Hinting at the possible threats coming from the Chinese Telecommunications Companies Huawei and ZTE, the government on Friday admitted that it is a known fact that in the modern age, telecom equipment and networks used for provisioning of telecom services are prone to spyware/malwares etc, emanating from the equipment itself or embedded software contained in it or from antisocial or anti national individuals or agencies.

Milind Deora, Minister of State for Communication and Information Technology told the parliament that the government is aware about the Report of Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence of US Government titled “Investigative Report on US National security issues posed by these companies.

“Such potential threats exist in the network, irrespective of the sources like telecom gear manufactured in China or supplied by some other vendors”, he said. 

He said that in order to address the security concerns related to telecom and telecom network, comprehensive guidelines in the form of license Amendments have been issued to Telecom service providers on 31.05.2011 in Access Service licenses and on 3rd June’ 2011 for other licenses, in consultation with MHA and after due deliberations with Industry.

Deora said that it is mandated that telecom service Providers are responsible for the security of their network. It is also mandated that only those network elements shall be inducted into their Telecom Network, which have been tested as per relevant contemporary Indian or International Surity Standards.

 He said,” Government continues to examine all new developments related to Telecom Security and regularly reviews the security arrangement in this regard in the light of such developments”.