India Extends Pro Tem Certification to Two Years

RR Team

4 hours ago

In a major push toward improving ease of doing business in India’s telecom sector, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has extended the validity of the Pro Tem Security Certification from six months to two years. The decision, announced by the National Centre for Communication Security (NCCS), aims to ease compliance pressure on Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and ensure uninterrupted business continuity across the telecom and ICT ecosystem.

Introduced in October 2024, the Pro Tem Certification was designed to prevent disruptions in the supply of critical telecom products such as IP Routers and Wi-Fi CPEs, which became subject to mandatory security certification from October 1, 2024. The extension now gives companies a longer operational window before renewal, significantly reducing administrative burden and enabling them to focus on faster market deployment.

What the Pro Tem Certification Covers

Under the Pro Tem framework, OEMs must submit a declaration confirming that their equipment meets the security benchmarks outlined in the Indian Telecommunication Security Assurance Requirements (ITSAR). At the same time, their products undergo assessment by Telecom Security Testing Labs (TSTLs). Any security gaps identified during testing must be addressed within the certificate’s validity period.

The scope of the certificate has also widened beyond routers and Wi-Fi devices. It now includes advanced telecom equipment such as 5G Core SMF, Optical Line Terminals (OLTs), Optical Networking Terminals (ONTs), and upcoming product categories. According to NCCS, 102 Pro Tem certificates have already been issued, helping OEMs maintain supply chains without disruption.

DoT’s Larger Telecom Reform Agenda

The extension is part of a larger series of reforms rolled out by the DoT in 2025. In July, the ministry reduced security test evaluation fees by up to 95% for telecom and ICT products, addressing long-standing cost concerns of manufacturers. Streamlined procedures for Highly Specialized Equipment (HSE) and End-of-Life (EoL) products have also made compliance faster and more predictable.

These reforms signal India’s intent to strengthen its telecom security ecosystem while making compliance more industry-friendly, particularly for global and domestic manufacturers looking to expand in India. The initiatives align with the government’s broader target of enhancing technology security without hindering product introduction timelines.

Framework Behind the Certification

NCCS implements the certification requirements under the ComSec scheme, which mandates that all telecom equipment sold or imported in India must undergo security testing. This requirement stems from the broader Mandatory Testing and Certification of Telecom Equipment (MTCTE) policy, originally notified in 2017 and later replaced with the Telecommunications Certification Rules, 2025.

The certification ensures that network equipment deployed in India adheres to robust security standards, protecting infrastructure from potential vulnerabilities. Given the rapid deployment of 5G and next-generation digital networks, the government is tightening security while ensuring the industry does not face operational delays.