What is PTCRB Certification and Why It Matters for Cellular Devices

by Ralph Heredia On December 19, 2024

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In today’s connected world, ensuring that your cellular IoT devices work seamlessly with wireless networks isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s essential. That's why PTCRB certification is crucial. When your device is PTCRB-certified, it meets the requirements of North American networks, guaranteeing interoperability so your devices communicate reliably and efficiently without issues like dropped connections or limited functionality. As an OEM, this is critical to delivering the level of service your customers expect.

In this article, we’ll explain the steps involved in the PTCRB certification process, its requirements, and how Zipit can help you get your devices to market faster and ensure they perform seamlessly wherever they’re deployed.

What is PTCRB certification?

The PCS Type Certification Review Board (PTCRB) was established in 1997 by leading wireless network operators to ensure that cellular devices—such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, and IoT devices—comply with North American network standards. The PTCRB certification process involves rigorous testing based on international standards like 3GPP, verifying that your device meets the technical requirements for interoperability and compliance on technologies like 5G, 4G LTE, NB-IoT, and Cat-M1. Without PTCRB certification, your device may face poor network performance, leading to costly delays, reputational damage, or network failures that disrupt your customers’ experience.

After passing the certification tests, your device is assigned an International Mobile Equipment Identifier (IMEI), which signals to carriers that the device is compatible with their networks. However, it's important to remember that some operators may have additional certification requirements, making PTCRB certification just one step in preparing your device for the North American market.

PTCRB vs. FCC

Both PTCRB and Federal Communications Commission (FCC) certifications are required to bring cellular devices to market in the U.S., but each serves a distinct function. While PTCRB certification ensures that your device meets the technical standards for seamless operation on wireless networks, FCC certification focuses on regulatory compliance related to electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency (RF) emissions. FCC certification ensures that your device operates safely without causing harmful interference with other electronic devices, radio services, or communications systems. Both certifications are critical, but they address different aspects of getting your device market-ready.

PTCRB vs. GCF

PTCRB and the Global Certification Forum (GCF) serve similar roles but focus on different geographic regions. PTCRB ensures that devices meet the standards necessary to operate on mobile networks in North America, while GCF is responsible for certifying devices for the European market. Like PTCRB, GCF certification provides manufacturers, operators, and test laboratories with a framework to ensure device compliance, but it is aligned with European standards and operator requirements. If you plan to market devices in both regions, you may need certification from PTCRB and GCF to ensure compatibility.

Benefits of PTCRB certification

While compliance is a significant advantage of PTCRB certification, several other specific benefits make the certification process valuable.

Prevents interference with other signals and minimizes network disruptions

One of the key benefits of PTCRB certification is its ability to prevent interference with other signals and reduce network disruptions. Devices undergo thorough testing, including checks for spurious emissions, to ensure they operate on the correct radio frequencies without transmitting unwanted data or interfering with other wireless communications. This rigorous testing helps ensure smooth network performance for all users.

Ensures SIM is properly installed

PTCRB certification also confirms that the SIM card is installed correctly and functioning, ensuring the device can connect to the network as expected. By validating the SIM interface, the certification process reduces the risk of connectivity issues and improves overall device performance.

Shifts burden of compliance to testing facilities

Another significant advantage is that PTCRB certification shifts the compliance responsibility from network operators to PTCRB-approved testing facilities and manufacturers. This reduces the risk of operational errors and ensures that devices meet North American network standards before they hit the market. Successfully passing PTCRB tests gives carriers confidence that your devices will perform seamlessly on their networks.

Prevents unauthorized devices from accessing networks

Certified devices are assigned a unique IMEI, allowing carriers to quickly identify and authorize them for network access while blocking devices that do not meet the required standards. This not only safeguards the network but also enhances the quality of service for end-users.

Is PTCRB certification required?

Yes, PTCRB certification is essential to market cellular devices in North America. Whether your device operates on 3G, 4G LTE, NB-IoT, Cat-M1, or 5G networks, PTCRB certification acts as a stamp of approval from North American MNOs. It confirms that your device has the correct bands, protocols, and technology to function seamlessly on their networks.

Without this certification, many operators will not allow your device to access their networks, preventing you from bringing your product to market in the region. PTCRB certification isn’t just a regulatory step—it’s a vital process to ensure your device’s ability to meet the expectations of both operators and end-users in North America.

PTCRB certification requirements

To obtain PTCRB certification for your device, you must submit or reference a few key documents detailing the product's specifications and technical components. You can access essential documents on the PTCRB website.

Documents you'll need to submit

Product description

A detailed product description is required, providing an overview of the device and its intended functionality on cellular networks.

Description of Multiple Modules Implementation (if applicable)

If your device contains multiple wireless modules, you must submit a document that explains the implementation. This document should include details such as the number of modules, manufacturers, model numbers, software versions, antenna configurations, and whether the modules can transmit simultaneously.

Certification Request via PTCRB database

You must submit a certification request through the PTCRB online database. This formally initiates the certification process and includes critical product details.

Test results form PTCRB-accredited testing lab

After completing the necessary tests, the PTCRB-approved testing lab will provide the required documentation and test results, which confirm that your device meets PTCRB’s technical and network standards.

Documents for the certification process

PTCRB Program Management Document (PPMD)

This document outlines the entire certification process and guides you through the necessary steps for obtaining certification.

PTCRB NAPRD03 Document

This document specifies your device's technical requirements, such as compliance with specific network protocols and frequency bands.

PVG Permanent Reference Document PVG.11

If applicable, this document details the frequency bands that will be tested during the certification process.

By gathering the necessary submissions and consulting these documents, you can start the process by creating an account in the PTCRB database, submitting the certification request, and working with a PTCRB-accredited lab to perform testing.

PTCRB certification process

The PTCRB certification process involves several steps, some of which are handled by an approved testing lab, but there are key actions you must take to ensure your devices are certified for North American networks.

1. Choose a cellular technology

Start by selecting the appropriate cellular technology (such as 4G LTE, 5G, NB-IoT, or Cat-M1) that will best support your device’s functionality and network requirements.

At Zipit, we can help you select the best cellular technology for your device. Our established relationships with top-tier MNOs, enable us to help you choose the most suitable technology based on your deployment locations and specific network needs. Our expertise and connectivity management platform can make this process more efficient and accelerate your time to market.

Resources to help you choose a cellular technology:

2. Outfit the device with a compatible module

Using a pre-certified module, also known as an "integrated device," can significantly reduce the certification time. Since the module has already been tested and certified, much of the required testing is already complete, leaving only specific components like the SIM, power, and antenna to be evaluated.

3. Outfit the device with the appropriate SIM

The device should include a properly installed SIM card that works with the selected cellular technology.

Whether you need a single global SIM or a SIM from multiple carriers, Zipit can help you select the right option for your device based on your deployment needs. We also simplify the complexity of managing SIMs through our connectivity platform that streamlines the activation, deactivation, and management of SIMs, boosting operational efficiency and ensuring that your device remains connected with minimal effort.

Resources to help you choose an IoT SIM:

4. Ensure compliance with FCC standards

Before starting the PTCRB certification, make sure your device also meets FCC requirements for radio frequency emissions and electromagnetic interference. This is a separate certification but just as crucial for regulatory compliance in North America.

5. Submit an initial PTCRB certification request

Once the device is ready, you must submit an application via the PTCRB website. This initial step involves entering details about the device and choosing the appropriate module, if applicable.

6. Choose a testing lab

Next, you select a PTCRB-approved lab (referred to as the “Primary Lab”), which will determine the tests required based on the device’s capabilities. For integrated devices, only limited testing is needed, typically involving the SIM, power source, and antenna.

7. Undergo testing

The selected testing lab conducts the necessary tests. For devices with pre-certified modules, this process is shorter since many tests are already covered during the module's certification.

8. Submit documentation

After testing, the lab provides the results to the manufacturer, who then submits the final documentation to PTCRB along with the certification fee.

9. Board approval

Once all documentation is submitted and the fee is paid, the CTIA (which oversees the certification process) reviews the submission. If everything is in order, PTCRB certification is granted.

10. Maintain certification

After receiving certification, you’ll need to ensure the device remains compliant with the original certified design. Any changes to the device may require retesting and re-certification to maintain compliance.

The entire certification process typically takes up to two months, depending on the complexity of the device. However, by using a pre-certified module, the timeline can be shortened considerably, often to as little as one month, as fewer tests are required.

How much does PTCRB certification cost?

The cost of PTCRB certification varies widely based on the complexity of your device and its components. In general, the price ranges from $1,000 to well over $500,000. However, the cost depends heavily on whether or not you build your device components from scratch.

Using pre-certified modules or chipsets can significantly reduce both testing requirements and costs because much of the necessary certification work has already been completed. This approach can save you both time and money.

On the other hand, companies that design and certify each component of their device from scratch will face much higher costs. This is usually only necessary for large companies, like those aiming for complete control over their technology stack for vertical integration. For these companies, certification costs can climb into the hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Other factors that influence certification costs include the complexity of your device’s functionality, the target market, and the type of certification required. By leveraging pre-certified components and focusing on integrated devices, you can keep costs lower and shorten your time to market.

Streamline your PTCRB certification with the right partner

Navigating the complexities of PTCRB certification and cellular device deployment can be challenging, but Zipit provides expert guidance to streamline the process, ensuring your devices meet connectivity requirements while simplifying connectivity management.

With Zipit, you also benefit from our strong relationships with top-tier mobile network operators, ensuring your devices are ready for market faster and with fewer hurdles. We also offer a comprehensive connectivity platform that makes it easy to manage multiple carriers and receive a single monthly invoice for all your data usage.

Whether you're currently dealing with PTCRB requirements or just beginning the process of launching your product, Zipit can help you accelerate your time to market with confidence.

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