Telecom gear makers seek 2-year extension for security testing of customers’ WiFi

Telecom gear makers have pushed back on the July 1 deadline for mandatory security testing of WiFi customer premises equipment (CPE) and IP routers, demanding an extension of a minimum of two years and requesting the government to keep security certification on a voluntary basis for now.

They have highlighted that there are only three labs accredited by the National Centre for Communication Security (NCCS) to perform security testing on WiFI CPE. Due to the limited labs, the cost of security testing is very high (Rs 40-60 lakh per model), the Manufacturer’s Association of Information Technology (MAIT) said in a submission to the Department of Telecommunications (DoT).