Does India Now Have 9 Telecom Security Testing Laboratories for IP Routers?
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Synopsis
In a significant advancement for telecom security, India has gained an additional laboratory for IP router testing. This marks a crucial milestone in bolstering the country's capability in telecom security testing and certification. With nine designated labs, India is on its way to becoming a global hub in this critical sector.
Key Takeaways
- India now has nine designated telecom security testing labs.
- These labs are spread across multiple states, enhancing accessibility.
- They are authorized to test a wide range of telecommunications equipment.
- The initiative supports India's ambition to be a global hub for telecom security.
- The ComSec scheme mandates security testing for all telecom equipment.
New Delhi, Sep 23 (NationPress) In a significant enhancement to the telecom security testing framework, the government has officially recognized an additional laboratory for the security testing of IP routers. The National Centre for Communication Security (NCCS) under the Department of Telecommunications has designated Compliance International, located in Noida, as a Telecom Security Testing Laboratory (TSTL) specifically for IP routers under the Communication Security Certification (ComSec) initiative.
This brings the total count of designated TSTLs in India to nine.
The TSTLs are strategically located in states including Karnataka, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra.
These laboratories offer nationwide access, ensuring quicker and more economical compliance evaluations for OEMs, importers, and service providers, making them closer to their operational centers, as stated by the Ministry of Communications.
The authorized laboratories are empowered to conduct security assessments for 27 categories of telecommunications equipment, which encompass IP routers, Wi-Fi CPEs, Optical Line Terminals (OLTs), Optical Network Terminals (ONTs), and 23 network functions of the 5G Core.
Security testing for a variety of telecom products is currently being carried out in these facilities. A comprehensive list of the designated laboratories along with the equipment categories they handle can be found on the NCCS portal, according to the ministry.
This recent addition is a pivotal step towards achieving the government’s goal of establishing India as a global leader in telecom security testing and certification.
The NCCS has been entrusted with the task of implementing the security testing and certification framework for telecom/ICT products in India under the ComSec scheme.
This scheme is part of the broader Mandatory Testing and Certification of Telecom Equipment (MTCTE) regulations, initiated in September 2017, which includes security testing as one of its technical requirements.
The scheme stipulates that every OEM, importer, or dealer intending to sell, import, or utilize any telecom equipment in India must have their equipment security tested and certified under this scheme, as per the ministry.
Point of View
It is evident that the establishment of nine telecom security testing laboratories signifies a crucial step towards fortifying India's position in global telecom security. The government's commitment to enhancing compliance testing can potentially attract investments and strengthen the telecom infrastructure in the region.
NationPress
23/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the Telecom Security Testing Laboratories?
The Telecom Security Testing Laboratories are designed to conduct security assessments for various telecommunications equipment, ensuring that they meet compliance standards for safety and security.
How many TSTLs are currently operational in India?
India now has a total of nine designated Telecom Security Testing Laboratories.
What types of equipment do these laboratories test?
These laboratories are authorized to test equipment such as IP routers, Wi-Fi CPEs, Optical Line Terminals, and various functions of the 5G Core.
What is the ComSec scheme?
The ComSec scheme is an initiative aimed at establishing a framework for security testing and certification of telecom and ICT products in India.
Who needs to comply with the security testing requirements?
All OEMs, importers, and dealers intending to sell or use telecom equipment in India must have their equipment security tested and certified under this scheme.
