November 2025: Key Telecommunications and AV Standards Released

The telecommunications and audio/video (AV) engineering industries have undergone significant advancements this November 2025. Five newly published international standards set the stage for improved performance, reliability, and user experience across a broad array of applications — from ultra-high-frequency RF connectors and advanced optical fibre cable testing, to the technical frameworks supporting low-latency networks and next-generation multimedia conferencing.

In this article, we provide an authoritative, comprehensive guide to the latest standards, what they mean for organizations, and how to stay compliant in a rapidly evolving sector.

Overview / Introduction

Telecommunications and audio/video engineering are foundational to today’s digital economy, supporting everything from 5G cellular networks and IoT deployments to mission-critical AV systems in business, government, and public infrastructure. International standards underpin this sector, ensuring interoperability, quality, compatibility, and safety. For quality managers, engineers, compliance officers, and procurement professionals, staying current with leading standards is essential to guarantee system integrity and regulatory compliance.

This article delivers:

• A detailed analysis of five prominent standards published in November 2025
• Explanation of new technical and compliance requirements
• Practical insights on implementation, testing, and certification
• Assessment of impacts and opportunities for organizations and professionals

By the end, you’ll gain actionable knowledge for navigating the latest developments in telecommunications and AV engineering standards.

Detailed Standards Coverage

EN IEC 61169-64:2025 - High-Performance RF Coaxial Connectors

Radio-frequency connectors – Part 64: Sectional specification – RF coaxial connectors with 0.8 mm inner diameter of outer conductor – Characteristic impedance 50 Ω (type 0.8)

The EN IEC 61169-64:2025 standard is a thorough revision that sets out requirements for high-precision RF coaxial connectors with a 0.8 mm inner diameter and 50 ohm characteristic impedance. These "type 0.8" connectors are designed for demanding telecommunications technology and test/measurement applications, operating at frequencies up to 145 GHz.

Key elements of the standard include:

• Detailed mating face dimensions for high-performance (grade 1) and standard test (grade 0) connectors
• Comprehensive gauge and test information, referencing IEC 61169-1
• Test schedules and inspection requirements at assessment levels M and H
• Major updates: alignment with IEEE 287.1-2021 and IEEE 287.3-2021, upgraded connector class (now grade 1), dimension corrections, improved datum systems for tolerances, and optional coupling nut design
• Simplified procedures for specification preparation, marking, and quality assessment

Who needs to comply?

• Telecom OEMs/manufacturers
• Network operators
• Test and measurement equipment vendors
• R&D labs and quality managers working in high-frequency RF environments

Implications: Compliance with EN IEC 61169-64:2025 is critical for ensuring interoperability with hyper-frequency equipment and avoiding failures especially where ultra high data transmission and measurement precision are essential.

Key highlights:

• Frequency coverage up to 145 GHz for new-generation applications
• Updated technical definitions for mating parts, dimensions, and electrical reference planes
• Harmonization with IEEE standards for global interoperability

Access the full standard:View EN IEC 61169-64:2025 on iTeh Standards

EN IEC 63478-2:2025 - User Quality of Experience for Multimedia Conferencing

User’s quality of experience on multimedia conferencing services – Part 2: Requirements

As remote work and virtual education become ubiquitous, the user’s Quality of Experience (QoE) in multimedia conferencing is a vital differentiator for service providers and organizations alike. EN IEC 63478-2:2025 introduces a rigorous framework for measuring, managing, and optimizing QoE in multimedia conferencing platforms, going beyond traditional network metrics to encompass user-centric parameters.

The standard defines:

• QoE parameters: video/audio quality, synchronization, accessibility, participation, interoperability, openness, and user interface/user experience (UI/UX)
• Measurement approaches: subjective (user feedback) and objective (technical metrics)
• Requirements for functional operations ( QoE initialization, monitoring, and evaluation) and the architecture of key entities (Conferencing Server, Client, Measurement Agent, and Manager)
• Guidance for ensuring consistency across devices, platforms, and network conditions

Target organizations:

• Videoconferencing and collaboration software providers
• Telecom operators
• System integrators building multimedia solutions
• Enterprises prioritizing remote/hybrid collaboration quality

Practical implications: Adopting this standard will allow organizations to deliver higher, provable end-user satisfaction, reduce churn, and set benchmarks for product development and competitive performance.

Key highlights:

• Holistic, multi-parameter definition of user experience
• Applicable to both technical and operational stakeholders
• Enables benchmarking and continuous improvement in multimedia conferencing

Access the full standard:View EN IEC 63478-2:2025 on iTeh Standards

EN IEC 60794-1-130:2025 - Mechanical Test Methods: Coefficient of Friction for Optical Cables

Optical fibre cables – Part 1-130: Generic specification – Basic optical cable test procedures – Mechanical tests methods – Coefficient of friction between cables, Methods E30

EN IEC 60794-1-130:2025 standardizes the methods for testing the coefficient of dynamic friction between optical fibre cables, a key mechanical property influencing installation, reliability, and long-term performance. The document describes test procedures (Methods E30A and E30B) for determining friction when cables are pulled over or between other cables, which directly impacts the ease of deployment and risk of damage.

The standard applies to:

• Optical fibre cables for telecommunications and similar electronic applications
• Combinations of optical and electrical conductors
• Various cable forms: optical fibre units, microduct fibre units

Significant updates: This edition replaces Method E24 of IEC 60794-1-21:2015 and its 2020 Amendment, offering a clarified, consolidated, and more robust framework for friction testing.

Who should comply:

• Cable manufacturers and suppliers
• Contractors/installers
• Network owners and operators
• Testing laboratories

Implementation: Correct application of the prescribed test methods ensures proper cable handling protocols, reduces installation failures, and ensures compliance with international procurement requirements.

Key highlights:

• E30A (drum/sheave test) and E30B (flat plate test) methodologies
• Coverage of both traditional and novel cable constructions
• Updated from previous standards for accuracy and applicability

Access the full standard:View EN IEC 60794-1-130:2025 on iTeh Standards

IEC 63448:2025 - Low and Ultra-Low Latency Communication and Control Systems

Low and ultra-low latency communication and control systems

IEC 63448:2025 sets the benchmark for low and ultra-low latency communication and control system (ULCCS) technologies, answering the challenges of modern multimedia-centric and control-centric applications. These requirements are essential for environments needing deterministic performance—think industrial automation, real-time teleoperation, virtual reality, and autonomous vehicle networks.

The standard details:

• Medium access control (MAC) layer design for ultra-fast and control-centric scheduling
• Message types, packet formats, and frame structures optimized for minimal delay
• System-level management for multi-domain, multi-hop, and parallel radio operation—including time synchronization and domain isolation
• Security requirements tailored for high-performance environments

Who it’s for:

• Communications system architects
• IoT solution developers
• Industrial automation and robotics engineers
• AV and VR developers facing real-time constraints

Impact: Implementing IEC 63448 enables verifiable low-latency communication in environments previously out of reach, delivering safer, more responsive, and more predictable operations.

Key highlights:

• MAC-layer innovations for sub-millisecond latency
• Support for multi-user and multi-domain environments
• Protocol extensions for VR, wireless teleoperation, and industrial IoT

Access the full standard:View IEC 63448:2025 on iTeh Standards

IEC 63466-1:2025 - Leaky Waveguides: General Requirements & Test Methods

Leaky waveguides – Part 1: Generic specification – General requirements and test methods

IEC 63466-1:2025 addresses the comprehensive specifications and testing for leaky waveguides, which are essential for communications in environments where traditional antennas are ineffective—such as tunnels, subways, highways, railways, elevators, and other enclosed or shielded spaces.

The standard covers:

• Fundamental terms and definitions
• Detailed design and structural requirements for rigid rectangular and elliptical leaky waveguides
• Essential performance characteristics (e.g., attenuation, coupling loss, return loss)
• Comprehensive testing: mechanical, environmental, combustion, sealing, and quality assessment procedures
• Marking, identification, and labelling for traceability and safety

Who benefits:

• Infrastructure engineers for public transport and underground utilities
• OEMs of leaky waveguide systems
• Installers working in challenging signal environments
• Compliance and safety officers

Practical implications: Adoption assures compatibility, enhances safety (with stringent combustion/aging/UV tests), and directly supports critical operations where conventional antennas fail.

Key highlights:

• Standardized test methods for attenuation, coupling loss, return loss, and environmental resilience
• Detailed marking/identification for stringent quality assurance
• Applicable to current and emerging communication needs in complex environments

Access the full standard:View IEC 63466-1:2025 on iTeh Standards

Industry Impact & Compliance

The November 2025 suite of standards has far-reaching implications for organizations in telecommunications and AV engineering:

How these standards affect businesses

• Innovation enablement: Open doors for launching compatible, high-performance products and services.
• Risk reduction: Improved reliability and interoperability mean fewer field failures, reduced downtime, and better customer satisfaction.
• Market access: Compliance is often a prerequisite for bidding on international contracts or entering regulated markets.

Compliance considerations and timelines

• Adoption timelines: Organizations are advised to review internal policies, training, and documentation in the months following publication. For public infrastructure or regulated environments, conformance is often required before new tenders are issued or by specified compliance dates.
• Third-party certification: Many clients now require independent laboratory verification for complex performance criteria (e.g., low-latency networks or friction tests for optical cables).

Benefits of adopting these standards

• Seamless interoperability
• Optimized user and operator experience
• Regulatory and contractual compliance
• Competitive differentiation
• Foundation for continuous quality improvement programs

Risks of non-compliance

• Ineligibility for contracts
• Increased installation/failure costs
• Security or safety vulnerabilities
• Regulatory sanctions and loss of reputation

Technical Insights

Common technical requirements across the standards

• Stringent measurement and testing: All five standards emphasize precise test protocols, accurate reporting, and regular quality assessment.
• Comprehensive documentation: For conformance, detailed marking, traceability, and reporting are mandatory.
• Compatibility: Many updates facilitate integration with global standards and the latest technologies (e.g., IEEE 287.1, evolving VR/IoT specs).

Implementation best practices

1. Gap analysis: Map current processes and products against new requirements.
2. Staff training: Ensure engineering, QA, and operations teams fully understand technical changes.
3. Pilot projects: Test new methods in a controlled environment before large-scale rollout.
4. Supplier alignment: Require vendors to demonstrate up-to-date compliance.

Testing and certification considerations

• Leverage accredited labs for complex or third-party verified tests (especially for mechanical or performance-critical criteria)
• Use the latest test methods (e.g., E30A/E30B for optical cables or attenuation/coupling loss tests for leaky waveguides)
• Maintain detailed records for audit and traceability

Conclusion / Next Steps

The November 2025 release of five pivotal telecommunications and audio/video engineering standards marks a turning point for the sector. Organizations that stay ahead by rapidly achieving compliance will position themselves as industry leaders — benefiting from improved product reliability, user experience, and market trust.

Key Takeaways:

• Major updates in RF connectors, QoE for conferencing, optical cable testing, low-latency communications, and leaky waveguide systems
• Enhanced focus on user experience, safety, and ultra-high-frequency performance
• Competitive advantage and risk-reduction for compliant organizations

Recommendations for organizations:

• Act quickly: Begin gap analyses, engage stakeholders, and plan for integration
• Collaborate: Work with trusted suppliers and accredited test labs
• Continuously monitor: Stay informed on ongoing revisions and guidance via iTeh Standards and relevant industry bodies

Explore these standards and stay updated to lead the next generation of telecommunications and AV engineering.

For authoritative access, expert commentary, and the most current international standards in telecommunications and audio/video engineering, visit iTeh Standards.