Home / Technology / India Extends 5G EMF Certification Deadline for Telcos Amid Testing Woes
India Extends 5G EMF Certification Deadline for Telcos Amid Testing Woes
3 Oct, 2025
Summary
- Telcos asked to submit 5G EMF exposure certificates by Dec 2025, extended from Sep 2025
- Telcos facing shortage of testing equipment, unable to test all towers on time
- India increases 5G power density limit to 5W/sq.m, up from 1W/sq.m, to aid coverage
As of October 3rd, 2025, India's telecom regulator, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), has extended the deadline for telcos to submit 5G EMF (Electromagnetic Field) exposure certificates from September 1st, 2025 to December 31st, 2025. This decision was made in response to complaints from Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel, and Vodafone Idea (Vi), the three telcos that have launched 5G services in the country.
The telcos argued that they are facing a shortage of testing equipment, making it difficult to test and certify all 5G towers by the original deadline. According to DoT data, India had around 504,000 5G base stations as of September 30th, 2025. To address this challenge, the government has now increased the permissible 5G power density from 1 watt per square metre to 5 watts per square metre, aligning with global standards. This change will allow telcos to offer 5G services with fewer towers, as the signal can travel a longer distance.
Interestingly, the International Commission for Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) recommends a power density of 10 watts per square metre, and the telcos have requested the government to further increase the limit to this level. This would enable them to provide more efficient 5G services at a lower cost.
