The controversy over selection of Chinese vendor Huawei for BSNL''s mega-GSM tender in the southern region, appears to backfire on the Chinese companies as the DoT has advised BSNL to refrain from the use of equipment supplied by Chinese companies in future contracts.

“In view of the pronounced security concerns in respect of Chinese vendors, procurement of resources from these vendors, particularly in sensitive regions would not be in the interest of national security. “Therefore, resources should not be procured from Chinese vendors for deployment in sensitive regions. The sensitive regions are defined as States having international border with China, Bangladesh, Myanmar and Pakistan,” said a DoT communication to BSNL.

This implies that the DoT has virtually directed BSNL not to consider Chinese telecom gear except for in the South.

Meanwhile for the current tender, DoT wants BSNL to conduct security audit of its network for any possible spyware. DoT has told BSNL to furnish a self-certificate for carrying out the security audit.

Additionally BSNL has been directed to manage its network and not outsource it to any vendor or third party. BSNL is to take over such management services within two years. All BSNL networks should also be free from remote access capability, stated the DoT communication.

“BSNL should have a DoT approved network and disaster recovery management plan and capability. Such a plan or capability should be submitted to the licensor for approval,” added DoT.

All the measures stated by DoT indeed sound proactive measures to ensure country's larger interests. But then one wonders that with DoT itself having so many apprehensions over use of such equipments, why is the PSU operator going ahead with its selection instead of looking for other alternatives.