The National Centre for Communication Security (NCCS), under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Government of India, has issued a notification clarifying that the Optical Network Unit (ONU) variant listed under the ER – PON Family of Broadband Equipment is subject to the same security certification requirements as Optical Network Terminal (ONT) devices.
The Key Clarification
As stated in the scope section of the ITSAR document titled “NCCS/ITSAR/Customer Premises Equipment/PON CPEs/Optical Network Terminal (ONT) – PON Family Broadband Equipment V1.0.1”, released on 24 November 2023, the ITSAR applies to both ONT and ONU equipment.
NCCS has reiterated that all instructions, circulars, Office Memorandums (OMs), and notifications issued for ONT devices are equally applicable to ONU devices, effective from the date of each order’s issue.
Impact for Manufacturers and OEMs
All stakeholders — including OEMs, dealers, importers, and applicants — must ensure that ONU devices comply with the same ITSAR security certification requirements applicable to ONT products.
This includes adherence to all future directives and notifications issued by NCCS under the ER – PON Family classification.
Reference
Official Notification: NCCS/SC/3-1/2025-26 – Security Certification of ONU Devices, dated 1 January 2026
Issued by: National Centre for Communication Security (NCCS), Department of Telecommunications, Government of India
Applicable ITSAR: NCCS/ITSAR/Customer Premises Equipment/PON CPEs/Optical Network Terminal (ONT) – PON Family Broadband Equipment V1.0.1 (24 Nov 2023)
How C-PRAV Can Help
At C-PRAV India, we support manufacturers and telecom equipment providers in navigating the evolving NCCS security certification framework, including:
ITSAR compliance guidance and documentation support for ONT / ONU / CPE products
Technical file preparation and review before security testing and submission
Coordination with authorised labs for evaluation under the DoT / NCCS scheme
Ongoing regulatory monitoring and post-certification assistance
Our experts ensure that your network and broadband equipment meets India’s latest cybersecurity and telecom compliance standards efficiently and confidently.
