NEW DELHI: The telecom department (DoT) is expected to shortly approve the applications of telecom operators for 5G trials but only with non-Chinese gear makers like Ericsson and Nokia, Financial Express reported.

Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea had applied for 5G trials with Nokia, Ericsson, Huawei, and ZTE. However, it is likely that these telcos will be allowed to conduct trials only with Nokia and Ericsson excluding the two Chinese vendors Huawei and ZTE.

Similarly, the 4G-only telco Reliance Jio will only be allowed to conduct trials with Ericsson, Nokia, and Samsung. The operator has additionally submitted a separate application for conducting independent trials.

The government last month barred companies that are based in countries sharing a common border with India to participate in any government procurement and contract. The decision, thus, will see its first practical implementation in 5G trials wherein Chinese companies have been disallowed from participating.

The Financial Express report cited that the private telecom companies have submitted applications for trials with multiple vendors and that the government should expeditiously process the applications that are in accordance with the regulations.

“..The government) should take the decision expeditiously and not keep the trials hanging for long,” the report added.

The telecom department further aims to place a condition in notice inviting applications (NIA) that companies that successfully win the bids would not be allowed to procure equipment from companies based in countries sharing a common border with India, the report said.