Introduction: In a recent development, the government has decided to extend the deadline for implementing the Mandatory Testing and Certification of Telecommunications Equipment (MTCTE) regulations. Originally scheduled to come into effect on July 1, the new deadline ranges from October 1 to January 1, 2024, depending on the specific product. The decision has sparked mixed reactions, with industry stakeholders expressing both concerns and support.
Ensuring Quality and Security: The MTCTE guidelines mandate that all telecom equipment undergo mandatory testing and certification before being sold and deployed in networks. This regulatory framework plays a crucial role in guaranteeing the usage of reliable and secure equipment across the industry. The implementation of such measures aims to improve the overall quality and safety standards within the telecom sector.
Revised Deadlines: The recent notification by the Telecom Engineering Centre (TEC) highlights the adjusted deadlines for different product categories. Twelve products falling under MTCTE Phase 3 and Phase 4, including cellular network base stations and optical cables, will receive a six-month extension, with the new deadline set for January 1, 2024. Additionally, within the next three months leading up to October 1, 2023, mandatory certification will be required for 32 products such as IoT gateways, tracking devices, and routers.
Divergent Perspectives: The government’s decision to extend the deadline has received mixed responses from industry experts. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) formed a task force that advised against the extension. Led by Rakesh Bhatnagar, director-general of the VoICE Alliance, the group argued that the delay would hamper the domestic telecom industry’s growth and compromise equipment quality and safety. Bhatnagar emphasized that the extension was unsuitable for beneficiaries of the telecom PLI scheme, as the use of low-quality and unsafe equipment had already impacted sales in previous years.
In contrast, the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), representing major telecom operators, welcomed the deadline extension. They pointed out the lack of testing and certification infrastructure in the country. The COAI expressed concerns that network deployment was outpacing the establishment of testing laboratories, potentially impeding the rollout process.
Industry Challenges and Support: COAI acknowledged significant challenges in implementing MTCTE Phases 3 and 4, attributing them to the limited capacity of testing laboratories, the absence of a clear timeline for testing procedures, and the lack of standardized testing and certification fees. However, the association commended the government for its practical decision based on the existing testing ecosystem. They pledged their full support and cooperation to ensure effective compliance with the revised timetable.
Several testing and certification laboratories, including those designated by TEC and private companies such as HFCL, STL, and Birla Cables, have already invested in developing infrastructure for MTCTE testing purposes. These facilities can help meet the testing requirements while the country works towards expanding its testing capacity.
Conclusion: The government’s decision to extend the deadline for implementing MTCTE regulations reflects the ongoing discussions and challenges within the telecom industry. While some stakeholders raised concerns about potential compromises in quality and security, others cited infrastructure limitations as a reason for the extension. Striking a balance between timely implementation and ensuring robust equipment standards remains a key priority. The industry, along with the government, must work together to achieve effective compliance and foster a secure and reliable telecom ecosystem in the country,