Dr. Neeraj Mittal, Secretary (Telecom), virtually launched one of the “Experimental Licence Modules for 100 5G Labs” during a 5G workshop at IIT Madras, to streamline processes for 100 5G Labs across Indian academic institutions. This project intends to reduce these institutions’ experimental license requirements, allowing for more efficient operations and stimulating innovation in the 5G sphere.

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has given ‘100 5G Use Case Labs’ to educational institutions throughout the country. The fundamental goal of this program is to develop capabilities and involvement in 5G technologies among students and start-up groups.

These labs will be using 5G frequency bands for carrying out various experiments and testing use cases. Hence, they need to obtain an experimental (non-radiating) category of license from the Department of Telecommunication to ensure interference-free operations for licensed TSPs.

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This license is currently being issued in “self-declaration mode” from the Saralsanchar portal of DoT through the National Single Window System (NSWS). To date, around 1500 licenses have been granted since the launch of this module on the Saralsanchar portal in July 2021.

As per the current process, the applicant has to fill in the necessary details regarding the experiment to be carried out, including the schematic of the setup, details of the equipment, frequency band of operation, etc., to obtain the experimental license.

The DoT has now introduced a simplified mechanism for issuance of this license through a specific approval type, ‘Experimental License for 100 5G Labs’ on the NSWS Portal (https://www.nsws.gov.in/). The key features of the new process are:

• Efficiency: This automates the application process by pre-filling technical specifications and schematic details, reducing manual effort and time.
• Instantaneous Licensing: Applicants can now obtain the experimental license through a “self-declaration mode” and download it instantaneously with a single click, ensuring prompt commencement of operations.
• Simplified Application:  With only basic information required, such as the institute address, authorized personnel, and a nominal fee of Rs. 5,000, the application process is streamlined, making it more accessible to a wider range of institutions.
• Support for Innovation: This initiative is poised to significantly support innovation, cultivate competencies, and represent a step forward in democratizing access to 5G technology and empowering educational institutions and startups to explore its potential for transformative applications.