The lack of transparency surrounding BSNL’s mega GSM tender came up for discussion today in the Rajya Sabha as opposition members demanded to know the status of the ongoing talks with selected vendors particularly that of Chinese vendor, Huawei.

The issue was put for discussion by Nandamuri Harikrishna and M.V. Mysura Reddy. The duo sought to know the details of tendering process followed by BSNL for awarding GSM network in the country, particularly in the Southern Region as well as to know whether it was true that the contract has been awarded to Huawei for GSM network in the Southern Region. They said that if Huawei indeed was selected the government provide details of its selection.

They also wanted to know if the IB had raised strong objection against awarding of the contract to Huawei. And if this indeed was the case, why BSNL selected the firm for the Southern region.

Replying to these queries, Minister of State for Communications and IT, Gurudas Kamat said that BSNL is currently evaluating financial bids for the North, East and Southern regions. For North and East bids of Ericsson are being considered while for South Chinese vendor Huawei’s bid is being considered, confirmed the Minister.

The Minister added that Huawei will not be considered for the Eastern and Western region as per the concerns raised by security agencies.

"No award of contract has been done.  Financial bids are opened only for the bidders whose bids are found techno-commercially eligible," said the Minister.