India’s Telecom Department Simplifies License Approvals to Boost Innovation
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) in India has introduced new reforms to make it easier for businesses in the telecom sector. These changes aim to reduce delays and simplify regulatory requirements, fostering innovation and streamlining operations for businesses and telecom operators.
Key Changes in License Approvals
For Experimental Licenses (Radiating Category), fixed timelines have been introduced:
- Licenses not requiring Inter-Ministerial Consultation will be deemed issued after 30 days if no decision is conveyed.
- Licenses requiring Inter-Ministerial Consultation will have comments sought within seven days. If no comments are received, a provisional license will be granted after 60 days and converted to a regular license after 90 days, provided there are no adverse comments.
For Demonstration Licenses (Radiating Category):
- Licenses without inter-ministerial consultation will be deemed granted after 15 days.
- Licenses requiring consultation will be deemed granted after 45 days once comments are sought from relevant authorities.
Applicants must submit an undertaking agreeing to stop the experiment immediately if any unfavorable inter-ministerial comments are received during the approval process.
Equipment Type Approvals (ETA)
All applications for ETA for license-exempt wireless devices will now be granted on a self-declaration basis. Applicants can submit their applications through the SARAL Sanchar portal and download their ETA certificates upon successful submission. This self-declaration process is expected to significantly reduce the time and effort required for approvals.
Additional Information
These changes are based on the recommendations of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) concerning the enhancement of ease of doing business and simplifying regulatory processes in the telecom sector. Existing terms and conditions for Experimental and Demonstration Licenses, as outlined in the Office Memorandum dated July 23, 2019, will remain in effect, except for the updated timelines. ETA holders are reminded to obtain necessary clearances, such as a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), before importing equipment into India.
Doubts Revealed
Telecom Department -: The Telecom Department, also known as the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), is a part of the Indian government that manages telephone and internet services in the country.
License Approvals -: License approvals are permissions given by the government to companies so they can use certain technologies or services legally.
Reforms -: Reforms are changes made to improve a system. In this case, the changes are made to make it easier for companies to get licenses and approvals.
Experimental and demonstration licenses -: These are special permissions that allow companies to test new technologies and show how they work before they are fully approved for public use.
Equipment type approvals -: This means checking and approving the types of equipment (like phones or internet devices) to make sure they meet certain standards before they can be sold or used.
Self-declaration process -: This is a simpler way for companies to declare that their devices meet the required standards without going through a long approval process.
License-exempt wireless devices -: These are wireless devices that do not need a special license to be used, like Wi-Fi routers or Bluetooth devices.
Telecom Regulatory Authority of India -: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) is a government body that makes rules and gives advice to improve telecom services in India.
