IB seeks details of ZTE role in Airtel's 4G service in Kolkata

Security agencies have raised concerns over Chinese firm ZTE managing Bharti Airtel's fourth generation (4G) technology-based network in Kolkata where the company launched this service in April this year.

Intelligence Bureau has sought details from the Department of Telecom (DoT) about the role of ZTE in managing Airtel's 4G network and if it is planning the proposed remote access (RA) to be provided to ZTE, official sources said.

The security agency also wanted to know if local people have been given training in handling the network.

Besides Kolkta, Bharti Airtel has launched its 4G services in Bangalore too.

When asked for comments, a Bharti Airtel spokesperson said, "ZTE manages our 4G network in Kolkata...Beyond this we have no comments to offer."

The company had selected ZTE Corporation to plan, design, supply and deploy its 4G network in Kolkata while for Bangalore, it selected another Chinese firm Huawei to deploy and manage its network.

The company had bagged broadband wireless access (BWA) licence to offer ultra high speed data services in four Indian telecom circles -- Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kolkata and Punjab.

The company had paid a total of Rs3,314.36 crore as licence and spectrum fee during an auction held in June 2010.