Law Updates

Subject

Summary: Introduction Adopting TSDSI‑transposed 3GPP standards as National Telecom Standards in 2026 largely formalizes what the Indian industry already follows (3GPP) but it does so in a way that anchors these standards in Indian law and policy, and strengthens India’s influence in how future global standards evolve. It is more of a strategic alignment and governance change than a sudden technical shock. What Exactly DoT Has Done and From When To strengthen regulatory clarity, and align national telecom policies with globally accepted frameworks, DoT has formally adopted TSDSI-transposed 3GPP standards as National Telecom Standards in India. What has been adopted? 3GPP Release 13 to Release 17 specifications have been transposed by TSDSI (Telecommunications Standards Development Society, India) and submitted to TEC (Telecommunication Engineering Centre) for adoption. TEC, following its Standardization Guide and the recommendation of the Telecom Standards Advisory Committee (TSAC), has: Approved adoption of TSDSI transposed 3GPP Release 13-17 specifications as National Standards. The adoption is “identical” no technical changes have been made in the transposed standards versus the original 3GPP specifications. These cover the full 4G/5G stack: radio, core, IMS, transport, security, and services. Implementation nature and date The adoption establishes a formal national standards framework while ensuring continued alignment with globally accepted telecom specifications. TEC's policy states- that adopted National Standards remain voluntary unless they are specifically made mandatory through government regulations, directives, licence conditions, or other official requirements. In 2026, DoT/TEC has: Completed adoption of TSDSI transposed 3GPP Rel 13-17 as National Standards. Begun the process of adopting further TSDSI transposed 3GPP Releases (towards Rel 18 and beyond) as national standards. Effective status in 2026: As soon as TEC notifies the adoption (via its “Adoption of TSDSI international telecom standards” guidance and specific letters such as the Rel 13-17 adoption note), those transposed standards become National Standards. Although voluntary by default, they may become effectively mandatory when they are: Referenced in licence conditions, QoS regulations or spectrum auction requirements. Incorporated into MTCTE Essential Requirements or other DoT technical frameworks. Since most operators, and vendors already rely on 3GPP specifications, the adoption is unlikely to affect existing network deployments. The key change is the creation of an official national standards framework that can be referenced in future regulations and compliance obligations. Why DoT Implemented This and the Need Behind It The decision reflects India's broader objective of strengthening telecom governance while remaining aligned with global standards. Sovereign Ownership of Global Standards: India can now maintain an officially adopted national version of globally accepted telecom standards, enabling their direct use in domestic regulations, licences, and public procurements. Consistency between Regulation, Licensing, and Technology: The adoption creates a common reference point for regulators, operators and vendors reducing ambiguity, and improving legal certainty across telecom policies and compliance frameworks. Strengthening India's Voice in 3GPP and ITU: Formal recognition of TSDSI reinforces India's position in international standardisation forums and supports greater participation in shaping future technologies such as 5G-Advanced and 6G. Building a Foundation for 5G and 6G Security Policies: National adoption delivers a detailed technical standard for security requirements interoperability duties, and performance expectations under India's evolving telecom statutes. Supporting the Indigenous Telecom Ecosystem: Indian startups, equipment manufacturers, and technology developers gain access to a clearer standards framework supported by a domestic standards development body. Impact on Businesses in India in 2026 While the technical impact remains limited, the adoption introduces important changes from a regulatory and compliance perspective. 1. Network Operators Operators already deploy networks based on 3GPP specifications. The key change lies in how compliance and procurement activities are documented and demonstrated. Vendor contracts may increasingly reference TEC-adopted TSDSI standards. Regulatory reporting could require evidence of conformance with adopted National Standards. Internal compliance functions may need stronger documentation and audit mechanisms. 2. Equipment Vendors Global vendors stay technically aligned because the norms are identical to 3GPP. However documentation, and regulatory authorities may require updates. Conformance declarations may need mapping to TEC-adopted standards. Test reports and technical submissions may require revised references. Participation in TSDSI consultations could become increasingly important. 3. Device Manufacturers and Chipset Providers Device makers already operate within established 3GPP ecosystems. Future government procurement programmes and specialised use cases may require TEC-aligned evidence of compliance. 4. Test Labs and Certification Bodies Among all stakeholders, test laboratories, and certification bodies are likely to witness the most immediate impact from this transition. Telecom laboratories can support businesses through conformance testing and interoperability assessments aligned with the adopted national standards. Certification bodies can assist organizations in demonstrating compliance with applicable regulatory requirements and certification frameworks. Consulting firms may help businesses in audit preparation, and standards mapping. How Businesses Will Be Compliant Since the adopted standards remain technically identical to 3GPP specifications, compliance will largely focus on documentation, traceability, and regulatory alignment. Compliance is Mostly about Alignment and Documentation Since the TSDSI‑transposed standards are identical to 3GPP and most 4G/5G players already implement 3GPP: 1.    Standards Mapping Map existing 3GPP conformance declarations (from vendors and test reports) to TSDSI/TEC reference numbers. Maintain an internal matrix- 3GPP TS -TSDSI transposed document -TEC National Standard ID. 2.    Contractual Language Update: Vendor RFPs and contracts. Managed service agreements. Ensure they reference TEC‑adopted TSDSI standards explicitly. 3.    Regulatory Compliance Procedures For any DoT/TEC requirement that refers to these National Standards- Identify which network functions or products fall under those requirements. Maintain conformance files (test reports, certificates, self‑declarations) mapped to the relevant National Standards. 4.    Participation in TSDSI/TEC Processes Join TSDSI working groups (for operators, vendors and chipset/device makers). Track- New releases being transposed (Rel‑18, 5G‑Advanced). Indian technical reports (TRs) relating to 6G, AI/ML in networks, PQC, edge connectivity, etc. This ensures early warning of upcoming national standard adoption and any India‑specific profiles. 5.    MTCTE and Other Certification Hooks Where TEC builds these transposed standards into- MTCTE Essential Requirements. Simplified Security certification schemes. Manufacturers must ensure test coverage against the relevant parts of the TSDSI‑transposed 3GPP specs in: Lab testing. Certification submissions. Benefits for Businesses after Implementation The adoption creates several long-term advantages for telecom stakeholders. Strategic and Commercial Benefits Benefit How Businesses Gain Regulatory Clarity Instead of loosely referencing “3GPP”, regulatory and contractual documents now point to precise national standard IDs. Alignment with Global Ecosystem Since adoption is “identical”, Indian networks and products remain fully interoperable with global 3GPP ecosystems. Influence in Global Standards Stronger TSDSI - 3GPP voice helps Indian businesses push their requirements and innovations upstream into future releases. Improved Tendering and Procurement Government and large private tenders can demand conformance to named national standards, simplifying evaluation and lowering risk. Support for Indigenous R&D Indian companies can claim conformance to Indian national standards that are globally aligned, helping in exports and branding. Foundation for 6G and Beyond The transposition and adoption machinery built now for 3GPP Rel‑13-17 is exactly what India needs to handle Rel‑18/19 and 6G standards quickly. End‑User and Consumer Benefits Improved interoperability between networks and devices. Better service continuity and reliability. Stronger regulatory oversight of quality of service. Enhanced security through nationally recognised technical benchmarks. Is This a Right Decision or an Additional Burden? While businesses may face some compliance adjustments, the overall impact appears more strategic than disruptive. Why It Is the Right Decision Reason Explanation No Technical Divergence Adoption is “identical” no fork from global 3GPP. Businesses keep using existing 3GPP‑based products. Policy and Governance Need India needed a clean mechanism to integrate global telecom standards into national law and regulation. TSDSI‑to‑TEC adoption does that. Strategic Autonomy National standards give India a sovereign handle over its telecom stack without becoming inward‑looking or proprietary. Ecosystem Alignment TSDSI as India’s SDO becomes the natural coordination hub for operators, OEMs, and startups. Security and Quality Oversight Having national standards enables DoT to build formal security, conformance, and QoS regimes on top of a known spec baseline. Where There Is Some Burden Concern Impact Documentation Overhead Operators and vendors must update documentation and mapping to reference TEC/TSDSI standards. Compliance Mapping Work Regulatory compliance teams must maintain matrices mapping 3GPP - TSDSI - TEC standard IDs. Future India‑Specific Profiles If India later adds national addenda (e.g., mandatory features for rural coverage), vendors may face extra implementation work. Testing and Certification Hooks As more regulations and MTCTE ERs reference these national standards, test coverage expectations rise. Balanced verdict:  Given that the technical content stays 3GPP‑aligned, this move is overwhelmingly positive and strategically necessary. The “burden” is mostly on legal, documentation, and compliance teams, not on product engineering, and is offset by much clearer regulatory, and procurement frameworks. How Does This Improve Quality, Customer Satisfaction, and Security? The adoption supports a more structured telecom ecosystem built around globally accepted specifications. 1. Quality and Interoperability Unified National Standard Set: All operators and vendors work to the same explicitly adopted standards, reducing interoperability problems and “vendor interpretation” gaps. Easier Inter‑Vendor Integration: When both sides reference the same TSDSI/TEC specs, integration testing, and debugging are more direct. Basis for QoS Enforcement: TRAI and DoT can map QoS requirements (latency, call drops, throughput) to specific features, and performance expectations in the adopted standards. 2. Customer Satisfaction Better Roaming Experiences: Consistent implementation of roaming, handovers and service continuity features translates into smoother roaming and fewer dropped calls/data sessions. More Reliable Advanced Services: VoLTE, VoWiFi, VoNR, and 5G enterprise services rely heavily on standardized behavior, adoption reduces “quirks” users might otherwise see between networks. Faster Technology Rollout: Clear national standards improve investment confidence, helping operators roll out new features and releases more quickly. 3. Security Systems Formal Security Baseline: 3GPP security specs are now national standards, they can be directly referenced in: Lawful interception rules. Cybersecurity directives. Critical infrastructure protection regulations. Better Security Certification: TEC and other agencies can develop telecom security certification schemes based on specific 3GPP/TSDSI security specs, not generic statements. Future‑Proofing with PQC and 6G Security Work:  TSDSI’s technical reports include work on: Post-quantum cryptography (PQC) in embedded systems. Security enablers for 6G. With TSDSI firmly in the national standards loop, these future security improvements can be quickly integrated into India’s telecom ecosystem. Corpseed advisory services As the telecom standards landscape evolves, businesses may require specialized support to align with emerging compliance expectations. 1. Standards and Compliance Consulting Help operators and vendors: Map their implementations to TEC adopted TSDSI standards. Update contracts, license compliance files and regulatory submissions. 2. Testing and Certification Services Labs can offer: Conformance testing against specific TSDSI transposed 3GPP specs (radio, core and IMS). QoS and interoperability testing aligned with national standards. 3. Product Profiling and Optimization for India Develop India‑relevant profiles (e.g., rural coverage extensions, railways, utilities, public safety networks) on top of 3GPP/TSDSI standards. Help vendors create India‑optimized product variants that still remain globally standard. 4. Training and Capacity Building Provide operator, vendor, and regulator training on: How TSDSI‑transposed 3GPP standards are structured. How to interpret them operationally. How to implement them in planning and procurement. 5. Indigenous R&D and IP Indian companies can: Use TSDSI working groups to push their innovations into 3GPP via TSDSI. Develop IP aligned with 3GPP/TSDSI standards, easing adoption at home and abroad.

Subject

Summary: Background and Context The Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC), which functions under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), has introduced a number of new and revised testing standards for telecom equipment in 2026. These changes have come as part of the Mandatory Testing and Certification of Telecom Equipment (MTCTE) framework. These amendments ensure that all telecom products available in the Indian marketplace adhere to required safety, quality and performance standards. TEC 73070:2025-  Electronic Locator Systems TEC 48141:2025-  Server Test Guide Revised test guide for Outdoor Weatherproof Racks-  covering environmental, mechanical, and electrical performance testing Revised standards for Unified Threat Management (UTM) Equipment Revised standards for telecom power systems- including DC power plants, rectifiers, battery backup systems, solar-powered telecom power systems, and associated power distribution equipment CGNAT (Carrier Grade Network Address Translation) and Load Balancer standards notified April 2026 with a 90-day transition window These cover what is essentially the physical infrastructure backbone of Indian telecom networks the power systems that keep towers and data centers alive, the racks and enclosures that house critical equipment in outdoor and indoor installations, and the locator systems used to manage physical infrastructure and utility networks. All these updated TEC standards operate within the MTCTE regime which under the Telecommunications Act, 2023 and the earlier Indian Telegraph (Amendment) Rules, 2017 makes testing and certification mandatory before any telecom equipment is sold, imported or deployed in India. Implementation Dates and Key Deadlines Standard / Regulation Effective Date TEC 73070:2025  Electronic Locator Systems 2025 release, MTCTE mandatory compliance from April 2026 TEC 48141:2025  Server Test Guide 2025 release, mandatory compliance from 2026 Revised Outdoor Weatherproof Rack Test Guide In force from June 2026 (following consultation process) CGNAT and Load Balancer revised ERs  Gazette notified April 2026 CGNAT/Load Balancer 90-day transition window ends July 2026 After 90-day window, old standards are no longer valid July 2026 onwards ILAC (international) lab test report acceptance extended Until 30 June 2026 Standard TEC certificate validity 10 years from date of issue Pro Tem Security Certification Scheme (for security-related products) Extended until 31 December 2027 Why DoT and TEC Implemented These New Standards The updated standards aim to improve the safety, reliability, and performance of India's rapidly expanding telecom infrastructure. The Core Need 1. Ageing or Absent Standards for Critical Infrastructure Products India’s telecom power systems, outdoor racks, and locator equipment had either no formalised TEC test standard or were governed by outdated standards written when the scale and technology of Indian telecom infrastructure were dramatically smaller. As India has grown to 1.2 billion + connections and is not rolling out 5G across hundreds of thousands of towers, the lack of modern standards for the power and physical infrastructure supporting this network became a serious risk. 2. Telecom Power Failures as a Major Reliability Risk The telecom outages in India have been caused by poor power infrastructure, which is primarily due to power failure, inefficient DC power supply systems, faulty battery systems, and ineffective rectifier systems installed on towers. The telecom providers had no guidelines to follow to ensure these systems functioned efficiently under varying weather conditions and loads. 3. Electronic Locator Systems Unregulated Market Creating Safety Hazards Electronic locators used to detect underground utilities (power cables, telecom cables, gas pipes, water mains) before excavation were previously sold and used in India with no formal test standard. This led to: Workers using inaccurate locators and accidentally striking live underground cables, causing fatalities and injuries Telecom operators and utilities losing significant cable infrastructure to accidental excavation damage High frequency of cable cuts is causing telecom outages in urban areas TEC 73070:2025 is India's first formal test standard for electronic locator systems, filling this dangerous regulatory vacuum. 4. Server and Data Centre Infrastructure Standards With the rapid expansion of telecom data centres and edge computing centres due to the introduction of 5G technology, the importance of the servers becomes much higher in the field of telecommunication systems. TEC 48141:2025 gives a systematic testing process that ensures that servers used in telecom systems conform to all requirements. 5. UTM and Network Security Equipment As telecom networks carry increasingly sensitive government, financial, and personal data, Unified Threat Management (UTM) appliances  which provide firewall, intrusion detection, VPN and content filtering at network boundaries, require robust, standardized testing to ensure they deliver reliable protection against network threats rather than themselves becoming vulnerabilities. 6. The Telecommunications Act, 2023 Expanded Standards Authority The new Act provided DoT with far greater powers to enforce technical standards and certification. The TEC is currently using its enhanced powers for regulating the previously in regulatory grey zones. What the New Standards Actually Require  Businesses must ensure that their products meet the updated TEC requirements covering performance, safety, environmental, and security parameters. 1. TEC 73070:2025  Electronic Locator Systems This is India's first dedicated test standard for equipment used to detect buried utilities. Key requirements include: Performance Requirements Minimum depth detection capability the locator must detect buried cables and pipes at specified depths across different soil types Signal frequency range coverage must support standard frequencies used by buried utility transmitters (512 Hz, 8 kHz, 33 kHz, etc.) Sensitivity and selectivity must distinguish the target cable from adjacent cables Depth accuracy  specified tolerance limits for depth measurement Current measurement accuracy for active cable detection 2. Environmental and Mechanical Tests IP (Ingress Protection) rating verification protection against dust and water ingress under Indian field conditions. Drop and vibration testing equipment must survive field handling. Operating temperature range testing must function across India's temperature extremes. Battery performance testing under temperature variation. 3. Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Immunity to interference from power lines, mobile networks, and other field electromagnetic sources Emissions compliance to avoid interfering with other utility detection systems 4. Safety Electrical safety of the transmitter unit, including isolation from buried energized conductors Protection against accidental connection to live cables Outdoor Weatherproof Rack Test Guide (Revised) The revised test guide increases the testing criteria of outdoor telecom racks, ensuring that they are capable of handling the different environments and operating conditions present in India. 1. Environmental Testing Ingress protection testing (IP55 minimum, IP65 for coastal, and high-humidity areas). Salt mist and corrosion resistance testing for coastal deployments. Solar radiation, heat resistance and rain testing to simulate Indian climatic conditions. Sand and dust resistance testing for installations in arid regions. 2. Mechanical Testing Structural integrity testing under vibration and seismic conditions Durability testing of doors, hinges and locking mechanisms Verification of cable entry sealing effectiveness 3. Electrical Performance Testing Earthing and grounding integrity assessment EMC shielding effectiveness testing Thermal performance evaluation, including cooling and heat dissipation under peak load conditions. Telecom Power Systems (DC Power Plants, Rectifiers, Battery Backup) The revised requirements focus on ensuring that telecom power systems remain safe, reliable and efficient under India's varied operating and environmental conditions. 1. Performance and Reliability Requirements Stability test of DC output voltage at different loads Assessment of the efficiency at part-load and full load Test of battery management system, comprising charging, discharging and protection functions Verification of alarms, monitoring, overload and short-circuit protection functionalities. 2. Environmental Testing Performance assessment within defined temperature ranges Resistance to humidity and condensation Altitude testing for installations in high-altitude regions 3. Safety Requirements Electrical isolation and insulation resistance testing Protection against reverse polarity connections Battery overcharge, deep discharge and thermal runaway prevention measures. TEC 48141:2025 Server Test Guide (Telecom Grade) The test guide specifies performance and reliability criteria for telecom grade servers, which are required in telecom systems. Thermal performance test with continuous workload Reliability tests of hardware including vibration and shock tests Redundancy and failover capabilities test Testing of interface and protocol capabilities specific to telecommunication. Security test, including firmware, access control and auditing. Impact on Indian Businesses The revised TEC requirements may affect product testing, certification timelines, and market access for telecom equipment manufacturers and suppliers. 1. Telecom Power System Manufacturers Area Impact Product Testing DC power plants, rectifiers, and battery backup systems must be tested against TEC performance, safety, and environmental requirements at TEC-designated labs Design Validation Products must demonstrate reliable operation across India's full climate range, potentially requiring hardware design improvements for higher thermal tolerance MTCTE Certification Must obtain Certificate of Conformity Assessment (CoCA) before selling or importing telecom power equipment Battery System Impact VRLA and lithium-based battery backup systems embedded in telecom power plants must meet the revised safety and performance standards, including thermal runaway protection Legacy Products Existing product lines must be evaluated against new TEC standards, and non-compliant products must be updated before continued sale 2. Outdoor Rack and Enclosure Manufacturers / Importers Area Impact Indian Climate Compliance IP rating, salt mist, solar radiation, and monsoon rain tests are non-negotiable  globally rated enclosures may still fail Indian-specific climate tests Certification Cost Each rack model/series requires lab testing, and the MTCTE certification  cost is significant for companies with large product portfolios Market Differentiation Compliant racks certified for Indian outdoor conditions command premium pricing over generic, uncertified alternatives Government and Operator Procurement BSNL, Jio, Airtel, and VI will increasingly mandate MTCTE-certified outdoor racks in all tower and infrastructure procurement; uncertified manufacturers will lose these tenders 3. Electronic Locator Equipment Manufacturers and Importers Area Impact New Compliance Requirement TEC 73070:2025 is the first formal standard for manufacturers who previously faced no Indian regulatory requirement to obtain MTCTE certification Performance Substantiation Depth detection accuracy, frequency range, and sensitivity claims must now be independently verified by TEC-designated labs, ending the practice of unverified depth-reading claims Import Restriction Non-certified locators cannot be imported, cutting off grey-channel imports of low-cost, invalidated foreign locators Safety Accountability Manufacturers of certified locators bear accountability for performance as per the tested standard, improving product quality incentives 4. Telecom Operators (Jio, Airtel, BSNL, VI, Sterlite) Area Impact Procurement Policy Update All new procurement of telecom power systems, outdoor racks, servers, and locators must verify MTCTE compliance Existing Inventory Audit Should audit existing telecom infrastructure equipment against new TEC standards to identify replacement candidates Network Reliability Improvement Better quality power systems and racks from compliant suppliers should reduce tower-level power failures and outages Locator Operations Field teams conducting underground cable work must use MTCTE-certified electronic locators  improving both worker safety and cable protection 5. Data Centre and Edge Computing Operators Area Impact Server Procurement Telecom-grade servers deployed in data centres and edge nodes must comply with TEC 48141:2025 Power Infrastructure DC power plants, UPS systems and battery banks in data centres supporting telecom workloads need TEC certification Rack Compliance Data Centre racks used in telecom environments fall under MTCTE requirements. Procurement must be from certified suppliers 6. Infrastructure and Utility Companies (ONGC, GAIL, NHAI, Power Grid, Railways, Water Utilities) Area Impact Electronic Locator Adoption With TEC 73070:2025 formalizing locator performance standards, infrastructure companies can procure locators with confidence in their accuracy and reliability Contractor Requirements Excavation contractors working near buried telecom and utility cables will be required to use certified locators' liability shifts to contractors using sub-standard equipment Cable Damage Reduction Use of certified, accurate locators will directly reduce accidental cable strikes during excavation and construction work How Businesses Will Achieve Compliance Businesses should proactively align their products and documentation with the updated TEC requirements. Step-by-Step Compliance Pathway- Identify Applicable TEC Standards: Determine the relevant TEC test guide or Essential Requirement (ER) applicable to your product category. Conduct a Gap Assessment: Compare existing product specifications and test data with the latest TEC requirements to identify compliance gaps. Implement Necessary Changes: Update product design, safety features, performance parameters, or security controls wherever required. Get Products Tested: Submit the product to a TEC-designated testing laboratory along with the required technical documents. Apply Through the MTCTE Portal: File the certification application, upload supporting documents, and pay the prescribed fees. Respond to TEC Queries: Provide additional information or clarifications promptly if requested during the review process. Obtain MTCTE Certification: After successful evaluation, receive the Certificate of Conformity Assessment (CoCA) from TEC. Update Product Documentation: Display certification details on products and include the certificate number in relevant business documents. Benefits for Businesses after Implementation Implementing the updated TEC standards can provide businesses with both compliance advantages and long-term commercial benefits. For Equipment Manufacturers and Importers Benefit Details Legal Market Access MTCTE certification is the legal passport for selling and importing telecom equipment in India Government Tender Eligibility BSNL, BharatNet, Railways, Smart Cities, and all major government infrastructure programs mandate TEC-certified equipment Premium Market Positioning Certified products command higher prices in the market than uncertified alternatives Export Credibility TEC-aligned standards are increasingly harmonized with IEC/ITU specifications, and certified products are easier to market globally Long-Term Certificate Validity 10-year TEC certificate provides long commercial horizon and reduces recurring compliance costs Competitive Protection MTCTE certification effectively bars sub-standard, cheap imports that cannot pass testing  protecting compliant manufacturers For Telecom Operators Benefit Details Reduced Network Downtime Power systems and outdoor racks meeting Indian-specific performance standards fail less often, directly improving network uptime Lower Maintenance Cost Certified racks designed for Indian climate conditions require less maintenance intervention compared to non-compliant enclosures Procurement Confidence Operators can procure TEC-certified equipment with confidence in performance, reducing costly post-deployment failures Regulatory Protection Using certified equipment in their networks protects operators from DoT regulatory action related to substandard equipment deployment For Infrastructure and Utility Owners Benefit Details Worker Safety Certified electronic locators that accurately detect buried cables and pipes prevent accidental cable strikes and associated worker injuries or fatalities Cable and Asset Protection More accurate locators mean fewer accidental excavation damage incidents, protecting expensive buried cable and pipeline assets Liability Clarity Use of certified locators shifts accountability for locating performance to the manufacturer, strengthening contractor and owner liability positions For India's Telecom Ecosystem Benefit Details Network Reliability Better infrastructure equipment across India's 700,000+ telecom towers improves the reliability of mobile and broadband connectivity for over 1.2 billion users 5G Infrastructure Quality 5G rollout on a foundation of TEC-certified power systems and racks ensures the new network operates reliably from day one Make in India TEC standards designed for Indian conditions give Indian manufacturers a competitive advantage over generic global suppliers in the domestic market Reduced Outage-Related Economic Loss India loses significant GDP annually to telecom outages  better infrastructure equipment directly reduces this economic cost Is This the Right Decision or an Additional Burden? While the revised requirements introduce additional compliance responsibilities, they also aim to strengthen product quality and reliability across the telecom sector. 1. Why This Is the Right Decision Reason Explanation Safety Emergency Electronic Locators Cable strikes during excavation cause worker fatalities, utility outages, and economic damage. TEC 73070:2025 addresses a documented safety crisis Network Reliability Crisis Power system failures are the leading cause of telecom tower downtime. Standards for power systems directly address India's network reliability problem Climate Mismatch Problem Outdoor racks not tested for Indian conditions cause endemic maintenance problems. Climate-specific standards are not bureaucratic overhead  they solve real problems Telecommunications Act, 2023 The expanded standards mandate in the new Act is a deliberate policy choice to upgrade India's telecom infrastructure quality. These standards implement that policy BharatNet and 5G Quality With over Rs 3 lakh crore being invested in BharatNet and 5G rollout, the infrastructure standards that govern the physical layer of this investment are critical 10-Year Certificate Validity The long 10-year certificate validity significantly reduces the recurring compliance burden for manufacturers with stable product lines ILAC Report Extension DoT's extension of ILAC test report acceptance until June 2026 demonstrates pragmatic sensitivity to business readiness challenges 2. Where It Can Feel Like a Burden Concern Impact Lack of Existing Lab Capacity For specialized products like electronic locators, TEC-designated labs with the specific test equipment and expertise may be limited Per-Model Testing Cost Companies with large product portfolios face significant total testing costs, especially for products with multiple variants MSME Manufacturers Small Indian manufacturers of power systems and enclosures may lack the documentation, R&D depth, and capital to navigate certification efficiently Import Disruption Importers of uncertified products, including established international brands, face sudden market access disruption if certification is not arranged before deadlines Complex Multi-Standard Products Products like outdoor telecom racks may need to comply with both TEC (performance) and BIS (electrical safety) standards  creating parallel certification processes Balanced Verdict: The new TEC test guidelines for power systems, outdoor racks, and electronic locators should not be seen as over-regulation but instead should be seen as corrective regulation to solve the problems that have been plaguing India's telecom network. These guidelines specifically address some of the primary reasons for system failure: power problems, inadequate racks, and faulty locators. The certification will be valid for 10 years and also accepts ILAC reports. How This Improves Quality, Consumer Satisfaction, and Security By setting clearer performance and safety benchmarks the updated requirements can contribute to better service quality, and greater user confidence. 1. Infrastructure Quality Improvements Quality Parameter How It Improves Power System Reliability Mandatory performance and environmental testing eliminates low-quality power systems that fail under Indian load and temperature conditions Outdoor Rack Durability IP testing, salt mist, and monsoon simulation ensure racks survive India's full range of climate conditions Locator Accuracy Verified depth detection and frequency coverage eliminate inaccurate locators that give false confidence in excavation safety Server Reliability Telecom-grade server testing ensures the compute infrastructure supporting network functions meets availability requirements 2. Consumer Satisfaction Impact Consumer Benefit Description Fewer Network Outages Better telecom infrastructure equipment directly translates into more reliable mobile and broadband connectivity for consumers Faster Recovery Power systems with proper alarm and monitoring interfaces enable faster fault detection and restoration Rural Connectivity BharatNet nodes equipped with certified outdoor racks and power systems in harsh rural environments are more likely to remain operational Urban Cable Safety Certified electronic locators used during urban construction reduce cable cuts that cause sudden local broadband and telephone outages 3. Corpseed MTCTE Compliance Advisory Security Benefit Description UTM Standard Compliance Revised UTM standards ensure network security appliances deployed at telecom boundaries meet tested performance criteria for threat detection and blocking CGNAT Security Revised CGNAT standards include security requirements ensuring that carrier-grade NAT equipment does not introduce logging or tracing vulnerabilities Server Security (TEC 48141:2025) Telecom-grade servers must meet access control, firmware integrity, and audit logging requirements, preventing compromise of network-critical compute infrastructure Physical Security of Racks Outdoor rack standards include lock and physical access control requirements, preventing tampering with telecom equipment in unattended outdoor locations 4. Lab Coordination and Test Scheduling Services Coordinate testing between manufacturers and TEC-designated laboratories. Assist foreign manufacturers with ILAC report transition and supplementary Indian testing requirements. 5. BIS + TEC Compliance Services Offer integrated BIS ISI and TEC MTCTE compliance support for dual-regulated products such as outdoor racks and telecom power systems. 6. Training and Awareness Programs Conduct compliance training for infrastructure owners and telecom operators on updated TEC requirements and procurement practices. 7. Telecom Procurement Compliance Audits Assess existing equipment for MTCTE compliance status. Develop procurement frameworks and vendor qualification checklists aligned with TEC requirements.

Subject

Summary: The Ministry of Communications, Department of Telecommunications (DoT), has notified revised Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC) standards for specific telecommunication equipment under the two major statutes, i.e., the Telecommunications Act, 2023 and the Telecommunications (Framework to Notify Standards, Conformity Assessment and Certification) Rules, 2025.  As per Notification dated 29 May, 2026, the revised standards apply to: TEC 37942606: Essential Requirements for LAN Switch  TEC 40182606: Essential Requirements for 5G Core  The revised standards become effective from the date of publication in the Official Gazette. To facilitate a smooth transition, the existing standards and the newly revised standards will remain concurrently valid for the period of 90 days from the publication date. After the expiry of the transition period, only the revised standards will be applicable for compliance and certification purposes.

Subject

Summary: 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.