中文
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Telecommunications terminal equipment, radio communication equipment, and equipment involved in inter-network interconnection used to access public telecommunications networks in China must obtain a telecommunications equipment access license (commonly known as 'network access license' or 'MII certification') issued by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT). This is the core system to ensure the stable, safe and reliable operation of the national telecommunications network and safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of users. All equipment used to access public telecommunications networks must obtain a network access license before being sold or used in China.
Scope of application
The main products that need to apply for CTA access license include:
Basic telecommunications terminal equipment: mobile phones, fixed telephones, fax machines, etc.
Wireless communication equipment: wireless LAN equipment, satellite communication terminals, wireless access equipment.
Switching and transmission equipment: routers, switches, optical transmission equipment.
Data communication equipment: modems, gateway equipment.
Other network access equipment: Internet of Things modules, vehicle communication terminals, etc.
For information on whether equipment needs network access permission, please refer to the Telecommunications Equipment Network Access License Catalogue (published regularly by MIIT).
Application Requirements:
Applicant subject
Manufacturers (both domestic and foreign can apply), if it is an overseas enterprise, it is necessary to set up an agent in China.
Factory requirements
The product should comply with national/industry standards (such as GB, YD series standards).
It has corresponding production and quality assurance capabilities.
Test Laboratory
It must be tested by a laboratory designated by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (e.g., Thiel Laboratory, Institute of Information and Communications Technology Laboratory).
Test items
The network access permission test mainly covers the following aspects:
Electrical safety testing
According to GB 4943.1 (Information Technology Equipment Safety), GB 17625 (Electromagnetic Compatibility Limits) and other standards.
Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) testing
Including radiation harassment, conducted harassment, electrostatic discharge, transient immunity, etc.
Radio Frequency (RF) Performance Testing (Wireless Communication Equipment)
Transmit power, frequency stability, adjacent leakage power, stray emissions.
Network and protocol conformance testing
Comply with interface specifications for Chinese telecom networks (such as VoLTE, 5G NR, IPv6, etc.).
Functional and interoperability testing
Functional integrity verification of equipment.
Compatibility and interoperability testing with telecommunications networks/terminals.
Other special tests
The phone is subject to a SAR (Specific Absorption Rate) test.
VoIP devices are subject to voice quality (MOS) testing.
IoT modules need to undergo protocol conformance testing such as NB-IoT and eMTC.
Validity Period and Supervision
Validity Period: 5 years. Renewal is required upon expiration.
Supervision: MIIT conducts intermittent inspections, and licenses for non-compliant products can be revoked.
Relation with Other Certifications
CCC Certification: Some telecom products (such as mobile phone chargers and power adapters) also require CCC certification.
SRRC Certification: Devices with wireless transmission functions must obtain the Radio Type Approval Certificate (SRRC).
CTA Network Access License: Ensures that the device can legally access China’s telecommunication network.
Summary: The CTA Network Access License is the key threshold for telecom equipment entering the Chinese market. It primarily ensures that devices can safely and reliably access the public telecom network through tests on safety, electromagnetic compatibility, radio frequency, protocol conformity, and interoperability.
