DoT Notifies New TEC Standards for 5G, FWA & Telecom Gear

The Ministry of Communication (Department of Telecom), through the Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC), has released Notification S.O. 3958(E) of 17 July 2026 under Section 19 of the Telecommunications Act, 2023, read with Rule 5 of the Telecommunications (Framework to Notify Standards, Conformity Assessment and Certification) Rules, 2025.

These standards introduce new TEC standards and test guides for telecommunications equipment to develop uniform technical specifications, promote interoperability, validate performance, and conduct conformity assessment for sophisticated telecom products used in India.

The primary objective of these standards is to ensure that telecom products available for use in India are not only robust but also secure and interoperable, with technological advancements in mind. Manufacturers and importers of telecom products, telecom service providers, and technology vendors should analyse these standards thoroughly to determine whether any certification or testing is required for such telecom products under India's telecom regulatory framework.

What is the New TEC Notification About?

The government has issued a set of new technical standards for specific telecom products that will be used in India’s networks. The standard specifies that the product must meet minimum performance levels and include specific safety and security features.

It also sets out detailed procedures for testing these products in laboratories and field conditions before they are allowed to be used in live telecom networks. The idea is to ensure that only equipment that passes these tests can be deployed, so that networks remain reliable, secure, and work smoothly with equipment from different manufacturers.

This notification is important for India’s expanding digital and telecom infrastructure. As it supports the rollout and quality in areas such as:

• 5G Networks
• Fixed Wireless Access (FWA)
• Wi-Fi and Mobile Network Integration
• Optical Fibre Networks (FTTH)
• Advanced Optical Communication Technologies

Which New TEC Standards Have Been Introduced?

The new notification includes new TEC standards, which are listed below

Why Are These Standards Important?

These standards help ensure that telecom equipment:

• Operates effectively within Indian telecom networks
• Meets quality and performance requirements
• Enhances overall network security and reliability
• Minimises the risk of technical failures
• Improves compatibility between different telecom systems

For manufacturers and importers, compliance with these standards can help avoid delays during product approvals and market entry.

What Does This Mean for Manufacturers and Importers?

Companies that manufacture or import telecom products, as well as telecom service providers and technology developers who work with devices falling under these standards, need to check the new TEC requirements. Adherence to TEC standards may be required for approval, testing, certification, and product roll-out in India, as per the telecom regulations in India.
Steps to be taken include:

• To check if your product falls under the newly announced standards
• To go through the technical specifications from TEC
• To get your product tested, if necessary
• To prepare technical documentation and a compliance report
• It will help avoid any problems with regulators and ensure easy access to the Indian market.

How ERCS Helps Manufacturers Obtain TEC and MTCTE Certification

Our team helps manufacturers and importers understand the latest telecom regulations and obtain approvals efficiently. You can contact us for a compliance assessment

• Support for obtaining TEC and MTCTE certification includes:
• Assessment of product Suitability for testing
• Relevant TEC standards
• Documentation process
• Testing through an authorised laboratory
• MTCTE portal assistance
• Regulatory requirements compliance
• Complete certification process support
• Our professional team assists manufacturers and importers in understanding telecom regulations and approvals.

Conclusion

The DoT Notification S.O.3958 (E) dated 17 July,2026 is another important milestone in the development of India's telecom infrastructure through the introduction of TEC standards for 5G Core Networks, Fixed Wireless Access (FWA), Wi-Fi Offloading, Optical Fibre Testing Equipment, and SPAD Detectors. Such standards set technical requirements and testing procedures that would enhance performance, reliability, and interoperability of telecom equipment in India.

Keeping abreast of evolving TEC regulations enables businesses to avoid delays in getting their products approved, ensure compliance with regulations, and gain easy access to the Indian telecom market. As India's telecom sector grows with the introduction of 5G and fibre-optic technologies, the need to comply with TEC standards will be paramount.