Revolutionizing Telecom: DoT Simplifies Licensing and Approvals

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) implements new measures to streamline experimental licenses, demonstration licenses, and equipment type approvals. These reforms aim to reduce delays, simplify regulations, and foster innovation, significantly benefiting businesses and telecom operators.

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has introduced significant changes to the processes for issuing experimental licenses, demonstration licenses, and equipment type approvals (ETA). These reforms, designed to reduce delays and simplify regulatory requirements, aim to foster innovation and streamline operations for both businesses and telecom operators, according to a statement from the Ministry of Communications.

Under the new guidelines, fixed timelines have been set for Experimental Licenses (Radiating Category). Licenses not requiring Inter-Ministerial Consultation will be deemed issued after 30 days if no decision is communicated. In cases needing Inter-Ministerial Consultation, comments will be sought within seven days, and a provisional license will be granted after 60 days if no comments are received. This provisional license will convert to a regular one after 90 days, barring any adverse comments.

For Demonstration Licenses (Radiating Category), those without consultations will be deemed granted after 15 days, while those needing consultations will be deemed approved after 45 days, pending comments from relevant authorities. The statement emphasized that all applicable terms and conditions will persist, and any unfavorable comments will result in the cancellation of the provisional license. In a significant development, ETAs for license-exempt wireless devices will now be granted on a self-declaration basis, reducing time and effort for approvals, especially for companies deploying wireless equipment in India.

(With inputs from agencies.)