In a progressive move to promote innovation and reduce cost barriers, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has significantly lowered the security evaluation fees for telecom and ICT equipment. The updated guidelines cut previous charges — which ranged between ₹2 to ₹3.5 lakhs — down to a maximum of ₹50,000, marking a reduction of up to 95%.
This substantial fee reduction aims to ease the financial burden on manufacturers and encourage faster product development and testing. Industry leaders such as Ericsson, Nokia, Cisco, VVDN, and Dixon Technologies are expected to benefit, according to sector analysts.
“This is a very encouraging step for domestic innovation,” said Ashok Gupta, Chairman of Optiemus Infracom. “Previously, every new product — whether a router or a set-top box — required expensive security testing. Now, with lower fees, it becomes viable for local companies to invest more confidently in R&D.”
Currently, equipment such as IP routers, Wi-Fi CPEs (Customer Premises Equipment), and 5G Core SMFs fall under the mandatory security testing regime. Meanwhile, devices like optical line terminals (OLTs) and optical networking terminals (ONTs) continue under voluntary testing.
Gupta further noted that while security testing costs are typically incurred only once during the product development phase, they were previously passed on through the value chain, potentially impacting pricing. The fee rationalization is expected to streamline the cost structure without compromising quality or compliance.
In a parallel initiative, the government has waived security testing fees for public R&D institutions — including C-DOT and C-DAC — until March 31, 2028. This move is designed to further fuel public sector innovation and fast-track telecom technology development in India.
In an official statement, the Ministry of Communications emphasized the broader vision behind this reform: “This reduction is designed to strengthen India’s position in global telecom manufacturing, promote indigenous innovation, and simplify the market entry process for both domestic and international OEMs.”