Extend equipment testing deadline: Telcos to Centre

Guidelines to come into effect on July 1 but companies seek extension

- SUBHAYAN CHAKRABORTY

Telecom operators have sought to put off the implementation of the new guidelines for mandatorily testing telecom equipment by one year, citing inappropriate laboratory infrastructure in the country.

The Mandatory Testing Certification Telecom Equipment (MTCTE) regime is set to come into effect on July 1. Under it all the pieces of telecom equipment have to be tested and approved at local laboratories before they can be installed as part of network roll-outs.

Telecom and of companies, however, through industry body Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), have told the government that the needs of the industry remain unmet and the deadline must be extended.

"If the government makes a policy, one which we feel is the right way forward, saying that all equipment should be security tested before it is put on the circuit, there should also be an ecosystem in place to test such equipment. That is why we have been asking for an extension of the deadline," S P Kochhar, director general, COAI, told Business Standard.