Government Sets New Standards for Telecom Equipment Compliance
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has issued a notification setting new mandatory standards for telecommunication equipment under the Telecommunications Act, 2023. The directive, published on February 25, 2025, mandates compliance with the Telecommunication Engineering Centre’s (TEC) Essential Requirements for specified telecom devices.
Implementation Timeline & Key Changes
The new standards will come into effect 180 days from the notification date. After this period, import, sale, distribution, or use of non-compliant telecom equipment will be prohibited unless tested and certified under TEC’s Mandatory Testing and Certification of Telecom Equipment (MTCTE) framework.
Equipment Affected
The notification applies to a wide range of devices, including:
- Cellular Customer Premises Equipment (CPE)
- Fixed Wireless Phones with Voice and Data Capabilities
- Network Security and IP Protection Devices
- Storage Area Network (SAN) Switches
- DDoS Protection & Malware Analysis Equipment
- Satellite Communication Terminals
Impact on Telecom Industry
This move aims to enhance network security, data protection, and equipment interoperability while ensuring compliance with national standards. It is expected to streamline telecom infrastructure, boost cybersecurity, and promote local manufacturing.
