Update on MTCTE Exemption for PON Family of Broadband Equipment

Dated: 01.01.2025

On January 1, 2025, the Government of India’s Department of Telecommunications (DoT), through the Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC), issued a crucial update regarding the mandatory testing requirements for PON (Passive Optical Network) Family of Broadband Equipment under the MTCTE (Mandatory Testing and Certification of Telecom Equipment) scheme.

Key Highlights of the Notification

• Exemptions from Test Reports: The notification extends the exemption for submission of test reports against specific parameters of the ER (Equipment Requirement) of PON equipment under MTCTE until June 30, 2025. This move aims to facilitate manufacturers and Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) by easing compliance requirements.
• Protocol Test for PON Interface: The first exemption in the notification concerns the protocol test for any PON interface. Manufacturers are not required to submit test reports for this specific protocol requirement until June 30, 2025. This should provide manufacturers with the necessary time to align their testing and certification processes with evolving industry standards.
• Automatic Laser Shut-Down (ALS) or Automatic Power Shut-Down (APSD): The second exemption addresses the test requirements for ALS or APSD. The notification allows a self-declaration of conformity by the applicant (OEM) until the same deadline of June 30, 2025, instead of submitting formal test reports. These are crucial safety parameters for PON equipment, and this exemption provides flexibility to manufacturers.
• Interoperability Tests for GPON (Gigabit PON): The third exemption pertains to the interoperability test for GPON equipment. Manufacturers are required to upload test reports or results for all sub-parameters of GPON interoperability, as outlined in Annexure-J5/Appendix-III of the Equipment Requirement (ER). These tests can be conducted in NABL (National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories) accredited labs or OEM’s in-house labs. However, the relaxation in this regard is also extended until June 30, 2025, allowing manufacturers more time for testing and compliance.

What Does This Mean for Manufacturers and Stakeholders?

This updated notification will provide significant relief to manufacturers and OEMs involved in the production and certification of PON family broadband equipment. By extending the exemption period until June 2025, the government has acknowledged the challenges manufacturers face in meeting stringent testing and certification requirements within a short timeframe.

The focus on self-declaration of conformity and the relaxed test report requirements for key safety and protocol parameters will help streamline the certification process for the industry, while still ensuring that essential safety and interoperability standards are upheld. It also supports innovation and smooth market access for manufacturers during this transitional period.

Conclusion

The Government of India’s Department of Telecommunications has taken a proactive approach by issuing this update for the PON Family of Broadband Equipment. With this exemption in place until June 30, 2025, it provides a clearer path for compliance with MTCTE requirements, easing some of the regulatory burdens faced by manufacturers. Telecom industry stakeholders are encouraged to review the notification carefully and ensure that they are aligned with the extended timelines and requirements for compliance.

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