Focus: GS-III Science and Technology, Internal Security
Why in news?
With the US communications department tagging Chinese telecom vendors Huawei and ZTE as a “national security risk” it points to concerns over data theft and security implications shaping the crucial call on deciding 5G vendors for India.
Explaining the Concerns
Fifth-generation telecom (5G) technology is absolutely crucial for accelerating and deepening the Digital India campaign. But considerations of integrity of data of Indian citizens and national security should be given the utmost importance when the decision is made.
The stance may have serious implications for the Chinese giant Huawei, which has long struggled to quell the rampant suspicion about it being an arm of the Chinese PLA, as well as ZTE.
Views of other countries
Strong suspicions about Huawei being a PLA auxiliary and the opaqueness of its finances has hamstrung the company in other countries as well.
The UK signalled a tougher line against Huawei, while Australia had imposed a ban on Chinese 5G equipment even before the US action. Others such as Canada and Germany too are looking at other vendors, although Huawei has not been banned yet.
Indian Government’s focus on Digital India and the criticality of 5G for delivering high-speed services, the government’s stance might spell an advantage for Huawei and ZTE’s competitors.
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-Source: Times of India
