Revised Telecom Standards Notified Under Telecommunications Act

The Ministry of Communications has issued a significant notification introducing revised standards for telecommunication equipment under the Telecommunications Act, 2023. Released through the Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC), these updates aim to strengthen regulatory compliance, enhance network security, and ensure the adoption of advanced technological benchmarks across the telecom sector.

The revised framework covers a wide range of critical telecom infrastructure and systems, including electronic locator systems, servers, unified threat management, optical fibre splice closures, quantum random number generators, SMPS-based power plants, lawful interception and monitoring systems, broadband remote access servers, SIM cards, and IP security equipment. These updated standards reflect the increasing need for robust, secure, and technologically advanced telecom networks, especially in the context of rising data traffic and growing cybersecurity concerns.

To support a smooth transition, the government has provided a 90-day window during which both existing and revised standards will remain applicable. After this period, compliance with the newly notified standards will become mandatory for all stakeholders. Overall, this move highlights the government’s proactive approach to modernizing telecom infrastructure and aligning it with global benchmarks, urging telecom operators, manufacturers, and service providers to take timely action for seamless compliance.