Trusted Telecom Approval – A Complete Guide
Mandatory certification under the National Security Directive on Telecommunication Sector (NSDTS) for Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) and vendors seeking to deploy telecom equipment in India.
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Trusted Telecom Approval in India
The Government of India has enforced Trusted Telecom Approval for all Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) to ensure national security by verifying that telecom equipment is sourced from trusted vendors. This is governed under the National Security Directive on Telecommunication Sector (NSDTS), operational since June 15, 2021, and implemented via the Trusted Telecom Portal (TTP).
What is the Trusted Telecom Portal?
The Trusted Telecom Portal (TTP), developed by C-DOT with RailTel and NSCS, allows TSPs to check whether a telecom product or vendor is listed as 'trusted'. If not listed, TSPs or vendors can submit an application for verification through the portal.
What is NSDTS?
The National Security Directive on Telecommunication Sector (NSDTS) is a strategic framework aimed at ensuring that only secure and trusted telecom hardware and software are used in Indian telecom networks. It mandates verification and approval of vendors and equipment before deployment.
Why is Trusted Telecom Approval Important?
• Ensures compliance with national security regulations • Prevents deployment of unverified or malicious telecom equipment • Mandatory for all TSPs prior to product integration • Promotes accountability and transparency • Non-compliance may lead to blacklisting and operational penalties
1. Documents Required for Trusted Telecom Certification
• Official request from Telecom Service Provider (TSP)
• Technical specifications of the product
• Memorandum of Association (MoA) and Articles of Association (AoA)
• Authorization letter from a company official
• Company registration and identity documents
Step 1: TSP or Vendor Request Initiation
Either a TSP or vendor initiates a request for listing on the Trusted Telecom Portal by creating an account and filling the application form.
Step 2: Documentation Submission
Upload all mandatory documents including technical specs, legal identification, and authorization letters.
Step 3: Review by NCSC
The National Cyber Security Coordinator (NCSC), in consultation with the National Security Committee on Telecom (NSCT), evaluates the application and verifies the credentials.
Step 4: Approval & Listing
Upon successful verification, the product/vendor is listed as a Trusted Source on the portal, and approval is granted.
Trusted Telecom Approval – Fee Details
Currently, there is no publicly disclosed standard government fee for Trusted Telecom Approval. Costs may vary depending on liaison or consultancy services availed during the application process.
| Manufacturer (Production Capacity) | License Fees/year (INR) |
|---|---|
| TSP/Vendor Application | Varies (Subject to consultant or authority) |
Timeline for Trusted Telecom Approval
Approval timelines may vary based on documentation accuracy and authority processing.
Initial Application Submission
2–5 business days
Vendor or TSP submits application and documents via TTP.
Evaluation by NCSC
2–4 weeks
Verification by authorities and multi-agency review process.
Final Approval
1–2 days
Listing of vendor/product on the Trusted Sources database.
Why Choose Do Startup for Trusted Telecom Approval?
Dedicated telecom compliance experts
Liaison with TSPs and government bodies
Complete documentation assistance and submission
Faster application turnaround
End-to-end support until final listing