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The Department of Telecommunications’ technical wing, the Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC), has expanded the Simplified Certification Scheme (SCS) to cover 37 more products effective from January 1, 2024. This move is poised to significantly reduce certification time from eight weeks to a mere two weeks, streamlining business operations within the telecommunications sector.
Among the newly included products are media gateways, IP security equipment, IP terminals, optical fibre or cable, transmission Terminal Equipment, and more, marking an increase in SCS-covered products from twelve to forty-nine.
Starting January 1, 2024, the TEC will only charge an administrative fee for Essential Requirement (ER)-based applications submitted under MTCTE, irrespective of their GCS or SCS category. Furthermore, the evaluation fee has been entirely waived, offering substantial relief to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and applicants. This reduction in the application fee amounts to over an 80% decrease, significantly alleviating the compliance burden.
As of now, there are sixty Telecom & Networking products covered under the MTCTE regime, marking a substantial step towards efficiency and ease within the industry.
Moreover, effective from January 1, 2024, the Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC) has introduced a mandate for exclusive online applications for all testing and certification processes under its Voluntary Certification scheme. Member(s) of the DOT launched the Online Voluntary Certification modules for Certificate of Approval (CoA) and Technology Approval on December 28, 2023, complementing the previously operational online modules for Type/Interface approval since July 7, 2023.
This transition empowers applicants to apply for and process all types of certificates – including Type Approval Certificates, Interface Approval Certificates, Certificate of Approval (CoA), and Technology Approval Certificates – seamlessly through TEC’s online platform. Henceforth, only online applications will be accepted for all voluntary certification cases starting January 1, 2024.
OpenGovAsia covered the unveiling of the online modules for Certificate of Approval (CoA) and Technology Approval under the voluntary certification scheme of the Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC). Developed by CDOT, these modules aim to bolster the Ease of Doing Business and promote Atmanirbhar Bharat.
With these newly launched online modules, the certification process for Type/Interface approval has been significantly streamlined since its operational debut on July 7, 2023, following their initial launch by the Secretary (T) and Chairman DCC.
This milestone is poised to facilitate startups and MSMEs within the Telecom and related ICT sector, empowering them to acquire certifications for their telecom product offerings, and enhancing their credibility in the market.
The introduction of these modules enables a seamless application and processing system for all types of certificates under Voluntary Testing and Certification, including Type Approval Certificate, Interface Approval Certificate, Certificate of Approval (CoA), and Technology Approval Certificate, furthering the digitisation efforts within the telecommunications landscape.
The Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC) aims to leverage its distinguished status as a “Centre of Excellence” in Telecom to propel India into a prominent position as the foremost “Lead Telecom Knowledge and Manufacturing Hub” within the Asia-Pacific region. This endeavour will focus on driving Telecom Standards, extending Manufacturing Support, and enhancing Network Building Skill sets to benefit this expansive market.
TEC is committed to the continual evolution of telecom specifications, developing novel standards and updating existing ones to remain aligned with global advancements in the field.
Furthermore, TEC is dedicated to establishing cutting-edge telecom laboratories, ensuring the provision of state-of-the-art facilities for research, innovation, and development within the telecom sector.