Vodafone Idea, India's third-largest telecom operator, has taken a decisive step - a move that underscores growing concerns about network security and reliance on Chinese technology. The company has completely removed Huawei and ZTE equipment from its core network, replacing it with technology from Samsung and Ericsson.
This strategic shift comes as part of Vodafone Idea's ambitious three-year capital expenditure plan, aimed at modernizing its network and bolstering its 4G services. The company has assured the Indian government that its core network is now entirely free of Chinese technology, addressing concerns about potential security risks associated with using equipment from Chinese vendors.
Vodafone Idea's Chief Technology Officer, Jagbir Singh, emphasised that network security is paramount, particularly in the core network where sensitive data resides. He highlighted that the company has replaced almost all components with technology sourced from trusted American and European suppliers, ensuring the integrity and security of its network.
For its 4G expansion, Vodafone Idea has chosen Samsung as its key partner. Singh explained that Samsung's vRAN-based 4G technology is a mature and proven solution, citing its successful deployment in Reliance Jio's extensive network. He also noted that Airtel is utilizing Samsung's technology for its 5G rollout, further reinforcing the vendor's credibility and reliability.
Vodafone Idea has been transparent with the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), providing detailed information about its network infrastructure, including both hardware and software components. This proactive approach aligns with the DoT's efforts to assess the extent of legacy equipment from "non-trusted sources" in telecom networks across India. This decisive move by Vodafone Idea marks a significant step towards building a more secure and resilient telecom network in India.
DISCLAIMER:This brief is based on information from publicly available sources and reflects the author's interpretation of the topic.
