Telcos miffed about new communication security certification rules

Say new security testing norms for mobiles, telecom equipment will increase costs

The department of telecommunications’s (DoT) push to create a parallel framework for mandatory testing of telecom equipment and mobile phones for the proposed new communication security certification (Comsec) has raised the hackles of the telecom industry. 

In a strongly worded communication to the secretary of the DoT, the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) has pointed out that multiple testings of specified telecom equipment and mobile devices will lead to overlaps in testing, increase costs for OEMs (original equipment manufacturers), which could run into crores, and negatively impact the ease of doing business.

Currently, telecom equipment and mobile devices have to get