IT ministry takes up communications device safety issue; mobile phone players say routine consultation

Key Highlights

• ITSAR broadly covers safety standards for telecom network gear, including those related to software updates and the source code of communication devices.
• Earlier, the DoT used to hold consultations with mobile phone companies on safety standards, but now the communications device part has moved to the Meity (The ministry of Electronics and Information Technology).
• “Based on the ITSAR standard, Meity has been authorised to handle safety issues related to mobile phones, and there is a smooth conversation going on with industry players.
• The process has just started, and there is a mandate that the government has issued or is pressing for,” one of the sources told PTI.
• Meity has already held a few discussions with mobile phone and other industry players on safety standards.