The Department of Telecommunication’s Technical Arm, Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC), has organized an awareness program at ITI Complex, Bengaluru, on February 2, 2024. The initiative aimed to enlighten participants about mandatory testing and certification of telecom equipment (MTCTE) and voluntary testing and certifications, including Type Approvals, Interface approval, Certificate of approval, Technology approval, and Lab designation.
TEC, the technical arm of the Department of Telecommunications, operates in shaping India’s telecom landscape. Dedicated to developing standards, it ensures the creation of a world-class telecom network, fostering seamless interconnection. Department of Telecommunications extends technical support to DOT and government departments, formulating standards for telecom technologies through wide stakeholder consultations. As a testing and certification body, Department prepares ‘Test Schedule Test Procedure’ during the formulation of technical specifications for telecom equipment, networks, systems, and services, aligning with international standards.
The event witnessed the participation of approximately 70 individuals from startups and MSMEs, along with officers from the Department of Telecommunication’s Licensed Service Area (LSA), ITI, and CDOT. This initiative aligns with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for Atmanirbhar Bharat, fostering awareness among startups and MSMEs about various TEC schemes.
N Murali Krishna, DDG Bengaluru, chaired the event, with notable figures like PK Panda, Director ; Sunil Kumar, Director Technology, DOT; LSA officers; Ms Lata, AGM; and Ms Alli Rani, DGM ITI, sharing valuable information on the facilities and initiatives. Dr Prasanth DDG CA highlighted Department’s Test as Service Platform and emphasized the importance of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR), Standard Essential Patents (SEP), and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations through remote participation.
The Digital Communication Commission (DCC) had previously launched online modules for Certificate of Approval (CoA) and Technology Approval under the voluntary certification scheme on December 29, 2023. These modules, developed by CDOT, aimed at enhancing the Ease of Doing Business and promoting Atmanirbhar Bharat. The online modules for Type/Interface approval had been operational since July 7, 2023.
By streamlining the testing and certification process, the online modules facilitate an encouraging ecosystem for startups and MSMEs in the telecom and related ICT sector. The certificates, including Type Approval Certificate, Interface Approval Certificate, Certificate of Approval (CoA), and Technology Approval Certificate, can now be applied for and processed seamlessly through the online module.
On January 2, 2024, it extended its support further by bringing 37 more products under the Simplified Certification Scheme, reducing the certification processing time from eight weeks to two weeks. This includes various telecom products such as media gateways, IP security equipment, IP terminals, optical fiber or cable, and transmission terminal equipment.
To reduce the financial burden on original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and applicants, they introduced a fee reduction for Essential Requirement (ER)-based applications submitted under MTCTE. The evaluation fee has been completely waived off, resulting in a remarkable 80% reduction in the application fee.
This decision is anticipated to ease compliance for startups and MSMEs, encouraging innovation and development in the telecom sector. As of now, 59 Telecom & Networking products have been notified under the MTCTE regime. These initiatives collectively contribute to the government’s larger vision of promoting self-reliance and technological advancements in the country.