Big leap for India’s chip dream: First telecom system with made-in-India chips gets TEC nod

India takes a giant leap into the global semiconductor race.

First telecom system with Made in India chip has been certified by TEC. This certification places India parallel to its global counterparts, opening the door for deployment in both domestic and export markets.

A telecom system powered entirely by domestically manufactured chips has received certification from the Telecommunication Engineering Center (TEC). This is being described as a turning point for India’s chip ambitions.

IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the achievement on X, calling it a big leap for India’s semiconductor story. The TEC approval, he said, proves that chips designed and made in India can power complex telecom systems. They also meet international quality benchmarks.

Importance of TEC Certification

TEC certification is more than just a regulatory stamp. It is the Department of Telecommunications’ official assurance that a product meets strict performance and safety standards. For telecom gear, which forms the backbone of India’s digital economy, this is critical.
The certification puts the Indian-made chip on par with its global counterparts. This opens the door for deployment in both domestic and export markets.

Also read: ISRO Develops Vikram, India’s First Fully Indigenous 32-bit Microprocessor

Indian step towards self-reliance

For years, India has depended heavily on imported chips. These chips run everything from smartphones and telecom towers to cars and data centers. The TEC nod marks a step towards reducing that reliance. It also signals progress in the government’s Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat goals, particularly in electronics and semiconductors.

India has not yet commissioned a full-scale advanced fab. Yet, it has been steadily building capability in chip design. This includes assembly and testing. The focus is currently on manufacturing in the 28nm to 65nm range. These are mature nodes. They are not cutting-edge but remain indispensable for telecom, automotive, and industrial applications.

India poised to take over global chip game

Global players are locked in an arms race to master sub-5nm chips used in AI and smartphones. India, however, is taking a different path. By focusing on mature nodes, it is targeting a supply chain gap that has been exposed during recent shortages.

Bastion Research, in a recent analysis, noted India’s strategy. India aims to deliver world-class integration services and scalable solutions. This is instead of competing head-on with giants like TSMC or Samsung in bleeding-edge nodes. According to the report, India already has the talent and engineering depth. It is moving quickly to scale to serve global demand.

The TEC certification is both symbolic and practical. It validates the quality of India’s semiconductor efforts. It gives confidence to domestic telecom operators and equipment makers. This confidence allows them to adopt local solutions.

For all latest updates Follow theviralmail on X, Facebook, and Instagram