DoT Reduces Security Test Evaluation Fees by Up to 95% and Streamlines Compliance Process for Telecom and ICT Sectors
In a groundbreaking initiative aimed at simplifying the business landscape for the telecom and ICT sectors, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has announced a dramatic reduction of up to 95% in security test evaluation fees. This new fee structure, effective from August 1, 2025, is designed to alleviate the financial burden on domestic manufacturers, particularly micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The revised fees under the Communication Security Certification Scheme (ComSec) will significantly enhance the affordability of the security certification process.
Significant Fee Reductions
The DoT’s announcement marks a pivotal change in the cost structure for security test evaluations. Previously, fees ranged from ₹2,00,000 to ₹3,50,000 based on the equipment category. Under the new scheme, fees for Group A equipment will be slashed to ₹10,000 from ₹200,000, Group B to ₹20,000 from ₹200,000, Group C to ₹30,000 from ₹250,000, and Group D to ₹50,000 from ₹350,000. This substantial reduction is expected to ease the financial strain on telecom and ICT product manufacturers, enabling them to invest more in innovation and development.
Additionally, government research and development institutes, such as the Centre for Development of Telematics (CDOT) and the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (CDAC), will benefit from a complete exemption from security test evaluation fees for applications submitted for product certification until March 31, 2028. This initiative aims to foster innovation within public sector research and development.
Streamlined Compliance Processes
The DoT has also taken steps to simplify the compliance process for Highly Specialized Equipment (HSE) and End-of-Sale/End-of-Life telecom products. Currently, products like IP Routers, Wi-Fi Customer Premises Equipment (CPE), and 5G Core Session Management Functions (SMF) are subject to mandatory security testing. Meanwhile, Optical Line Terminals and Optical Networking Terminals are eligible for voluntary security certification, with fee exemptions available until August 31, 2025.
Applicants can conveniently pay the revised fees online through the MTCTE portal, facilitating a smoother certification process. The National Centre for Communication Security (NCCS), operating under the DoT, is responsible for implementing security testing and certification under the ComSec scheme.
Implications for Telecom Equipment Manufacturers
The new fee structure is expected to bolster the competitiveness of Indian telecom manufacturers and stimulate local innovation. Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), importers, and dealers looking to sell or use telecom equipment in India must ensure their products undergo security testing and certification under the ComSec scheme. The security test evaluation fees vary based on the complexity and time required for testing, categorizing equipment into Groups A, B, C, and D.
This initiative is part of the broader Mandatory Testing and Certification of Telecom Equipment (MTCTE) framework, which was first introduced in September 2017 and later updated by the Telecommunications (Framework to Notify Standards, Conformity Assessment, and Certification) Rules, 2025. By aligning testing requirements with international security standards, the DoT aims to ensure the long-term security and integrity of India’s telecom infrastructure.
A Vision for the Future
The reduction in security test evaluation fees is a strategic move to make India a hub for telecom security testing and certification. By easing the compliance burden and making the certification process more accessible, the DoT is paving the way for both domestic and international manufacturers to enter the Indian market more easily. This initiative aligns with the government’s vision of fostering a robust telecom ecosystem that prioritizes security while promoting innovation and competitiveness among local manufacturers.
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