India TEC Draft GR 5G Core & E-Band: Comments Due Nov 24, 2026
India: TEC Opens Public Consultation on Draft GRs for 5G Core and E-Band Microwave Equipment
On September 25, 2026, India's Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC), the technical standards body of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), opened two public consultations on new draft Generic Requirements (GRs):
Draft GR for 5G Core – TEC 22160:2026
Draft GR for Millimeter Wave (E-Band) Microwave Equipment – TEC 36060:2026
Stakeholders may submit comments until November 24, 2026. The draft documents are available on the official TEC website: https://www.tec.gov.in (Public Comments / Draft Standards section).
Regulatory Background
TEC develops the Generic Requirements, Interface Requirements, Essential Requirements and Test Guides that define technical expectations for telecom equipment deployed in India. Under the Telecommunications Act, 2023 and the Telecommunications (Framework to Notify Standards, Conformity Assessment and Certification) Rules, 2025, TEC standards are formally notified by the Central Government in the Official Gazette once finalized.
Rule 5 of the 2025 Rules requires draft standards to be published for a minimum consultation period of 60 days. The September 25 – November 24, 2026 window for these two drafts reflects that requirement.
Both consultations are part of TEC's ongoing modernization of India's telecom standards base. This includes recent Gazette notifications of the GR for 5G Dual Core (TEC 21130:2025) and the Test Guides for 5G Dual Core (TEC 21131:2026) and Small Size 5G Core (TEC 21121:2026).
Overview of the TEC Draft GR 5G Core E-Band Consultations
Draft GR for 5G Core (TEC 22160:2026)
The draft GR for 5G Core sets out generic technical requirements for 5G core network systems deployed in Indian telecom networks. It complements TEC's existing 5G core documentation and extends the national framework for next-generation core infrastructure. Stakeholders should review the draft for:
Network function and architecture requirements
Alignment with 3GPP specifications and TSDSI-transposed national standards
Interface, security and interoperability provisions
Any India-specific functional or operational requirements
Draft GR for Millimeter Wave (E-Band) Microwave Equipment (TEC 36060:2026)
The draft TEC 36060:2026 establishes technical requirements for millimeter-wave E-Band microwave equipment operating in the 71–76 GHz and 81–86 GHz bands. It covers point-to-point, high-capacity radio links used for:
Enterprise connectivity
Small-cell and 5G backhaul
Short-haul telecom transport networks
This draft updates TEC's legacy E-Band framework, which dates back to the 2012 GR (TEC/TX/GR/MMW-001/01.MAR-12). That earlier document covered integrated FDD point-to-point radio relay systems with 250 MHz, 500 MHz and 1000 MHz channel spacing. The 2026 revision is expected to reflect current technology capabilities, including higher-order modulation, wider channels and increased link capacity for 5G transport.
What This Means for Manufacturers
5G Core vendors (core network software and platforms, cloud-native core solutions, network function suppliers):
The final GR will set the technical baseline for 5G core systems in India, including for operator and government procurement.
Requirements that differ from global 3GPP implementations may require product adaptation or additional documentation for the Indian market.
The consultation is the only formal opportunity to raise concerns about technically burdensome or non-harmonized provisions before notification.
E-Band microwave equipment manufacturers (point-to-point radio vendors, backhaul solution providers, ODU/antenna suppliers):
Existing products designed against the 2012 GR may need re-evaluation once the new standard is notified.
Updated parameters (channel arrangements, modulation schemes, capacity, RF performance, interfaces) may require design changes or new test evidence.
A follow-on Test Guide is likely, which will define how conformity is assessed in practice.
Operators, system integrators and importers should also review the drafts, as the final GRs will shape equipment selection and procurement specifications.
Certification Impact Summary
Area | Draft GR for 5G Core (TEC 22160:2026) | Draft GR for E-Band Microwave (TEC 36060:2026) |
Equipment scope | 5G core network systems | Point-to-point mmWave radio links, 71–76 / 81–86 GHz |
Status | Draft – public consultation | Draft – public consultation (revises 2012 GR) |
Consultation window | Sept 25 – Nov 24, 2026 | Sept 25 – Nov 24, 2026 |
Legal basis on finalization | Gazette notification under Section 19, Telecommunications Act 2023 | Gazette notification under Section 19, Telecommunications Act 2023 |
Likely follow-up | Associated Test Guide | Associated Test Guide |
Expected product impact | Functional/interface alignment for Indian deployments | Possible redesign or re-testing of legacy E-Band products |
Immediate certification effect | None until final notification | None until final notification |
Timeline and Required Actions
Consultation Timeline
Date | Milestone |
September 25, 2026 | TEC publishes draft GRs TEC 22160:2026 and TEC 36060:2026 for public comment |
September – November 2026 | Stakeholder review and preparation of comments |
November 24, 2026 | Deadline for submission of comments |
After November 24, 2026 | TEC reviews comments and finalizes the documents |
To be announced | Gazette notification of final GRs |
To be announced | Publication of associated Test Guides and any transition period |
Required Actions for Manufacturers
Download and review both drafts from the TEC website, focusing on sections relevant to your product portfolio.
Run a gap analysis comparing current product specifications (and, for E-Band, compliance with the 2012 GR) against the draft requirements.
Identify problematic provisions, such as non-harmonized requirements, unclear test parameters or unrealistic implementation timelines.
Prepare and submit comments in the format specified in the TEC notice, before November 24, 2026.
Coordinate with industry associations to strengthen positions on shared concerns.
Monitor TEC and the Official Gazette for the final notification, Test Guides and transition timelines.
Plan product roadmaps and test budgets for the Indian market based on expected final requirements.
Conclusion
The TEC draft GR 5G Core E-Band consultations mark another step in India's ongoing update of its telecom equipment standards under the Telecommunications Act, 2023. For 5G core vendors and E-Band microwave manufacturers, the November 24, 2026 deadline is the key window to influence the final technical requirements before they become the national baseline.
