December 2025 Brings Key Standards for Telecommunications, Audio, and Video Engineering

In December 2025, the field of telecommunications, audio, and video engineering saw the publication of four major standards that mark a significant step forward in the reliability, quality, and safety of network infrastructure. These latest releases provide updated mechanical and environmental testing methods for optical fibre cables, alongside stricter guidelines for radio frequency and coaxial assemblies—addressing both ever-evolving technical challenges and regulatory requirements.

Industry professionals across telecommunications, broadcast, electronics manufacturing, and network deployment will find these new standards essential for ensuring compliance, enhancing system performance, and embracing best-in-class practices in an increasingly demanding market.

Overview / Introduction

Telecommunications, audio, and video engineering is at the core of today's global connectivity. From high-speed broadband and optical networks to dependable television and radio transmissions, the integrity of cables and connections is foundational to every service. Standards in this sector not only define technical excellence but also foster interoperability, safety, and future-readiness.

This comprehensive article covers four pivotal standards published in December 2025, each bringing new levels of precision to cable testing, midspan access, environmental durability, and RF assembly performance. Whether you are a quality manager, compliance officer, engineer, researcher, or procurement specialist, you'll discover:

• What each new/revised standard brings to the table
• How key test methods have evolved
• Practical steps for compliant implementation
• Compliance deadlines and industry impact

Detailed Standards Coverage

EN IEC 60794-1-107:2025 - Torsion Testing for Optical Fibre Cables

Optical fibre cables – Part 1-107: Generic specification – Basic optical cable test procedures – Mechanical test methods – Torsion, method E7

This standard establishes the method for mechanical torsion testing (Method E7) of optical fibre cables used in telecommunications and related equipment. It covers not only classic optical cables but also fibre units and microduct solutions. The torsion test simulates twisting forces that cables might encounter during installation or in-service, verifying their ability to maintain structural integrity and signal performance under real-world conditions.

Key requirements and specifications:

• Sets out apparatus, sample preparation, and detailed torsion procedures
• Updates the typical test length per cable type, promoting more accurate and relevant test results
• Includes revised guidance for loading weights and gripping fixtures (updated Figure 2)
• Partially replaces IEC 60794-1-21:2015, reflecting the latest mechanical testing research

Who should comply:

• Cable manufacturers
• Network deployers and installers
• Labs performing type and acceptance testing
• Procurement teams specifying optical cables for telecommunication infrastructure

Implementation Impact: Testing to this standard assures better performance in cable installations subject to twisting, such as aerial deployments or environments with mechanical movement. The clarified methods also support consistent benchmarking across the industry.

Notable changes from previous versions:

• Refined test lengths for various cable structures
• Enhanced illustrations and weight guidance for setup

Key highlights:

• Clearly defines torsion apparatus and tension application
• Takes into account new cable types (microducts, fibre units)
• Modernizes performance criteria and reporting details

Access the full standard:View EN IEC 60794-1-107:2025 on iTeh Standards

EN IEC 60794-1-129:2025 - Straight Midspan Access Methods for Optical Fibre Cables

Optical fibre cables – Part 1-129: Generic specification – Basic optical cable test procedures – Mechanical tests methods – Straight midspan access to optical elements, Method E29

EN IEC 60794-1-129:2025 standardizes the methodology (Method E29) for verifying the mechanical performance of optical fibre cables during straight midspan access. Midspan access is a crucial process in fibre optic deployment, enabling technicians to access and branch specific fibres without cutting or interrupting the entire cable span—vital for FTTH, distributed networks, and rapid repairs.

Key requirements and specifications:

• Describes test procedures for safe, repeatable midspan access on different cable architectures
• Details procedures for both visual inspection and mechanical validation
• Outlines applicable cable types and displacement measures
• Expands inspection/reporting requirements for complete traceability

Who must comply:

• Fibre optic cable designers and manufacturers
• Telecommunications network providers (especially FTTH)
• Field engineers performing installation or maintenance

Practical implications: Organizations benefit from more secure and reliable splicing and branching jobs, with less risk of fibre damage or transmission loss. Proper midspan access extends cable infrastructure life and reduces operational costs.

Notable changes from previous versions:

• Supersedes and updates E29 method of IEC 60794-1-21:2015 and its amendments
• Improved illustrations and expanded reporting on displacement and procedures
• Broader address of cable types (multifibre, microduct, etc.)

Key highlights:

• Covers both legacy and new optical cable innovations (microduct, fibre units)
• Adds rigorous reporting and traceability elements
• Minimizes network downtime and risk during field operations

Access the full standard:View EN IEC 60794-1-129:2025 on iTeh Standards

EN IEC 60794-1-207:2025 - Nuclear Radiation Test Methods for Optical Fibre Cables

Optical fibre cables – Part 1-207: Generic specification – Basic optical cable test procedures – Environmental test methods – Nuclear radiation, Method F7

Aimed at critical installations where optical fibre cables are exposed to ionizing radiation (such as nuclear power plants, military sites, and certain medical facilities), this standard defines the procedure for evaluating fibre performance under nuclear radiation. The standard is pertinent for any cables combining optical and electrical conductors in high-risk environments.

Key requirements and specifications:

• Describes both Method F7A (environmental radiation exposure) and F7B (adverse nuclear environments)
• Establishes apparatus, sample handling, and dosimetry requirements
• Requires pre- and post-radiation attenuation monitoring to gauge performance degradation
• Defines detailed reporting content for traceable results

Applicable organizations:

• Nuclear facility operators
• Contractors specifying resilient telecom infrastructure
• Cable manufacturers and labs certifying for high-radiation environments
• Defense and health sector communication deployers

Practical implications: Conformance ensures network survivability and data integrity under extreme conditions, minimizing downtime, failure, and maintenance risks.

Notable changes from previous versions:

• Incorporates detailed specification of samples, apparatus, and measurement metrics
• Supersedes and improves upon F7 of IEC 60794-1-22:2018

Key highlights:

• Enhanced methods for both low-level and high-intensity nuclear environments
• Clear procedures for sample prep, dosimetry, and post-exposure assessment
• Promotes resilient infrastructure where service continuity is business- or life-critical

Access the full standard:View EN IEC 60794-1-207:2025 on iTeh Standards

EN IEC 60966-2-8:2025 - Coaxial Assemblies for Radio and TV Receivers

Radio frequency and coaxial cable assemblies – Part 2-8: Detail specification for cable assemblies for radio and TV receivers – Frequency range up to 3 000 MHz, screening class A++, IEC 61169-47 connectors

This core standard applies to RF and coaxial cable assemblies equipped with F-Quick connectors, crucial for modern radio and TV receivers, including high-definition TV delivery and broadband internet. It specifies stringent requirements for assemblies operating up to 3 GHz, demanding the highest quad-shield screening (Class A++), ensuring signal integrity and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC).

Key requirements and specifications:

• Applies to cable assemblies utilizing IEC 61169-47 connectors with advanced screening
• Demands quad-shield construction for ultra-high EMC (Class A++ per IEC 61196-6-5)
• Expands connector variants (now also covers right-angled types)
• Tightens requirements for reflection (return loss), insertion loss, and loop resistance based on connector geometry
• Eliminates non-standardized (female) F-connectors for better harmonization

Intended users:

• Cable manufacturers and OEMs supplying consumer electronics
• Network providers and integrators for radio, TV, and digital broadcast systems
• Certification and testing laboratories in AV and broadcast domains

Practical implications: Network designers and installers benefit from guaranteed signal quality, interference resistance, and consistent performance in digital, HD, and emerging broadcast infrastructures. Improved EMC and return loss/frequency characterization are key for dense urban deployments and data-rich environments.

Notable changes from previous versions:

• Incorporates guidance for right-angled connectors
• Revises loss parameters for different connector types
• Sets max loop resistance for full assembly length

Key highlights:

• Enhanced screening and EMC for interference-free AV services
• Broader range of connector configurations supported
• Balances high performance with installation flexibility

Access the full standard:View EN IEC 60966-2-8:2025 on iTeh Standards

Industry Impact & Compliance

Adopting these 2025 standards is crucial for businesses seeking to maintain technical leadership and regulatory compliance in telecommunications and broadcast engineering. Key impacts include:

• Performance assurance: Standards-backed performance claims boost confidence for service providers and end users.
• Futureproofing networks: Clear testing and environmental guidelines support next-generation deployments (5G, FTTH, UHD, IoT).
• Reduced liability: Compliant installations enjoy lower risk of failure, regulatory penalty, or costly rework.
• Market advantage: Vendors and integrators aligned with current standards are preferred in the procurement process.

Compliance considerations and timelines:

• National adoption deadlines typically fall 12–24 months after publication: users should review their internal procedures now
• Conflict with legacy national standards will be resolved by December 2028 at the latest
• Early adoption is encouraged, especially for projects where public safety, mission-critical operation, or cutting-edge service levels are required

Technical Insights

Common Themes Across the 2025 Standards

• Emphasis on mechanical reliability (torsion, midspan manipulation)
• Strong focus on environmental resilience (including nuclear environments)
• Precise, repeatable test methods and reporting requirements for certification
• Upgraded benchmarks for EMC and signal integrity in AV/RF applications

Implementation Best Practices

1. Equip labs with necessary apparatus: Ensure access to calibrated torsion, radiation, and midspan test equipment as outlined in the standards.
2. Update training documentation: Train staff in new procedures, especially for midspan and nuclear testing.
3. Audit and qualify suppliers: Verify that all purchased cable assemblies and optical cables have relevant certifications.
4. Plan for transition: Prepare migration strategies from legacy standards before their formal withdrawal deadline.

Testing and Certification Considerations

• Third-party laboratory accreditation: For safety and market acceptance, use certified labs for type, routine, and acceptance testing.
• Traceability in documentation: Adhere to new reporting requirements—especially for environmental and mechanical test records.
• Connector and cable marking: Use the updated identification and marking schemes to avoid misapplication in the field.

Conclusion / Next Steps

The December 2025 standards for telecommunications, audio, and video engineering mark a bold leap toward more robust, agile, and high-performance networks. By embracing these updated specifications, organizations ensure the longevity and dependability of their communications infrastructure—essential for supporting tomorrow's digital society.

Key takeaways:

• Four significant standards re-define mechanical, environmental, and EMC benchmarks for the industry
• Early adoption offers a compliance and performance edge
• Updated methods help futureproof deployments and reduce lifecycle risks

Recommendations:

• Assess your current compliance status against the new standards
• Update procurement and technical requirements for upcoming projects
• Engage with training and certification resources to facilitate smooth transitions
• Explore the detailed content and purchase full versions of these standards at iTeh Standards

Staying informed and proactive in meeting new standards is essential for every organization in the telecommunications and broadcast sector. Visit iTeh Standards to access the complete texts, ensure compliance, and maintain your competitive advantage.