“Security With Speed”: Scindia Unveils 2026 Telecom Reset
DoT extends Pro Tem scheme, slashes TSTL fees and simplifies ONT security norms to boost ease of doing business
- Pro Tem Security Certification extended for two more years till 2028
- TSTL designation fees cut by over 50% across categories
- ONT security certification process simplified, reducing testing cases tenfold
- Reforms aligned with Atmanirbhar Bharat and Design in India vision
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 30th Dec: Union Minister for Communications Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia on Monday announced a major reset of India’s telecom security framework, unveiling a series of strategic reforms aimed at strengthening national security while sharply reducing compliance burdens on the industry.
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT), through the National Centre for Communication Security (NCCS), introduced three flagship initiatives for 2026 — extension of the Pro Tem Security Certification Scheme, reduction in Telecom Security Testing Laboratory (TSTL) fees, and simplification of Indian Telecommunication Security Assurance Requirement (ITSAR) norms for Optical Network Terminator (ONT) devices.
Pro Tem Scheme Extended
The Pro Tem Security Certification Scheme, introduced in October 2024 to prevent business disruption for IP Router and Wi-Fi CPE products, has now been extended for two more years beyond January 1, 2026. Its scope has been widened to include 5G Core SMF, Optical Line Terminals, ONTs and new product launches.
So far, 107 Pro Tem certificates have been issued, ensuring uninterrupted product deployment while full security testing is underway.
Major Cut in TSTL Fees
In a significant policy move to promote ease of doing business, NCCS has reduced TSTL designation application fees by more than 50 percent. The new structure introduces simplified application-based fees, offers concessions to startups, micro and small enterprises, women-owned enterprises, and provides full fee waivers to government institutions and IITs.
The reform is expected to expand the national telecom security testing ecosystem and reduce time-to-market for secure telecom products.
ONT Certification Simplified
DoT has also simplified the ITSAR certification process for ONT devices by allowing customized variants to be tested under a single certification procedure. This change is expected to cut the number of testing cases by nearly ten times, delivering substantial financial relief to manufacturers ahead of mandatory ONT certification from January 1, 2026.
The reforms reaffirm the Government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat vision and aim to position India as a trusted global hub for secure telecom manufacturing and testing.
