- 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’.
- 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
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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.
- ONT Devices convert optical signals into electrical signals for fibre-to-the-home connectivity.
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