The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has announced a two-year extension of its Pro Tem Security Certification Scheme, effective from January 1, 2026. The move aims to facilitate a smoother transition to mandatory security certifications for telecom equipment, while easing compliance requirements for industry stakeholders. The announcement was made by Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia on Monday, highlighting the government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen telecom security while supporting manufacturers and service providers.

The Pro Tem Security Certification Scheme was originally introduced in October 2024 to prevent disruption to business operations as certain telecom products became subject to mandatory security certification requirements. The scheme allows original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to submit a declaration of conformance confirming that their equipment largely meets Indian Telecommunication Security Assurance Requirements (ITSAR) while undergoing formal testing at designated Telecom Security Testing Laboratories (TSTLs). Manufacturers also commit to addressing any gaps identified during the testing process, ensuring that equipment meets national security standards without halting operations.

Since its inception, the scheme has issued 107 Pro Tem certificates. The DoT has now expanded the scope to include additional equipment categories such as 5G core network components, Optical Line Terminals (OLTs), Optical Network Terminators (ONTs), and newly launched products. This expansion aims to cover the growing diversity of telecom infrastructure and emerging technologies, particularly in the context of India’s 5G rollout. In addition, the validity of Pro Tem certificates, which was previously six months, has now been extended to two years, offering OEMs greater flexibility and reducing the frequency of re-certification.

Alongside the extension, the DoT has introduced a significant reduction of more than 50% in application fees for the designation of Telecom Security Testing Laboratories. The National Centre for Communication Security (NCCS), which oversees telecom security testing and certification, currently recognizes nine TSTLs across India. The revised fee structure simplifies the application process, reduces renewal charges, and provides special concessions for Indian startups, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and women-owned enterprises. Public sector testing agencies and government institutions are also eligible for full fee waivers.

Another key development under the extended scheme is the simplification of the ITSAR security certification process for Optical Network Terminator (ONT) devices, which are installed at customer premises for fibre broadband connections. Under the revised procedure, multiple customised variants of ONT devices can now be tested under a single certification process. This reduces the number of individual testing cases and lowers overall certification costs, making compliance more efficient for manufacturers. Security certification for ONT devices will become mandatory starting January 1, 2026.

These measures form part of India’s broader telecom security framework, which mandates that all telecom equipment sold, imported, or used in the country must undergo formal testing and certification under NCCS guidelines. By extending the Pro Tem scheme and streamlining certification procedures, the DoT seeks to maintain high security standards while minimizing operational disruption for telecom operators and manufacturers.

The extension of the Pro Tem scheme and the introduction of reduced fees and simplified processes also signal a government focus on promoting domestic manufacturing. By easing compliance for Indian startups, MSMEs, and women-led enterprises, authorities aim to encourage innovation and growth within the local telecom equipment sector while ensuring that products meet stringent security standards.

In summary, the key features of the extended scheme include:

1. Two-Year Extension: Pro Tem certificates and the scheme itself will now remain valid until at least January 1, 2028, providing a longer transition period for mandatory security certification.
2. Expanded Scope: Coverage now includes 5G core network components, OLTs, ONTs, and other new product categories.
3. Certificate Validity Extended: Certificates previously valid for six months now last two years, reducing administrative burden.
4. Fee Reduction: Application fees for TSTL designation reduced by over 50%, with simplified procedures and concessions for startups, MSMEs, and women-owned businesses.
5. Simplified ONT Testing: Multiple device variants can be certified under a single process, reducing testing cases and costs.
6. Mandatory Certification Enforcement: Security certification for ONTs and other equipment remains compulsory under ITSAR starting January 1, 2026.

According to the DoT, these measures ensure continuity in telecom operations, facilitate compliance, and strengthen national security protocols for telecom infrastructure. The extension reflects the government’s commitment to balancing the needs of industry stakeholders with the imperative of maintaining secure and resilient communication networks.

As India continues to expand its 5G infrastructure and digital services ecosystem, the extended Pro Tem scheme and revised certification processes will play a crucial role in ensuring that telecom equipment in the country meets rigorous security standards without hindering technological deployment or innovation. The DoT has reiterated that all equipment sold, imported, or deployed must comply with NCCS certification, emphasizing that these rules are central to India’s telecom security strategy.

The extension and accompanying procedural updates underscore the government’s dual objectives: safeguarding national security and supporting the growth of domestic telecom manufacturing, thereby reducing dependence on foreign equipment and aligning with the broader “Make in India” initiative in the technology sector.