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Economic Times
04-08-2025
- Business
- Economic Times
Govt slashes security testing fees by 95% to boost local telecom manufacturing
Synopsis The telecom department has slashed security evaluation fees for telecom and ICT products by up to 95%, capping charges at Rs 50,000. This move aims to ease costs for domestic manufacturers and boost R&D. It benefits firms like Ericsson, Nokia, VVDN, and Dixon. Government R&D bodies are exempt from fees until March 2028 to spur innovation. iStock The telecom department Monday sharply slashed security evaluation fees for telecom and ICT products in a bid to make the security certification process more affordable for domestic evaluation fees were reduced by as much as 95% which previously ranged from Rs 2-3.5 lakh depending on the equipment category. Under the revised structure, the maximum testing certification labs can charge is Rs 50,000, from an earlier Rs 3.5 lakh. This will significantly reduce financial strain on telecom and ICT manufacturers. The move is expected to positively impact the operations of Ericsson, Nokia, Cisco, and telecom equipment manufacturers such as VVDN and Dixon Technologies, said analysts. 'This is a good step to spur innovation among local players. Earlier, each new product being developed locally had to be tested. With the fees rationalised, it becomes cheaper for us to innovate in R&D,' said Ashok Gupta, chairman, Optiemus Infracom, which makes telecom products including routers and set-top-boxes. Currently, products such as IP routers, Wi-Fi CPEs, and 5G Core SMF are under mandatory security testing, while Optical Line Terminals and Optical Networking Terminals are subject to voluntary certification. Gupta added that the security testing fees are added as part of the costs billed by the contract manufacturer to its customers, which was then passed down to the end-customer. However, security testing fees are only paid once when developing the product, and does not typically have a significant impact on final pricing, he government has also exempted security test evaluation fees for its R&D institutes such as CDOT and CDAC until March 31, 2028 as part of a wider effort to encourage innovation in public sector research.'This fee reduction is expected to bolster the competitiveness of Indian telecom manufacturers, stimulate local innovation, and provide a more straightforward pathway to market entry for both domestic and international Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs),' the ministry of communications said in a statement.
Time of India
04-08-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Govt slashes security testing fees by 95% to boost local telecom manufacturing
The telecom department has slashed security evaluation fees for telecom and ICT products by up to 95%, capping charges at Rs 50,000. This move aims to ease costs for domestic manufacturers and boost R&D. It benefits firms like Ericsson, Nokia, VVDN, and Dixon. Government R&D bodies are exempt from fees until March 2028 to spur innovation. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads The telecom department Monday sharply slashed security evaluation fees for telecom and ICT products in a bid to make the security certification process more affordable for domestic manufacturers Security evaluation fees were reduced by as much as 95% which previously ranged from Rs 2-3.5 lakh depending on the equipment category. Under the revised structure, the maximum testing certification labs can charge is Rs 50,000, from an earlier Rs 3.5 will significantly reduce financial strain on telecom and ICT manufacturers. The move is expected to positively impact the operations of Ericsson, Nokia, Cisco, and telecom equipment manufacturers such as VVDN and Dixon Technologies , said analysts.'This is a good step to spur innovation among local players. Earlier, each new product being developed locally had to be tested. With the fees rationalised, it becomes cheaper for us to innovate in R&D,' said Ashok Gupta, chairman, Optiemus Infracom , which makes telecom products including routers and products such as IP routers, Wi-Fi CPEs, and 5G Core SMF are under mandatory security testing, while Optical Line Terminals and Optical Networking Terminals are subject to voluntary added that the security testing fees are added as part of the costs billed by the contract manufacturer to its customers, which was then passed down to the end-customer. However, security testing fees are only paid once when developing the product, and does not typically have a significant impact on final pricing, he government has also exempted security test evaluation fees for its R&D institutes such as CDOT and CDAC until March 31, 2028 as part of a wider effort to encourage innovation in public sector research.'This fee reduction is expected to bolster the competitiveness of Indian telecom manufacturers, stimulate local innovation, and provide a more straightforward pathway to market entry for both domestic and international Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs),' the ministry of communications said in a statement.
Time of India
19-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Optiemus inks sourcing deal with 3rd China co
NEW DELHI: After Xiaomi and RealMe, another top Chinese electronics maker OnePlus has decided to outsource production of its audio and internet-of-things (IoT) products to a local Indian contract manufacturer. The announcement comes as India pushes production of hi-tech electronics products in the country, amid US tariff war with China. Optiemus Electronics will make the products at its factory in Noida, which aligns with plan of OnePlus to localise production in the country. For Optiemus, this is the third such deal after it inked similar partnerships with other Chinese players Xiaomi and RealMe earlier. "The strategic partnership aligns with long-term vision of OnePlus for India and the recent Project Starlight commitment to strengthen localisation efforts in the region. OnePlus is extending efforts towards expanding its local manufacturing capabilities and has now decided to start making its IoT portfolio of products in the Noida-based facility, in addition to its existing smartphones range being made in India," the Chinese company said. Ashok Gupta, chairman of Optiemus Group, said the collaboration marks a significant step in expanding its electronics manufacturing footprint. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like AC Installation & Repair from Certified Pros Search7 Learn More Undo "We specialise in transforming ideas into reality and this partnership empowers us to manufacture high-quality IoT products. Together, we will continue to explore new frontiers and remain committed to playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of electronics manufacturing in India," Gupta said. Robin Liu, CEO of OnePlus India, said the partnership with Optiemus reflects the company's commitment to Project Starlight. "This collaboration is not just about technology - it's about empowering local communities, creating meaningful innovation, and bringing smarter, more connected experiences to our India community." OnePlus' key IoT offerings include TWS products and wireless neckbands. In April this year, Chinese RealMe also partnered with Optiemus to manufacture its next-generation AIoT (Artificial Intelligence of Things) products in India, which include earphones, smartwatches, and tablets. The deal saw Optiemus and RealMe manufacture five million AIoT devices annually, while generating over 2,000 new employment opportunities in the country. Xiaomi had also signed sourcing agreement with Optiemus earlier. Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
Time of India
18-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
After Xiaomi and realMe, contract manufacturer Optiemus bags order from OnePlus
NEW DELHI: After Xiaomi and RealMe, another top Chinese electronics provider OnePlus has outsourced the production of its audio and internet-of-things (IoT) products to a local Indian contract manufacturer. The announcement comes as India pushes the production of hi-tech electronics products in the country amidst the US tariff war with China. Optiemus Electronics will be making the products at its factory in Noida, which is in line with OnePlus' plan to localise production in the country. For Optiemus, this is the third such deal after it scored a similar partnership with other Chinese players Xiaomi as well as RealMe previously. 'The strategic partnership aligns with OnePlus' long-term vision for India and the recent project Starlight commitment to strengthen localisation efforts in the region. OnePlus is extending efforts towards expanding its local manufacturing capabilities and has now begun manufacturing its IoT portfolio of products in the Noida-based facility, in addition to its existing smartphones range being made in India,' the Chinese company said. Ashok Gupta, Chairman of Optiemus Group said the collaboration marks a significant step in expanding its electronics manufacturing footprint. 'We specialize in transforming ideas into reality, and this partnership empowers us to manufacture high-quality IoT products. Together, we will continue to explore new frontiers and remain committed to playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of electronics manufacturing in India,' Gupta said. Robin Liu, CEO of OnePlus India, said the partnership with Optiemus reflects the company's commitment to Project Starlight. 'This collaboration is not just about technology— it's about empowering local communities, creating meaningful innovation, and bringing smarter, more connected experiences to our India community." OnePlus' key IoT offerings include TWS products and wireless neckbands. In April this year, Chinese realme had also partnered Optiemus to manufacture its next-generation AIoT (Artificial Intelligence of Things) products in India, which include earphones, smartwatches, and tablets. The deal saw Optiemus and realme manufacture five million AIoT devices annually while generating over 2,000 new employment opportunities in the country.
Time of India
18-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
OnePlus partners Optiemus Electronics to manufacture IoT devices in India
NEW DELHI: Chinese smartphone maker OnePlus has partnered with Optiemus Electronics (OEL) to manufacture premium Internet of Things (IoT) devices, including true-wireless stereo (TWS) earbuds and neckbands, in Noida at the homegrown contract manufacturer's facility. 'This significant milestone underscores the joint commitment to enhance domestic production capabilities in India under the brand's strong commitment to the market,' the companies said in a joint statement Wednesday. The collaboration has begun with the commencement of local production for the OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z3, which is a neckband device. OnePlus said in the statement that the strategic partnership aligns with its long-term vision for India, and the recent 'Starlight' project to strengthen localisation efforts in the region. Under the flagship initiative, the brand has planned to invest cumulatively ₹6,000 crore over the next three years. Notably, OnePlus' smartphones are presently being manufactured by Oppo in India. Optiemus Electronics, in turn, said it will provide the dedicated support required to increase bill-of-materials (BOM) level localisation, reduce costs, and improve supply chain resilience for the brand. 'At OnePlus, India has always been at the heart of our journey. Our partnership with OEL to manufacture IoT products locally reflects our strong commitment to Project Starlight,' said Robin Liu, CEO, OnePlus India. 'We are driven by a vision to become the most trusted and valued electronics manufacturer. Our collaboration with OnePlus marks a significant step in this journey, as we come together to co-create a future shaped by innovation and excellence. We specialize in transforming ideas into reality, and this partnership empowers us to manufacture high-quality IoT products,' said Ashok Gupta, executive chairman, Optiemus Group. In April, Realme also partnered with to manufacture Realme-branded artificial IoT (AIoT) products in India, including earphones, smartwatches, and tablets, with the initial production target of 5 million units. Xiaomi India also signed up OEL in 2023 to manufacture Bluetooth audio products amidst a concerted effort to broaden its manufacturing footprint in India to include products beyond smartphones and smart TVs.
