New Delhi: The Department of Telecommunications has announced a new set of policy changes to strengthen India’s telecom security framework while easing compliance requirements for the industry as it prepares for 2026.
Communications minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia said the measures, implemented through the National Centre for Communication Security, aim to enhance national security and support industry growth in line with the vision of “Atmanirbhar Bharat” and the principle of “Design in India, Solve in India, Scale for the World”.
One of the key decisions is the extension of the Pro Tem Security Certification Scheme for two years from 01-01-2026. The scheme was introduced in October 2024 to prevent business disruption for IP router and Wi-Fi CPE products that became subject to mandatory security certification from 01-10-2024. Under the Pro Tem framework, original equipment manufacturers submit a declaration of conformance with Indian Telecommunication Security Assurance Requirements while their equipment undergoes parallel testing at designated Telecom Security Testing Laboratories. Manufacturers also undertake to address any gaps identified during testing within the certificate validity period.
The scheme, earlier due for review on 31-12-2025, has so far led to the issuance of 107 Pro Tem certificates, helping manufacturers maintain business continuity. Its scope has since been expanded to cover 5G Core SMF, Optical Line Terminals, Optical Network Terminators and new product launches. Earlier this month, the validity of Pro Tem certificates was also extended from six months to two years, allowing manufacturers to continue product deployments while security testing is completed.
The Department has also approved a substantial reduction, exceeding 50 per cent, in the designation application fees for Telecom Security Testing Laboratories. The revised structure replaces complex slabs with a simplified, application-based system and introduces special concessions. Indian startups, micro and small enterprises and women-owned enterprises will receive a 50 per cent fee reduction, while central and state government testing agencies, government institutions, IITs and autonomous bodies will be eligible for a complete fee waiver. First-time application fees have been capped at lower levels, renewal charges have been reduced, and no fee will be charged for specific security requirement scope additions where customer-specific requirement approval already exists.
These changes are expected to expand India’s telecom security testing ecosystem, improve testing capacity and encourage participation from private, academic and government institutions. At present, nine Telecom Security Testing Laboratories covering 27 telecom equipment and network functions have been designated across the country.
In another move aimed at easing compliance, the DoT has simplified the Indian Telecom Security Assurance Requirement certification process for Optical Network Terminator devices. Multiple customised variants of ONTs will now be tested under a single certification procedure. The ITSAR for ONT devices was notified in November 2023, with voluntary certification from August 2024 and mandatory certification from 01-01-2026. Industry representations had pointed out that minor software compilation differences, resulting in different hash values, were forcing separate certifications for each variant and significantly increasing costs. Following consultations, the NCCS has introduced a mechanism that reduces the number of testing cases by nearly ten times, offering financial relief while retaining security standards.
The latest announcements build on earlier reforms, including the reduction of security test evaluation fees for telecom and ICT products by up to 95 per cent in July 2025 and the simplification of compliance for highly specialised and end-of-life equipment. Together, the measures are expected to shorten approval timelines, reduce costs and reinforce India’s position as a trusted destination for secure telecom manufacturing and testing.
BI Bureau
