India plans stricter rules for internet communication gear

The move signals another step in the govt’s effort to update telecom equipment standards

- Dhirendra Kumar [e-mail]

The revision of the IP terminal standards comes at a time when India is working to strengthen interoperability, cybersecurity compliance and quality assurance.

India is set to introduce new essential requirements (ER) and technical standards for IP (internet protocol) terminals under the Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC), in a move aimed at tightening testing and compliance for telecom equipment sold or imported into the country, as per a World Trade Organization (WTO) document.

An internet protocol terminal is a device that allows voice, video, or data communication over internet-based networks, instead of traditional telephone lines. Telecommunication Engineering Centre, the technical arm of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), is responsible for developing, standardizing and maintaining technical standards for telecom equipment and networks in the country.