Dr Neeraj Mittal, secretary (T), Department of Telecommunications (DoT), has virtually launched one of the experimental licence modules for 100 5G labs during a 5G workshop at IIT Madras. This initiative aims to simplify experimental licence requirements for these institutions, facilitating smoother operations and fostering innovation in 5G domain.
DoT has awarded 100 5G use case labs to educational institutions across country. The primary objective behind this initiative is to cultivate competencies and engagement in 5G technology among students and start-up communities.
These labs will be using 5G frequency bands for carrying out various experiments and testing use cases. Hence, they need to obtain experimental (non-radiating) category of licence from DoT to ensure interference-free operations to licenced telecommunications service providers (TSPs).
This licence is currently being issued on self-declaration mode from Saral Sanchar portal of DoT through national single window system (NSWS). Around 1,500 licences have been granted since the launch of this module on Saral Sanchar portal.
As per the current process, applicants have to fill necessary details regarding experiment to be carried out, schematic of setup, details of equipment, frequency band of operation etc. to obtain experimental licence.
The key features of the new process are:
Efficiency: This automates application process by pre-filling technical specifications and schematic details, reducing manual effort and time.
Instantaneous licensing: Applicants can now obtain experimental licence through a self-declaration mode and download it instantaneously with a single click, ensuring prompt commencement of operations.
Simplified application: With only basic information required such as institute address, authorized personnel, and a nominal fee of Rs. 5,000, application process is streamlined, making it more accessible to a wider range of institutions.
Support for innovation: This initiative is poised to significantly support innovation, cultivate competencies, and represents a step forward in democratising access to 5G technology and empowering educational institutions and startups to explore its potential for transformative applications.
