India’s Telecom Security Reforms for 2026

• The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) introduced significant reforms to strengthen telecom security.
• Reforms are implemented through the National Centre for Communication Security (NCCS).
• The measures improve ease of doing business, and align with Atmanirbhar Bharat and the vision of ‘Design in India, Solve in India, Scale for the World’.

About the Telecom Sector in India

• It is currently the second-largest telecom network globally, serving over one billion users.
  • India accounts for nearly 20% of global internet users.
• The sector contributes nearly 6% to India’s GDP, underlining its economic significance.
• Telephone penetration improved from 3.5 per 100 people in 2001 to over 85% by 2024.
• Digital Divide: Urban tele density exceeds 130%, while rural tele density is around 60%, indicating a digital divide.

Regulatory Background

• Telecom security certification is implemented under the ComSec framework.
• Forms part of the broader Mandatory Testing and Certification of Telecom Equipment (MTCTE) regime.
• Currently governed by the Telecommunications (Framework to Notify Standards, Conformity Assessment, and Certification) Rules, 2025.
• Applies to OEMs, importers, and dealers seeking to sell or deploy telecom equipment in India.

Extension of the Pro Tem Security Certification Scheme

• The Pro Tem Security Certification Scheme has been extended for two years beyond 01 January 2026.
• Introduced in October 2024, the scheme was designed to prevent business disruption when security certification became mandatory for IP Routers, Wi-Fi Customer Premises Equipment (CPE).
• Expanded scope now covers 5G Core, Session Management Function (SMF), Optical Line Terminals (OLT), Optical Network Terminals (ONT) and newly launched telecom products
• Impact:
  • 107 Pro Tem certificates issued so far.
  • Validity earlier enhanced from 6 months to 2 years, enabling product continuity during testing.

Reduction in TSTL Designation Application Fees

• NCCS has announced a more than 50% reduction in application fees for designation of Telecom Security Testing Laboratories (TSTLs).
• India currently has 9 designated TSTLs, covering 27 telecom equipment and network functions.

Salient Changes

• Shift to a simplified, application-based fee structure, replacing slab-based fees.
• 50% fee reduction for Indian startups, Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) and Women-owned enterprises.
• Complete fee waiver for Central and State government testing agencies, IITs, autonomous bodies, and government institutions; reduced renewal fees; and affordable scope expansion.
• No fee for Specific Security Requirement (SSR) additions where CSR approval exists.

Simplified Certification for ONT Devices

• ITSAR certification for ONTs becomes mandatory from 01 January 2026.
• Industry concerns arose because multiple firmware variants produced different hash values, necessitating separate certifications.
• NCCS has introduced group-based certification for customised ONT variants.
• Outcomes: Reduction in testing cases by nearly tenfold, a significant reduction in certification costs and ensures security compliance without disrupting last-mile broadband rollout.

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