Government Extends Telecom Equipment Security Certification Scheme, Slashes Lab Fees

The Centre has announced a set of changes aimed at maintaining continuity in telecom equipment security checks while reducing costs and shortening approval timelines for manufacturers and testing labs. 

Extension of Certification and Testing Framework 

The Department of Telecommunications has extended the Pro Tem Security Certification Scheme for another year, ensuring interim testing and certification of telecom products until a full security framework is in place.  

The extension allows vendors to continue certifying equipment through designated laboratories, preventing delays in equipment supply and network deployment. The announcement was made by Jyotiraditya Scindia in a statement issued late Monday. 

Lower Fees and Simplified Device Norms 

As part of the same initiative, the DoT has reduced application fees for Telecom Security Testing Laboratories to expand testing capacity and encourage wider participation in the certification ecosystem.  

In addition, security assurance requirements for Optical Network Terminator devices used in fibre broadband connections have been simplified.  

The move is intended to ease the compliance burden on manufacturers while retaining essential safeguards, supporting faster rollout of fibre-to-the-home services. 

Sector Context and Policy Direction 

The measures come amid rapid expansion of 5G networks, fibre broadband and data connectivity, alongside heightened focus on equipment security due to cyber and geopolitical risks.  

The reforms are designed to create a predictable and efficient certification regime that supports domestic manufacturing, accelerates technology adoption and enables sustained network expansion in 2026 and beyond. 

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Conclusion 

By extending the interim certification scheme and rationalising related requirements, the government is seeking to balance security oversight with faster approvals as telecom networks continue to scale nationwide. 

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