied up with original equipment manufacturers and technology providers which are Ericsson, Nokia, Samsung and C-DOT. In addition, Reliance JioInfocomm Ltd will also be conducting trials using its own indigenous technology,” DoT said.

If this is an indication, Chinese companies may be barred from participating in rolling out of 5G services in India.

“The duration of the trials, at present, is for a period of 6 months. This includes a time period of 2 months for procurement and setting up of the equipment,” DoT said.

Each TSP will have to conduct trials in rural and semi-urban settings, besides urban settings, so that the benefit of 5G technology is not confined just to urban areas.