After replacing Chinese vendor Huawei in the state of Rajasthan, Indian telecom giant Bharti Airtel might replace China’s telecom gear maker ZTE with Finland’s Nokia as the main 4G network gear supplier in the Punjab circle for future expansion and modernisation, as per the latest reports.
The step is in accordance with the Sunil Mittal-led telecom’s strategy to reduce dependence on Chinese telecom gear makers which are facing the heat in several global markets.
The company had invited requests for proposals (RFPs) and has narrowed down on Nokia for the circle, said a person familiar with the matter.
Besides Punjab, ZTE also provides 4G network equipment to Airtel in Haryana and Kolkata circles.
Earlier this year, the Sunil Mittal-led company awarded new deal extensions to both Ericsson and Nokia and Ericsson for eight and nine circles, respectively.
Bharti Airtel recently said that both Ericsson and Nokia had given a commitment to it to make 5G network equipment in India, allowing local telecom service providers to source network elements locally and contribute towards India’s economic growth.
ZTE’s business in the South Asian nation has now gradually shrunk and is presently maintaining networks in 3 circles for Vodafone Idea and 6 service areas for state-run BSNL.
Notably, the Indian government’s stance against Chinese companies hardened following the military standoff between Indian and Chinese soldiers which turned deadly in June.