India’s Department of Telecommunications (DoT) reportedly announced on Friday that it has launched an experimental licence module that will allow its established 5G labs across India to test 5G use cases.
The DoT has set up 5G use case labs within 100 institutes across the country with the objective to build competencies and engagement in 5G technologies for students and startup communities. The experimental licence from the DoT will enable those labs to use 5G spectrum bands to test whatever use cases they come up with without interfering with commercial 5G services.
According to ETTelecom, the experimental license is available on a “self-declaration basis” from the DoT’s Saral Sanchar portal. Applicants have to provide details such as the use case to be tested, the technical details of the experiment and which frequency band they wish to use.
“This initiative aims to simplify the experimental licence requirements for these institutions, facilitating smoother operations and fostering innovation in the 5G domain,” the DoT said in a statement.
The DoT has granted 1,500 licenses so far for conducting trials and testing of 5G services and use cases, the report said.
Last month, the DoT launched its Spectrum Regulatory Sandbox (SRS), as well as Wireless Test Zones (WiTe Zones), to streamline testing and experimentation of domestically produced wireless solutions.
The SRS is expected to encourage start-ups and SMEs to develop use cases for 5G and 6G technologies, as well as help telcos and solutions providers test gear for any technical problems.
As part of the SRS initiative, the DoT also reportedly abolished the Wireless Operating License (WOL) requirement for licensees under the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, which means sandbox participants won’t need to acquire a WOL before they start experimenting.
