VIL likely to expand network capacity in 6 circles through Chinese vendors

 Telecom operator Vodafone Idea is in advance stages of processing order for network capacity expansion in six circles through Chinese telecom gear makers

Telecom operator Vodafone Idea is in advanced stages of processing order for network capacity expansion in six circles through Chinese telecom gear makers, according to industry sources aware of the development.

The order will be only for the expansion of existing telecom network capacity where the contract was already awarded to the Chinese vendors, according to the sources.

"Vodafone Idea is planning network expansion in six circles where networks are getting heavy traffic. The company is planning to hand over expansion orders to its existing Chinese vendor in those circles," one of the sources said.

Both Huawei and ZTE supply equipment to Vodafone Idea.

When contacted, a VIL spokesperson said, "We deny any such speculation."

"The expansion order to Chinese vendors will be for non-core networks," another source said.

Vodafone Idea Chief Technology Officer Jagbir Singh has reportedly said that the company will not give any new order to Chinese vendors but it will have to opt for Chinese equipment for part of the network currently being served by them.