Reliance Communications (RCom) has written to the DoT seeking permission to import Chinese equipment reasoning that the move will allow it to launch its 3G services.

"It is understood that security clearance has been given to service providers who are importing equipment from European vendors like Ericsson, Nokia Siemens as their networks are primarily based on technology from these vendors. But in the case of Reliance, we have deployed technology from Huawei, ZTE and import of equipment from these vendors being Chinese is not allowed at present. This is creating a non-level playing field between us and incumbent operators,” said RCom.