Huawei ZTE India 5G Networks: Current Status

Huawei and ZTE are not currently building 5G networks in India. Indian telecom operators have excluded both Chinese vendors from their 5G trials and commercial rollouts, which are led by Nokia, Ericsson, and Samsung. This article explains the regulatory backdrop, the role of both companies in India’s earlier 4G networks, and what the future may hold.

Background: India’s 5G Rollout and Vendor Choices

India began 5G spectrum auctions in August 2022, with commercial services launched in October 2022 by Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel. The government allowed all vendors, including Huawei and ZTE, to participate in trials, but no major operator selected them for their 5G radio access networks. Instead, Jio partnered with Nokia, Ericsson, and Samsung, while Airtel chose Ericsson and Nokia. Vodafone Idea, which started 5G later, also used European vendors.

The decision was driven by security concerns and geopolitical tensions, not by a formal ban. India’s Department of Telecommunications has not issued a public order barring Huawei or ZTE, but operators have voluntarily avoided them, citing customer trust and future regulatory risks.

Why Indian Operators Avoided Huawei and ZTE

Several factors influenced the exclusion:

• Security scrutiny: Following global concerns about backdoors and espionage, Indian carriers feared that using Chinese equipment could lead to future restrictions or loss of government contracts.
• Geopolitical pressure: Border tensions between India and China in 2020 led to a public backlash against Chinese apps and services, making it politically untenable for telecoms to choose Huawei or ZTE.
• Government signals: Although no explicit ban existed, the government’s cautious stance and the inclusion of Huawei in a list of companies requiring additional security checks discouraged operators.
• Technology partnerships: Indian operators had existing relationships and testing experience with European and Korean vendors, making the switch easier.

Huawei and ZTE’s Existing Presence in India

Before 5G, both companies had a significant footprint. Huawei supplied equipment to Airtel and BSNL for 2G, 3G, and 4G networks, while ZTE worked with Airtel and others. However, after the 2020 border clash, the government began scrutinizing new contracts, and operators gradually phased out Chinese gear in favor of alternatives. Today, Huawei and ZTE still hold some legacy 4G contracts, but they are not expanding to 5G. BSNL, the state-owned operator, has also chosen a consortium led by Tata Consultancy Services and Tejas Networks for its 4G and future 5G, specifically avoiding Chinese vendors.

What This Means for India’s 5G Network

The absence of Huawei and ZTE has not slowed India’s 5G rollout. By 2024, Jio and Airtel had covered most urban areas and were expanding to smaller towns. The main consequence is higher costs for operators, as European and Korean equipment is generally more expensive than Chinese alternatives. However, operators have managed to keep consumer prices competitive. For the average user, the network performance is comparable to global 5G standards, with download speeds often exceeding 100 Mbps in cities.

Could Huawei or ZTE Enter India’s 5G Market Later?

It is unlikely in the near term. The geopolitical environment remains tense, and the government has not signaled any change in its stance. Even if restrictions eased, operators would face the cost of replacing existing 5G infrastructure, which is not feasible. However, both companies could still supply optical fiber, backhaul equipment, or enterprise solutions, which are less sensitive. They also continue to hold patents for 5G essential technologies, so Indian phone makers pay licensing fees to them, but that does not involve network deployment.

Comparisons with Other Countries

India’s approach is similar to that of the United States, Australia, and Japan, which have effectively excluded Huawei and ZTE from 5G. In contrast, many European countries, such as Germany and the UK (with some restrictions), have allowed limited use of Chinese equipment in non-core parts of the network. India’s decision is more aligned with the ‘Five Eyes’ security alliance stance, though India is not a member. This divergence reflects India’s balancing act between its economic ties with China and its security concerns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Huawei banned in India?

There is no official ban on Huawei or ZTE in India. The government has not passed a law prohibiting their equipment. However, telecom operators have voluntarily avoided them for 5G due to security concerns and political pressure, effectively excluding them from the market.

Can I use a Huawei or ZTE phone on Indian 5G networks?

Yes, you can. The exclusion applies only to network infrastructure, not to consumer devices. Huawei and ZTE phones sold in India support 5G bands used by Indian operators, and they work fine on Jio, Airtel, and Vi networks. However, Huawei phones do not have access to Google services, which may limit app availability.

Will BSNL use Huawei for its 5G?

No. BSNL has chosen a consortium led by Tata Consultancy Services and Tejas Networks for its 4G and 5G rollout. This decision was made to support domestic manufacturing and avoid security issues. BSNL’s 5G is expected to launch in 2025, but it will not use Chinese vendors.

Why did India allow Huawei in 4G but not 5G?

In the 4G era (around 2012-2016), security concerns were less prominent, and Huawei offered competitive pricing. The geopolitical situation changed after 2020, and the government and operators became more cautious about Chinese technology. There was also a push for self-reliance in telecom equipment, leading to a preference for local and allied vendors.

What happens to Huawei’s existing 4G equipment in India?

Operators are gradually replacing it with equipment from other vendors as part of network modernization. For example, Airtel has been replacing Huawei gear in its 4G network with Nokia and Ericsson. This process is slow because it is costly, but it is ongoing. In the meantime, the equipment continues to operate without issues.

Does India lose out by not using Huawei?

India pays more for 5G equipment, which could have been cheaper with Huawei. However, the cost difference is offset by the reduced security risk and the boost to domestic manufacturing. The government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative encourages local production, and companies like Tejas and HFCL are benefiting. Overall, the impact on consumers has been minimal.

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