The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has issued an order exempting most short-range communication devices and radar systems from requiring a license. This shift in policy could lead to an increase in the use of products like cordless phones and contact-less cards.
As per the Wireless Planning and Coordination Wing notification, low-power equipment such as wireless microphones accessing the 36 – 38MHz band will no longer have to be licensed. S N Gupta, a telecom regulatory expert, said this frequency is generally used by handheld devices to communicate within a confined space. He believes that the new rule will facilitate the import and use of similar products.
Along with microphones, radar systems coming under the 76 – 77GHz frequency have been included in the exemption as well. According to PTI, this range is commonly used by vehicles as a sensor for executing safety functions such as blind-spot detection, collision warning, pedestrian protection, and lane change assistance.
The WPC, which operates under the DoT, has further freed products like Radio Frequency Identification Devices (RFID) and microwaves from having to obtain a license. Shopping malls frequently use RFID tags to keep a watch over the movement of goods. Gupta posits that NFC (Near field communication) will become more accessible now and will be seen in wider use by smartphones and toll plazas.
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The document issued by the DoT clarified that while the applicable products can be manufactured unlicensed, they still need to be approved by the agency. It goes on to warn that the exemptions will not be valid in cases where a specific service license is needed from the central government. It’s also not allowed for cases where the frequency band used is for airborne devices like drones, for example.