The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has released guidelines for spectrum regulatory sandbox to give easy permission for spectrum needed in any kind of trials of equipments and research and development (R&D) and also introduced wireless test zones (WiTe Zones).
Currently, academia, R&D labs, telecom service providers (TSPs), equipment manufacturers, and government departments needed to follow a long process to get DoT’s permission for any spectrum assignment in WiTe Zones.
According to Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union Minister of Communications, Electronics and Information Technology and Railways, the simplified process will do away with the series of requirements, and licences that were needed earlier to get spectrum. The purpose behind developing technology is for utilising and improving efficiency for spectrum bands.
With regard to the process, WiTe Zones have been divided into two categories viz. experimentation in unassigned and assigned spectrum bands. The applicants can easily apply through Saral Sanchar portal.
Furthermore, DoT has also abolished the wireless operating licence (WoL) requirement for licencees under section 4 of Indian Telegraph Act, 1885. Subsequently, no separate WoL is needed for establishing, maintaining, or working of telecommunication including radio equipment. The removal of WoL requirement simplifies licencing process, saves time for telecom service providers, and aligns with DoT’s initiatives to drive innovation and improve ease of doing business.
