TEC Conducts Awareness Program on Mandatory Testing and Certification for Telecom Startups in Bengaluru

Bengaluru: In an effort to promote the growth of startups and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the telecommunication sector, the Technical Arm of the Department of Telecommunications (DOT), Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC), organized an awareness program at the ITI Complex in Bengaluru on February 2, 2024. The initiative aimed at educating participants about the mandatory testing and certification of telecom equipment (MTCTE) and other voluntary certifications provided by TEC.

Approximately 70 participants from startups and MSMEs, along with officers from the Department of Telecommunications (DOT) Local Service Area (LSA), ITI, and CDOT, attended the event. The program focused on creating awareness about various schemes offered by TEC, aligning with the vision of the Prime Minister’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

The event highlighted crucial aspects such as reduced-cost certification, SCS certification, and other new initiatives tailored to benefit startups and MSMEs. TEC representatives explained the testing and certification processes, emphasizing their role in enhancing the credibility of products in the telecom sector.

N Murali Krishna, DDG RTEC Bengaluru, chaired the event, which was organized by TEC/DOT in collaboration with ITI. Prominent figures like PK Panda, Director TEC; Sunil Kumar, Director Technology, DOT; and LSA officers provided insights into the various facilities available at ITI for startups and MSMEs.

Dr. Prasanth DDG CA shared valuable information on TEC initiatives, including the Test as a Service Platform and the significance of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR), Standard Essential Patents (SEP), and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations through remote participation.

The Digital Communication Commission (DCC) played a pivotal role in streamlining the certification process by launching online modules for Certificate of Approval (CoA) and Technology Approval under the voluntary certification scheme of TEC on December 29, 2023. Developed by CDOT, these modules aim to enhance the ease of doing business and promote Atmanirbhar Bharat.

Additionally, TEC added 37 more products under the Simplified Certification Scheme on January 2, 2024, reducing the certification time from eight weeks to two weeks. The products covered a wide range, including media gateways, IP security equipment, IP terminals, optical fiber or cable, and transmission terminal equipment. Notably, TEC waived the evaluation fee for Essential Requirement (ER)-based applications submitted under MTCTE, offering substantial relief to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and applicants by reducing the application fee by more than 80 percent.

At present, 59 Telecom and Networking products have been notified under the MTCTE regime, showcasing the commitment of TEC towards fostering innovation and growth in the telecommunication sector.