The National Centre for Communication Security (NCCS) of India has recently released multiple ITSAR (Indian Telecom Security Assurance Requirements) requirements.
The key points are as follows:
New ITSAR standards introduced for the following products ; mandatory implementation dates will be announced separately:
- L2 / L3 Local Area Network (LAN) switches
- 5G Open Radio Access Network (5G O-RAN), including Intelligent Controller (RIC), Radio Unit (O-RU), Distributed Unit (O-DU), and Centralized Unit (O-CU)
Optimization of the certification process for PON broadband equipment::
Optical Network Terminal (ONT) and Optical Network Unit (ONU)
- Each unique combination of SoC and SDK is required to undergo one security test
- Other customized versions under the same SoC-SDK combination will be automatically included within the certification scope, with no additional testing required
- A self-declaration of conformity must be submitted at the time of application, detailing all customizations and software hash values
- Additional customized versions under the same SoC-SDK combination may apply for certificate modification via the MTCTE platform and be approved without testing
- Any update to the SoC or SDK will be handled as a software update in accordance with applicable regulations
ITSAR requirements applicable to ONU equipment:
All ITSAR requirements, directions, or notifications issued by NCCS for ONT shall also apply to ONU, effective from the date of issuance, January 1, 2026.