From mint · Prabhakar Jha · · 1m 10s
Centre notifies new telecom sandbox rules
New telecom sandbox rules allow companies to test tech without full compliance for 24 months.
In brief
New telecom sandbox rules allow companies to test tech without full compliance for 24 months. The Centre has notified rules allowing telecom companies to seek exemptions from regulations for testing innovative services for up to 24 months with mandatory user consent and no commercial sales during trials. Originally…
New telecom sandbox rules
The Centre has notified new rules allowing eligible applicants to test innovative telecom technologies and services in a controlled regulatory environment.
Exemptions allowed
Applicants can seek exemptions from authorisation, assignment, and other Telecommunications Act, 2023 requirements for testing purposes.
Exemptions not automatic
Exemptions require specific proposals and government assessment before acceptance or rejection.
Testing requirements
Applicants must submit reports of limited testing, lab work, and other documents through the government portal.
Non-refundable fee
Applicants must pay a non-refundable processing fee of ₹ 10,000 for exemptions.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants include authorised entities, companies, societies, and research institutions under Indian law.
Sandbox duration
Regulatory sandboxes can operate for up to 24 months with possible 12-month extensions.
Commercial sales barred
Commercial sales are prohibited during testing; user consent is mandatory for trials involving users.
The headline
The Centre has notified rules allowing telecom companies to seek exemptions from regulations for testing innovative services for up to 24 months with mandatory user consent and no commercial sales during trials.
