DoT Slashes Security Test Fees by Up to 95% to Boost Ease of Doing Business in Telecom Sector

New Delhi, August 5: In a major industry-friendly reform, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has announced a steep reduction of up to 95% in security test evaluation fees for telecom and ICT equipment under its Communication Security Certification Scheme (ComSec). The move, effective from August 1, 2025, is aimed at enhancing affordability, particularly for domestic manufacturers and MSMEs, while simplifying the overall compliance burden, the Ministry of Communication said in a statement on Monday.

Key Highlights of the Revised Framework:

• New fee structure:
  • Group A: ₹10,000 (reduced from ₹2,00,000)
  • Group B: ₹20,000 (from ₹2,00,000)
  • Group C: ₹30,000 (from ₹2,50,000)
  • Group D: ₹50,000 (from ₹3,50,000)
• Full fee exemption until March 31, 2028 for Government R&D institutes like CDOT and CDAC, encouraging public sector innovation.
• Simplified compliance process for Highly Specialized Equipment (HSE) and End-of-Sale/End-of-Life telecom products.
• The scheme covers products including IP routers, Wi-Fi CPEs, 5G core equipment, base stations, SIM cards, satellite comms, and customer premises equipment.

Online Process for Manufacturers

Manufacturers, importers, and dealers can now pay fees online via the MTCTE portal. All telecom/ICT equipment intended for sale, import, or use in India must undergo mandatory security testing and certification through the National Centre for Communication Security (NCCS), the designated implementation agency.

Alignment with MTCTE and 2025 Telecom Rules

The ComSec scheme operates under the larger Mandatory Testing and Certification of Telecom Equipment (MTCTE) framework, which has now been integrated into the Telecommunications (Framework to Notify Standards, Conformity Assessment, and Certification) Rules, 2025. The new rules streamline security standards in line with global best practices.

Policy Impact

This fee reduction is expected to:

• Enhance competitiveness of Indian telecom manufacturers
• Encourage domestic R&D and product development
• Facilitate market entry for small businesses and global OEMs
• Strengthen India’s position as a hub for telecom security certification
• Safeguard national telecom infrastructure through internationally aligned standards

The DoT’s initiative reflects the government’s broader vision to drive self-reliance, affordability, and innovation in India’s rapidly evolving telecom ecosystem, the ministry added.