DoT Launches Online System to Speed Up Approvals for Trial Spectrum

On Tuesday, the DoT launched an online application system. Using this system, companies can file for approvals to use airwaves to conduct experiments and demonstrations.

DoT Launches Online Portal to Facilitate Telecom Testing

Many regard this move as a bid to boost India as a hub of wireless innovation. The DoT said that approvals will come through for companies within six to eight weeks, which used to take months. In a statement, the telecom department said, "the scope of existing Saral Sanchar Portal of DoT, on which application for Access Services, Internet Services and other licenses are being received, was expanded for receipt, processing and grant of licenses for spectrum to conduct experiment, demonstration, testing, manufacturing".

When the portal goes live, it will facilitate faceless permissions for equipment type approval, satellite licenses and amateur licenses. Till now, the WPC wing of DoT was in-charge of approving the applications manually. Anshu Prakash, secretary, DoT said the rationale for the move was to boost the design and applications ecosystem in wireless technologies. He also added that this portal will bundled together all the approvals required. The said permissions include clearances for equipment, import of necessary modules & subsystems and demonstration of R&D products.

An applicant will have to file a self-declaration for the instant issue of licenses for indoor experimentation (R&D), demonstration and manufacturing. When the DoT approves the application, it will issue a license that will cover all the requirements. These include spectrum use, import of related products and sub- assemblies, demonstration, and possession of wireless equipment.

Also, for all outdoor licences, the department will provide an approval within 6 to 8 weeks of the application. Further, it will offer airwaves on "non-interference and non-protection basis" and on "no commercial services". This can possibly imply that the parties seeking approval will not have to pay spectrum fees to the government.

The government hopes to facilitate Indian companies to boost R&D and manufacturing in India with this move.