TEC Notifies Revised Standards for Telecommunication Equipment: What Manufacturers and Telecom Businesses Need to Know

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT), through the Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC), has notified five revised standards for telecommunication equipment under the Telecommunications Act 2023, and the Telecommunications (Framework to Notify Standards, Conformity Assessment and Certification) Rules, 2025. The notification comes into effect from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette.

The revised standards cover Network Management Systems, Micro Duct Optical Fibre Cables, Quantum-Safe Cryptographic Systems and Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) Systems. Manufacturers, importers, telecom equipment suppliers, testing laboratories and network solution providers should review the updated technical requirements to determine whether their products, testing procedures, and certification processes need to be aligned with the newly notified standards.

Why Has TEC Revised These Standards?

As telecommunication technologies continue to evolve, technical standards must be updated to keep pace with new network requirements, cybersecurity challenges, and emerging communication systems. The latest notification revises existing TEC standards to support a consistent framework for testing, conformity assessment, and certification of telecom equipment.

The revised standards are intended to:

• Align technical requirements with the Telecommunications Act, 2023 and the Telecommunications (Framework to Notify Standards, Conformity Assessment and Certification) Rules, 2025.
• Update testing and performance requirements for notified telecommunication equipment.
• Support uniform conformity assessment and certification across the telecom sector.
• Introduce revised standards for emerging technologies such as Quantum-Safe Cryptographic Systems and Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) Systems.
• Help manufacturers and suppliers ensure that telecom equipment meets the latest regulatory and technical requirements before deployment or certification.

What Has Changed Under the Latest TEC Notification?

The latest notification revises technical standards for selected telecommunication equipment notified by the Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC). The updated standards replace the earlier versions and will apply from the date of publication in the Official Gazette.

Revised Technical Requirements for Notified Telecom Equipment

The notification revises technical standards for five categories of telecommunication equipment. Businesses dealing with these products should review the updated requirements, and determine whether any changes to product design, testing or certification are required.

1. Network Management Systems (TEC 48101:2026)

The revised Test Guide updates the testing framework for Network Management Systems used to monitor and manage telecom networks.

Key Compliance Points

• Follow the revised TEC 48101:2026 Test Guide.
• Review existing testing procedures.
• Update technical documentation, where required.

2. Micro Duct Optical Fibre Cables (TEC 85130:2026 & TEC 85131:2026)

TEC has revised both the Generic Requirements and Test Guide for Micro Duct Optical Fibre Cables to standardise product specifications and testing.

Key Compliance Points

• Comply with the revised Generic Requirements.
• Conduct testing as per the updated Test Guide.
• Review product specifications and quality control processes.

3. Quantum-Safe Cryptographic Systems (TEC 91010:2026)

The notification introduces revised Generic Requirements for Quantum-Safe Cryptographic Systems to support secure communication against evolving cyber threats.

Key Compliance Points

• Review system design against TEC 91010:2026.
• Update technical and security documentation where necessary.
• Consider the revised requirements during product development and testing.

4. Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) Systems (TEC 91000:2026)

TEC has also notified revised Generic Requirements for Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) Systems used for highly secure encryption key exchange.

Key Compliance Points

• Ensure QKD systems meet the revised technical requirements.
• Review system specifications before testing or certification.
• Maintain supporting technical documentation.

5. Review Compliance Before Product Certification

Businesses should verify that their products meet the revised TEC standards before initiating conformity assessment or certification activities.

Key Compliance Points

• Identify the revised standards applicable to your products.
• Update product specifications and technical records.
• Align testing with the revised TEC standards.
• Review certification requirements before market deployment.
• Track future TEC notifications for additional revisions.

Who Will Be Affected by the Revised TEC Standards?

Not every telecom business will be affected by the notification. However, if your organisation manufactures, imports, tests, certifies, or deploys any of the notified telecom equipment, it's worth reviewing the revised standards to understand whether any updates to your products or compliance processes are required.

The notification is particularly relevant for:

• Manufacturers of telecom equipment
• Importers and authorised representatives
• Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs)
• Network Management System (NMS) providers
• Manufacturers and suppliers of Micro Duct Optical Fibre Cables
• Telecom testing and certification laboratories
• Developers of quantum-safe cybersecurity solutions
• Companies working on Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) technologies
• Telecom operators and network infrastructure providers

Key Compliance Considerations for Businesses

Although the notification only revises technical standards, businesses should not treat it as a routine update. Companies dealing with the notified equipment should check whether the revised standards affect their existing products, ongoing certification applications, or future product launches. Taking corrective action early can help avoid unnecessary delays during testing, and regulatory approvals.

Some practical steps businesses can take include:

• Check whether any of the revised TEC standards apply to your products.
• Compare existing product specifications with the updated technical requirements.
• Wherever changes are required, revise technical documents and product manuals.
• Ensure product testing is carried out using the latest TEC Test Guides.
• Confirm certification requirements before manufacturing, importing, or supplying equipment.
• Maintain compliance records to support future audits or certification activities.
• Monitor future TEC notifications for additional revisions or implementation guidance.

Why Do These Revised Standards Matter?

The revised standards are more than just technical updates. They reflect the telecom sector's shift towards stronger network performance, improved product quality and emerging technologies such as quantum-safe communication. For businesses, understanding these changes early can make future testing and certification much smoother.

Benefits for businesses include:

• Fewer delays during product testing and certification.
• Better alignment with the latest TEC requirements.
• Improved product quality and market acceptance.
• Easier compliance under the Telecommunications Act, 2023.
• Better preparedness for future regulatory and technology updates.

Business Impact of the Revised TEC Standards

Although the notification does not introduce new approvals or licences, businesses dealing with the notified telecom equipment should review whether the revised standards affect their existing products or future certification plans.

Some of the key business implications include:

• Existing products may need a compliance review if they were designed or tested against earlier TEC standards.
• Products awaiting certification should be checked against the revised Test Guides to avoid delays during evaluation.
• Manufacturers introducing new products should build the revised requirements into product design and documentation from the beginning.
• Testing laboratories and certification bodies will need to evaluate notified products using the updated standards.
• Businesses working on quantum communication technologies now have clearer technical benchmarks for developing and testing future-ready solutions.

Benefits of the Revised TEC Standards

The revised standards are expected to improve consistency across the telecom equipment sector while supporting secure and reliable communication infrastructure.

Some of the key benefits include:

• Establishes updated technical benchmarks for notified telecom equipment.
• Promotes uniform product testing and conformity assessment.
• Improves product quality, reliability, and interoperability.
• Supports the adoption of emerging technologies such as quantum-safe communication.
• Strengthens cybersecurity preparedness within telecom networks.
• Enhances confidence among buyers, operators and regulators.
• Creates greater consistency in certification and regulatory compliance.

Is This a Right Decision or a Burden?

The revised TEC standards are intended to keep India's telecommunications framework aligned with evolving technologies and global security expectations. While businesses may need to update their compliance processes, the notification also offers long-term benefits by promoting standardisation, product quality, and future-ready telecom infrastructure.

Why It Is a Positive Step

• Updates technical standards to reflect advancements in telecom and cybersecurity technologies.
• Creates a more uniform framework for testing and conformity assessment.
• Supports the development and deployment of secure telecom infrastructure.
• Introduces standards for emerging technologies such as Quantum-Safe Cryptographic Systems and Quantum Key Distribution (QKD).
• Improves product quality, reliability, and interoperability across the telecom ecosystem.
• Strengthens confidence in certified telecom equipment among regulators, operators and customers.

Compliance Challenges for Businesses

• Manufacturers may need to review existing products against the revised standards.
• Technical documentation and product specifications may require updates.
• Testing procedures may need to be aligned with the revised TEC Test Guides.
• Businesses developing quantum communication technologies must understand newly introduced technical requirements.
• Product certification timelines may be affected if compliance gaps are identified during testing.

Overall Assessment

The revised standards do not change how telecom equipment is regulated, but they do change the technical benchmarks that certain products must meet. Businesses dealing with the notified equipment should review the updated requirements early so that testing, certification, and product launches are not affected. A timely review today can prevent compliance issues later.

Business Opportunities Created by the Revised TEC Standards

The notification is also expected to create new opportunities for businesses working in telecom infrastructure, cybersecurity, optical fibre technology, and next-generation communication systems.

Some sectors likely to benefit include:

• Telecom equipment manufacturers developing products that comply with the latest TEC standards.
• Testing and certification laboratories supporting conformity assessment activities.
• Optical fibre cable manufacturers supplying compliant products for expanding telecom infrastructure.
• Cybersecurity solution providers developing quantum-safe encryption technologies.
• Quantum communication technology companies working on Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) systems.
• Network Management System providers offering solutions aligned with updated testing requirements.
• System integrators and OEMs supporting deployment of standards-compliant telecom equipment.
• Regulatory and compliance consultants assisting businesses with TEC certification, documentation and conformity assessment.

How Corpseed Can Help with TEC Compliance

The revised TEC standards create new compliance and advisory requirements for manufacturers, importers, OEMs and telecom solution providers. Corpseed offers end-to-end support to help businesses align with the latest technical and certification requirements.

1. TEC Applicability Assessment

Determine whether the revised standards apply to your telecom products and identify the applicable compliance requirements.

2. Technical Documentation Support

Review and update product specifications, technical files and supporting documents to align with the revised TEC standards.

3. Testing and Certification Assistance

Coordinate with recognised laboratories and assist throughout the TEC testing and conformity assessment process.

4. Gap Assessment and Compliance Review

Evaluate existing products against the revised Generic Requirements and Test Guides and recommend corrective actions where required.

5. Regulatory Advisory for Telecom Equipment

Provide expert guidance on compliance under the Telecommunications Act 2023, TEC, standards and related regulatory requirements.

6. Ongoing Regulatory Monitoring

Keep businesses informed about future TEC notifications, revised standards, certification updates, and implementation guidelines.