India: DoT extends equipment testing deadline

November 13, 2018

Source: www.trai.gov.in

Telecommunication is the transmission of messages over significant distances for the purpose of communication. Devices used for telecommunications can convert different types of information, such as sound and video, into electronic signals. These signals then can be transmitted to different types of media such as telephone wires, or radio waves. Communication being an indispensable facet of human life, it becomes an important responsibility of the administrating authorities to ensure efficient system of proper connecting channels. India has one of the largest and fastest growing telecommunication networks attributable to the large number of user interface being offered. The rapid growth in Indian telecom industry has been contributing to India’s Gross Domestic Product at large. Telecom industry in India has witnessed a phased growth with the gradual descent of the private sector in this domain. Major sectors of the Indian telecommunication industry are telephone, internet and television broadcast Industry.

Legal connection

The Government through its telecom branch- Department of Telecommunication (hereinafter referred to as “DoT”) enforces polices and guidelines for the regulation of telecommunication in India which is monitored by the Telcom Regulatory of India (hereinafter referred to as “TRAI”) in accordance to the provisions of Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Act, 1997 (hereinafter referred to as “TRAI Act”).

Extension for Testing time

In the modern era dependent upon increased usage of telecommunication devices, it is essential to ascertain the credibility of the same before incorporating them as a part of our lives. The Indian Telegraph (Amendment) Rules, 2017, (hereinafter referred to as “Telegraph Rules”) mandate for testing of devices and equipment in order to ensure public safety.

In furtherance of the objectives of the Telegraph Rules, the DoT has issued a notification dated September 27, 2018, whereby the testing and certification of certain telecom equipment has been made compulsory.[1] As per the said notification, the time frame for the said verification with respect to the nature of the equipment has been stated below:

  • By January 1, 2019 testing and certification of telephone instrument, modem, audio conferencing equipment, fax machine, IDN CPEs, Radio and Transmission products including microwave, UHF and VHF equipment, MRTS equipment, Satellite equipment, Wi-Fi access point and controllers, DWDM equipment, Digital Cross Connect, Multiplexing equipment, SDH equipment and Cordless phone.
  • By April 1, 2019 testing and certification for devices such as mobile devices, BTS, repeaters, GPON equipment, DSL equipment, IP Terminal, PABX, Media Gateway, Signalling Gateway, SBC, Soft switch, compact cellular network, LAN switch, routers, IoT device, etc. imported or sold in India should be completed.

The Telecommunication Engineering Centre, a nodal agency of DoT has been tasked to undertake Mandatory Testing and Certification of Telecom Equipment with a view to ensure that dissemination of safe telecommunication devices by imposing stringent measures requiring timely verification.

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[1]
http://tec.gov.in/pdf/Whatsnew/TECNotificationSept18.pdf

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