5G roll-out: DoT, telcos weigh options to cross equipment testing hurdles

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) is hammering out a solution with telcos and equipment makers on the contentious requirement of mandatory testing and certification of key network equipment within the country from July 1st.

After meetings with stakeholders, the DoT is looking at various options which include an extension of the deadline or keeping the deadline in abeyance till enough third party testing labs are available.

Telcos and equipment makers have made it clear that the July 1 deadline, if implemented, will seriously jeopardise the roll out of 5G services from the end of this year as there are not