DoT extends 4G, 5G mandatory equipment testing deadline by 1 year

In a major relief for telecom gear makers and telcos, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has extended the date for mandatory testing and certification of 4G and 5G products by one year to July 1, 2023, through an amended notification issued on Monday.

Telcos and equipment makers had made it clear that the earlier July 1, 2022, deadline would have jeopardised the roll-out of 5G services from the end of this year as there are not enough third party labs to test 4G and 5G products.

The DoT took the decision after talks with stakeholders who had suggested either extending the deadline or keeping it in abeyance till enough third party testing labs were available.