DoT and C-DOT to Establish End-to-End Optical Network Testbed for Indigenous Telecom Technologies

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) have signed a five-year agreement to establish an End-to-End Optical Network Testbed at C-DOT’s New Delhi campus, creating a national platform for testing and validating indigenous optical communication technologies.

Signed on 27 August 2026, the DoT-funded initiative is designed to bridge the gap between laboratory-stage innovation and commercial deployment. Indian startups, telecom companies, researchers and technology developers will be able to test optical networking solutions in a realistic network environment before taking them to market.

The testbed will integrate technologies covering optical core networks, optical access systems and quantum security, along with advanced testing and measurement equipment. C-DOT’s existing field-ready technologies will form an important part of the infrastructure, helping developers evaluate interoperability, performance, reliability and deployment readiness.

The project will be implemented in two stages. During the first two years, C-DOT will establish the required infrastructure and formally roll out the facility. The following three years will focus on operations, maintenance, technical support and educational outreach.

Beyond technology validation, the facility will also serve as a centre for skill development and capacity building in advanced optical communications, providing hands-on exposure to students, researchers, startups and industry professionals.

The initiative is expected to strengthen India’s domestic telecom technology ecosystem while supporting the development and commercialisation of secure, standards-compliant and indigenous next-generation communication infrastructure.

Source: PIB: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseDetail.aspx?PRID=2304225&reg=48&lang=1