DoT Updates MTCTE Testing Requirements for PON Equipment: Key Exemptions Until June 30, 2025

On January 1, 2025, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), via the Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC), announced significant updates to the MTCTE (Mandatory Testing and Certification of Telecom Equipment) requirements for the Passive Optical Network family of broadband equipment. These updates aim to ease compliance for manufacturers and Original Equipment Manufacturers.

Key Highlights of the Notification

1. Exemptions for Test Reports: Manufacturers are exempt from submitting test reports for specific parameters of the Equipment Requirement (ER) for PON equipment until June 30, 2025. This exemption facilitates smoother compliance and reduces immediate regulatory burdens.

2. Protocol Test for PON Interface: No test reports are required for protocol tests related to any PON interface until the specified deadline. This allows manufacturers more time to adapt to evolving industry standards and protocols.

3. ALS/APSD Safety Parameters: For Automatic Laser Shut-Down (ALS) or Automatic Power Shut-Down (APSD), applicants can submit a self-declaration of conformity instead of formal test reports until June 30, 2025. These are critical safety requirements, and this flexibility ensures adherence while easing the compliance process.

4. Interoperability Tests for GPON Equipment: Manufacturers must upload test results for all GPON interoperability sub-parameters listed in Annexure-J5/Appendix-III of the Equipment Requirement (ER). Tests can be conducted in NABL-accredited labs or in-house OEM labs, with the relaxation extended until June 30, 2025.

Impact on Manufacturers and OEMs

This extension provides significant relief to manufacturers and OEMs by:

1. Reducing Immediate Compliance Pressure: Extended deadlines allow time for preparation and alignment with certification requirements.

2. Streamlining the Certification Process: Self-declaration options for ALS/APSD parameters simplify the regulatory landscape.

3. Promoting Innovation: Reduced testing burdens enable manufacturers to focus on product innovation while ensuring compliance.

Key Takeaways for Stakeholders

• Review the Exemptions: Carefully examine the updated requirements and extended deadlines.

• Leverage Self-Declaration: Take advantage of the self-declaration provisions for ALS/APSD parameters.

• Plan Interoperability Testing: Schedule tests at NABL-accredited labs or in-house facilities to meet GPON requirements.

Conclusion

The DoT's updated notification is a significant step toward easing regulatory compliance for the PON family of broadband equipment under the MTCTE scheme. By extending exemptions and introducing flexibility, the government is supporting manufacturers and OEMs in navigating testing and certification processes more effectively.

For any questions regarding the most recent update , please reach out to us via email at cs@absoluteveritas.com