08 October 2024

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT), India. has introduced significant reforms to streamline the issuance of Experimental Licenses, Demonstration Licenses, and Equipment Type Approvals (ETA) in a bid to enhance ease of doing business within the telecom sector.

“These reforms are aimed at reducing delays and simplifying regulatory requirements, fostering innovation and streamlining operations for businesses and telecom operators,” said the Ministry of Communications in a statement.

Experimental Licenses (Radiating Category) will now be approved within 30 days if no Inter-Ministerial Consultation is required. For cases needing consultation, comments are sought within 7 days. Provisional licenses will be granted after 60 days and converted to regular licenses after 90 days, provided there are no adverse comments.

Demonstration Licenses (Radiating Category) are deemed granted after 15 days without consultation and 45 days with consultation.

Additionally, ETA applications for license-exempt wireless devices can now be self-declared through the SARAL Sanchar portal, allowing for faster processing and certificate download. Futher stipulations include the immediate cancellation of provisional licenses upon unfavourable comments and the requirement to follow possession or disposal guidelines upon license expiry.

DoT noted that the existing terms from the Office Memorandum dated 23 July 2019 continue to apply. ETA holders must also secure a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) before importing equipment.

These reforms, based on TRAI’s recommendations, aim to enhance regulatory efficiency and support innovation in India’s telecom sector.