An Internet Protocol terminal is a device that allows voice, video, or data communication over Internet networks instead of traditional telephone lines. The Telecommunication Engineering Centre, the technical arm of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), is responsible for developing, standardizing and maintaining technical standards for telecommunication equipment and networks in the country.
The move signals another step in the government’s ongoing efforts to update telecom equipment standards in line with emerging technologies and security expectations while pushing for domestic manufacturing under its Swadeshi initiative.
The revised standards are expected to be introduced within the next 60 days, and WTO members have been asked to submit their comments by February 9, as required by the Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT).
The revision of IP terminal standards comes at a time when India is working to strengthen interoperability, cyber security compliance and quality assurance in telecom equipment.
Industry experts say updates to these standards typically affect testing requirements, certification schedules and the readiness of domestic manufacturers to meet global standards.
IP terminals are becoming increasingly important with the expansion of enterprise communication systems, hybrid work models and the wider adoption of Internet calling solutions. Ensuring updated technical specifications will help maintain reliability and security while supporting India’s growing digital infrastructure.
According to a WTO document reviewed by Mint, the ER falls under the DoT’s Mandatory Testing and Certification of Telecommunications Equipment (MTCTE) scheme, which means that all IP terminals sold or imported into India must comply with these updated standards after the notification.
Under WTO rules, when a member country notifies a proposed technical regulation, other members have a fixed period – usually 60 days – to review and submit comments. After that, the issuing country can consider the feedback, finalize the standards and announce their national implementation.
“The revision of the essential requirements for IP terminals is expected to enhance the technical rigor and credibility of telecom products manufactured in India. While OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) and EMS (Electronics Manufacturing Services) partners may need to adjust their testing protocols and compliance workflows, these changes will ultimately enhance product quality and market confidence,” said Sneh Shah, Director of Electronic Design and Electronic Systems Manufacturing, Aimtron.
“We see this as an opportunity to lead through readiness. With our in-house radio frequency (RF) testing, firmware loading and telecom-level printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) capabilities, we are well positioned to help our partners meet the updated Telecommunication Engineering Center (TEC) standards quickly and efficiently,” said Shah.
The proposal submitted to the WTO states that it applies to all Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) terminals, so the updated standards are applicable to a broad category of enterprise and consumer IP communications devices.
Products must meet TEC’s Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) and Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) standards for emissions and immunity, including electrostatic discharge (ESD), radiated radio frequency, overvoltage, voltage sags and fast transients – significantly increasing hardware testing and quality requirements.
The revised standards will directly affect manufacturers and importers of SIP phones, video conferencing terminals, IP desk phones and other Internet calling equipment, many of which currently come from China, Taiwan, South Korea, Vietnam and parts of Europe.
“Most Indian enterprise IP terminals – used in IT/ITES centers, banks, call centers and government offices – are imported and stricter testing under MTCTE could increase compliance costs for foreign manufacturers and slow down deliveries in the short term,” said RK Bhatnagar, CEO of Voice of Indian Commtech Enterprises (VOICE), an industry body.
At the same time, he said the move opens up a swadeshi opportunity as domestic telecom firms making IP phones and unified communications hardware can gain an advantage when compliance becomes uniform for all players, reducing the price gap through cheap imports and encouraging more local manufacturing under the Make in India programme.
According to a report by the India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF), India’s telecom sector continues to show strong momentum, with gross revenue growing from USD 39.22 billion in FY24 to USD 43.42 billion in FY25. As of June 2025, the overall tele-density was 86.09%, reflecting the wide reach of connectivity across the country.
According to the IBEF report, the 5G infrastructure market is expected to rise from US$14 billion in 2025 to US$574.4 billion by 2035, growing at a CAGR of 45% on the back of rapid adoption, heavy investment and widespread deployment.
