In a significant move aimed at improving ease of doing business and ensuring uninterrupted operations for the telecom and ICT industry, the National Centre for Communication Security (NCCS) under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has extended the validity of the Pro Tem Security Certification from 6 months to 2 years. This major reform, announced on 5 December 2025, underscores the government’s commitment to creating a streamlined, industry-friendly regulatory ecosystem.
A Timely Extension Supporting Industry Stability
The Pro Tem Certification was introduced in October 2024 to prevent business disruptions for Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) whose products—particularly IP Routers and Wi-Fi CPE devices—became subject to mandatory security certification under the Indian Telecommunication Security Assurance Requirements (ITSAR) starting 1 October 2024.
Under this certification, OEMs submit a self-declaration affirming that their equipment meets most of the required security criteria. While the equipment undergoes testing at a Telecom Security Testing Lab (TSTL), manufacturers also provide an undertaking to address any gaps identified during the process. Initially valid for six months, the certification ensured smooth market access during the testing period.
The extension of its validity to two years now offers substantial relief to the industry by reducing the frequency of renewals and allowing manufacturers to focus on innovation, compliance, and market expansion.
Wider Scope for New and Emerging Technologies
The NCCS has also broadened the scope of the Pro Tem certification to include critical components across next-generation networks such as:
- 5G Core SMF (Session Management Function)
- Optical Line Terminal (OLT)
- Optical Networking Terminal (ONT)
- New product lines in the telecom ecosystem
This expansion reflects the government’s proactive stance toward emerging technologies and the rapidly evolving digital communications landscape.
So far, 102 Pro Tem certificates have been issued, directly facilitating business continuity for OEMs and reducing compliance-related bottlenecks.
Complementary Reforms Strengthening the Ecosystem
The extension comes on the heels of multiple pro-industry reforms introduced earlier in July 2025, when the DoT announced a reduction of up to 95% in security testing evaluation fees for telecom and ICT products. Additionally, the certification and compliance process was simplified for Highly Specialized Equipment (HSE) and End-of-Sale/End-of-Life products, benefitting both domestic manufacturers and international suppliers.
Regulatory Background and Compliance Framework
The NCCS is the nodal agency responsible for implementing security testing under the ComSec scheme, a part of the Mandatory Testing and Certification of Telecom Equipment (MTCTE) framework. First notified in 2017, MTCTE has since evolved, with the latest update coming under the Telecommunications (Framework to Notify Standards, Conformity Assessment, and Certification) Rules, 2025. These rules govern the testing, certification, import, sale, and usage of telecom equipment in India.
By extending the Pro Tem certificate validity and easing compliance burdens, the DoT continues to reinforce a stable, transparent, and growth-oriented telecom ecosystem—one that supports innovation while safeguarding national security.