DoT announces telecom security reforms for 2026, extends Pro Tem certification by two years
Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia announced on 29 December 2025 that the Pro Tem Security Certification Scheme is extended for two years from 1 January 2026, along with lower TSTL fees and simpler ITSAR certification for ONT devices.
Summary
Jyotiraditya Scindia, Union Minister for Communications, announced three telecom security reforms for 2026 on 29 December 2025, implemented through the Department of Telecommunications' National Centre for Communication Security (NCCS). The Pro Tem Security Certification Scheme has been extended for two years beyond 1 January 2026, the application fee for designating Telecom Security Testing Laboratories (TSTL) has been reduced, and Indian Telecom Security Assurance Requirement (ITSAR) certification for Optical Network Terminator (ONT) devices has been simplified. Scindia said the steps reduce compliance burden while strengthening security, in line with Atmanirbhar Bharat.
Key facts
- Announced
- 29 December 2025, by Jyotiraditya Scindia
- Implementing body
- National Centre for Communication Security (NCCS), DoT
- Pro Tem scheme
- Extended for 2 years beyond 1 January 2026
- TSTL
- Designation application fee reduced
- ITSAR
- Simplified for Optical Network Terminator (ONT) devices
Practice MCQs 2 questions
On 29 December 2025, the Department of Telecommunications extended the Pro Tem Security Certification Scheme beyond 1 January 2026 for:
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Two years
PIB (Communications): DoT, through NCCS, extended the Pro Tem Certification Scheme beyond 01-01-2026 for a period of two years.
The DoT's December 2025 telecom security reforms simplified Indian Telecom Security Assurance Requirement (ITSAR) certification for which devices?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Optical Network Terminator (ONT) devices
PIB (Communications): DoT simplified ITSAR certification of Optical Network Terminator (ONT) devices.