DoT extends Pro Tem security certification to boost telecom security ecosystem
New Delhi: The Department of Telecommunications extended the Pro Tem security certification scheme for two years from January 1, 2026, as Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia announced major reforms to strengthen India’s telecom security ecosystem while reducing industry compliance burdens.
Scindia said the reforms, implemented through the National Centre for Communication Security, aligned with the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat vision and aimed to balance national security with ease of doing business. He announced three key initiatives for 2026, including the extension of Pro Tem security certification, a sharp reduction in application fees for Telecom Security Testing Laboratories, and simplified security certification for Optical Network Terminator devices.
The Pro Tem security certification scheme, introduced in October 2024, helped manufacturers avoid business disruptions for IP routers and Wi-Fi CPE products that otherwise required mandatory certification. The scheme was earlier valid until December 31, 2025.
Under the scheme, original equipment manufacturers submit declarations of compliance with Indian Telecommunication Security Assurance Requirements while offering equipment for testing at designated laboratories. Manufacturers also commit to addressing any gaps identified during testing within the certificate’s validity period.
The Department of Telecommunications has so far issued 107 Pro Tem certificates, enabling uninterrupted deployment of telecom equipment. Officials said extending the Pro Tem security certification for two more years would ease pressure on manufacturers facing tight timelines for new product launches.
Fee cuts and ITSAR simplification to ease compliance burden
The Department also announced a reduction of over 50% in application fees for Telecom Security Testing Laboratories. Officials said the revised fee structure would promote participation by startups, small enterprises, and women-owned businesses, while offering full fee waivers for government institutions and testing agencies.
At present, the NCCS has designated nine testing laboratories covering 27 telecom equipment categories. The revised fee structure replaces complex slabs with a simplified application-based system and lowers renewal costs to encourage long-term participation.
Separately, the DoT simplified ITSAR certification for Optical Network Terminator devices by allowing multiple customised variants to be tested under a single certification process. Officials said the move would reduce testing cases nearly tenfold and significantly cut certification costs.
The ITSAR requirement for ONT devices will become mandatory from January 1, 2026. Industry feedback indicated that earlier rules required separate certification for software-identical variants, driving up costs.
The reforms follow earlier measures announced in July 2025, when the DoT reduced security testing fees for telecom and ICT products by up to 95%. Officials said the latest steps reinforced India’s position as a trusted telecom manufacturing and testing hub while strengthening national security safeguards.
BIG BOOST TO MISSION ATMANIRBHAR BHARAT! 🇮🇳
As our digital networks expand rapidly to connect every citizen, securing them becomes our foremost priority. In this light, it is an honour to announce that @DoT_India, through the National Centre for Communication Security (NCCS), is…
— Jyotiraditya M. Scindia (@JM_Scindia) December 29, 2025
