The government has announced a new policy to facilitate spectrum testing for telecom equipment and R&D. The spectrum regulatory sandbox will allow entities such as educational institutions, telcos, and network manufacturers to apply for spectrum through a portal by paying a nominal fee. The sandbox will enable hassle-free and flexible environment for innovation and development of use cases in the present and next generation telecom technologies.
What is the spectrum regulatory sandbox?
The spectrum regulatory sandbox is a policy initiative by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to provide a simplified and streamlined process for spectrum allocation for testing purposes. The policy aims to encourage experimentation and innovation in the telecom sector by allowing entities such as educational institutions, telcos, and network manufacturers to test their equipment by paying a notional amount and doing registration . The sandbox or wireless test zones will enable hassle-free and flexible environment for R&D and technology trials. It will also help development of use cases in the present and next generation telecom technologies.
How does the spectrum regulatory sandbox work?
As per Communications Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, through the sandbox, the DoT will be giving easy permissions to test new equipment that requires use of spectrum. “Let’s say, a college design a new equipment which requires spectrum to be used for testing. Instead of coming to DoT for a license and a number of license conditions and a series of other requirements, can we create a very simple construct in which the college simply logs in through a portal and everything that needs to be done is done by paying a token amount of Rs 1000,” Vaishnaw said.
The test zones have been characterised in two categories. Under first category, experiment can be done in all the vacant frequency bands and can be established on campuses situated in urban or populated areas while in the other category, test zones can be established only in uninhabited remote areas. The entities that can test the equipment include academia, R&D labs, telecom service providers, equipment manufacturers, central and state government departments etc.
What are the benefits of the spectrum regulatory sandbox?
The spectrum regulatory sandbox policy is part of the second generation reforms for the telecom sector that the government has undertaken recently. The policy aims to enhance ease of doing business in the telecom sector and promote innovation and development of new technologies. Some of the benefits of the policy are:
- It will provide a conducive environment for testing new technologies and applications that require spectrum.
- It will reduce the time and cost involved in obtaining spectrum licenses and permissions.
- It will foster collaboration among various stakeholders such as academia, industry, and government.
- It will support the development of indigenous telecom products and solutions.
- It will facilitate the adoption of emerging technologies such as 5G, IoT, AI, etc.
What are the other reforms taken by the government for the telecom sector?
The government has also abolished the requirement for Wireless Operating License (WoL), thereby simplifying licensing process. Now, there will be no separate WoL needed for establishing, maintaining, or working of telecommunication including radio equipment. The government said removal of WoL requirements simplifies the licensing process, and saves time for telecom service providers.
The government has also signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Ericsson for the “Ericsson Educate” programme, designed to enhance digital skills for students in universities. The collaboration aims to strengthen capacity building and skill development in the 100 5G use case labs, enabling institutes to mentor students and faculties in creating innovative 5G products and use cases, the government said.
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