Securing digital networks: NSDT to scrutinise wide range of telecom gear

Global telecom gear makers say that the new rule will make it difficult for Chinese equipment players to enter the Indian market.

The government is planning to scrutinise a wide range of telecom equipment, including the core, access, transport, support, and even the equipment on customer premises, for getting the badge of ‘trusted products’ under the National Security Directive on Tele­communications (NSDT).

The directive, which was cleared by the Cabinet committee on security in December last year, stipulates that telecom operators may connect only those new equipment or devices — whether Indian or foreign — which have been designated ‘trusted products’. 

A vendor will be labelled a trusted source for equipment by a designated authority after approval by the National Security Committee