India Expands Telecom Security Testing Laboratories Network
India has recently expanded its telecom security testing infrastructure by designating M/s Compliance International Pvt. Ltd., Noida, as a Telecom Security Testing Laboratory (TSTL) for IP Routers under the Communication Security Certification (ComSec) Scheme. This addition raises the total number of TSTLs in India to nine. These labs are spread across five states and provide faster, cost-effective testing services to manufacturers and service providers.
National Centre for Communication Security (NCCS)
NCCS operates under the Department of Telecommunications. It is responsible for implementing security testing and certification of telecom and ICT products in India. The centre runs the Communication Security Certification Scheme (ComSec) which ensures that telecom equipment meets mandatory security standards before use or sale in the country.
Communication Security Certification Scheme (ComSec)
The ComSec Scheme is part of the broader Mandatory Testing and Certification of Telecom Equipment (MTCTE) framework. Initially notified in 2017, the scheme was updated under the Telecommunications (Framework to Notify Standards, Conformity Assessment and Certification) Rules, 2025. It mandates that all telecom equipment imported, sold, or used in India must undergo security testing and certification through designated labs.
Role and Reach of Telecom Security Testing Laboratories (TSTLs)
The nine TSTLs are located in Karnataka, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra. They provide pan-India access to security testing. This network allows Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), importers, and service providers to test their products closer to their operational bases. This reduces time and costs involved in compliance testing.
Scope of Security Testing
These laboratories are authorised to test 27 categories of telecom equipment. This includes IP Routers, Wi-Fi Customer Premises Equipment (CPEs), Optical Line Terminals (OLTs), Optical Network Terminals (ONTs), and 23 network functions of the 5G Core. Security testing of multiple telecom products is actively ongoing in these labs.
Government Vision and Industry Impact
The expansion of TSTLs supports the Government of India’s vision to position the country as a global hub for telecom security testing and certification. Strengthening this ecosystem enhances national telecom security and boosts the domestic manufacturing and services sector by ensuring compliance with international standards.
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