The Department of Telecommunication’s (DoT) technical arm, the Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC), recently held an awareness program in Bengaluru specifically designed to empower startups and MSMEs in the Indian telecom sector. This initiative, held at the ITI Complex, not only focused on educating participants about mandatory and voluntary testing and certification processes but also served as a platform to showcase TEC’s comprehensive support system built to foster innovation and growth within the domain.
The program addressed a crucial aspect for startups and MSMEs: navigating the often complex landscape of telecom equipment testing and certification. Participants gained valuable insights into both mandatory testing and certification of telecom equipment (MTCTE) requirements and voluntary schemes like Type Approvals, Interface Approvals, Certificates of Approvals (CoAs), and Technology Approvals. This knowledge empowers them to ensure their products comply with regulations and standards, enhancing credibility and marketability.
Recognizing the need for streamlined processes, TEC highlighted the Digital Communication Commission’s (DCC) online modules for CoA and Technology Approval applications. Launched in December 2023, this user-friendly platform eliminates unnecessary paperwork and expedites the approval process, significantly reducing the burden on startups and MSMEs.
Further demonstrating its commitment to supporting young businesses, TEC announced the Simplified Certification Scheme launched in January 2024. This scheme reduces certification time from 8 weeks to 2 weeks for 37 identified products, including media gateways, IP security equipment, and optical fibre cables. Additionally, the complete waiver of evaluation fees for ER-based applications under MTCTE translates to an over 80% reduction in application costs, easing the financial burden on startups and MSMEs.
The program went beyond merely explaining regulations. It provided a glimpse into TEC’s broader support system, including access to facilities at ITI campuses. These facilities offer crucial resources, such as testing labs and expert guidance, that can prove invaluable for startups and MSMEs in developing and testing their products.
By simplifying processes, reducing costs, and offering comprehensive support, TEC’s initiatives align seamlessly with the government’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat. By empowering startups and MSMEs to actively participate in the telecom sector, TEC is actively contributing to the development of a robust and self-reliant domestic telecom ecosystem.
