Notification on TEC Re-categorization and Fee Reduction under MTCTE Regime
The landscape of telecommunications in India is constantly evolving, driven by technological advancements and regulatory measures aimed at ensuring efficiency and reliability. In line with this vision, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), through the Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC), Government of India, has issued a landmark notification regarding the re-categorization of notified products and a reduction in fees for Equipment Registration (ER) based applications under the Mandatory Testing & Certification of Telecom Equipment (MTCTE) regime, effective from 01.01.2024.
Re-categorization of Notified Products:
The notification brings about a significant re-categorization of notified products into two distinct categories: the Generalized Certificate Scheme (GCS) and the Simplified Certification Scheme (SCS). This revised categorization aims to streamline the certification process, making it more efficient and accessible for stakeholders. Let's take a closer look at the products falling under each category:
Products (ER) under GCS category:
- Base Station for Cellular Network
- Compact Cellular Network
- Repeater for Cellular Network
- HF Radio
- Mobile Radio Trunking System
- PTP PMP Microwave Fixed Radio Systems
- Satellite Communication Equipment
- VHF UHF Radio System Equipment
- Base Station for Cellular Network for 5G Systems
- E-band Fixed Radio Relay
Products (ER) under SCS category:
- 2-Wire Telephone Equipment
- G3 Fax Machine
- ISDN Customer Premises Equipment
- Modem
- Conferencing Equipment
- Private Automatic Branch Exchange
- PON Family of Broadband Equipment
- Transmission Terminal Equipment-1
- LAN Switch
- Router
- Cordless Telephone
- Equipments Operating in 2.4 GHz & 5 GHz Band
- Feedback Device
- Smart Electricity Meter
- DSL Equipments
- EIR
- GMLC
- HLRAUC HSS
- Infiniband Switch
- IP Multimedia Conferencing Equipment
- IP Security Equipment
- Media Gateway
- Mobile Management Entity
- Cell Broadcast Centre
- MSC or MSC-S or GMSC or GMSC-S including VLR
- OMC or EMS or NMS or OSS
- OTA and DM or FOTA
- PTP Grand Master Equipment
- Session Border Controller
- SGSN or GGSN
- S-GW or P-GW
- Signalling Gateway
- SMLC or eSMLC
- SMSC
- SCP
- Softswitch
- Transmission Terminal Equipment-2
- End Point Device for Environmental Monitoring
- 10T Gateway
- Tracking Device
- Converged Multi Service Application Access Equipment (C-MSAAE)
- IP Terminal
- Hybrid Set Top Box
- SIM
- Optical Fibre (Single mode)
- Optical Fibre Cable
Fee Reduction for ER Based Applications:
Effective immediately, a significant reduction in fees for ER based applications under MTCTE has been announced. From now on, only administrative fees will be charged for such applications, regardless of the category they fall under—GCS or SCS. This move is aimed at reducing the financial burden on stakeholders while maintaining the integrity and quality of certification processes. It is a clear indication of the government's commitment to fostering a business-friendly regulatory environment in the telecommunications sector.
Conclusion:
The notification on TEC re-categorization and fee reduction under the MTCTE regime marks a significant milestone in the journey towards a more efficient and streamlined regulatory framework in the telecommunications sector. By re-categorizing notified products and reducing fees for ER based applications, the government has demonstrated its commitment to supporting innovation and growth in the industry. This move is expected to benefit stakeholders across the value chain, ultimately leading to enhanced competitiveness and technological advancement in India's telecommunications landscape.
The Ministry of Department of Telecommunications remains dedicated to facilitating the growth and development of the telecommunications sector, and this notification is a testament to its proactive approach in addressing the evolving needs of the industry. As stakeholders adapt to these changes, it is imperative to continue collaborating and innovating to drive sustainable growth and prosperity in the digital era.
