New Delhi: In a significant stride towards bolstering innovation and research in the realm of 5G technology, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has introduced a streamlined process for licensing 100 5G Labs across academic institutions in India.
Secretary (Telecom), Dr Neeraj Mittal, virtually inaugurated the “Experimental Licence module for 100 5G Labs” during a 5G workshop at the esteemed Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras). This initiative, launched amidst growing anticipation, aims to simplify the experimental licence requirements for these institutions, thus facilitating smoother operations and fostering innovation in the dynamic domain of 5G technology.
The “100 5G Use Case Labs” initiative, spearheaded by the DoT, seeks to empower educational institutions nationwide with state-of-the-art infrastructure and resources to explore, experiment, and innovate in the realm of 5G technologies. These labs will serve as hubs for research, development, and testing of various 5G use cases, thereby nurturing competencies and engagement among students and start-up communities.
Under the current process, these labs are required to obtain an Experimental (Non-Radiating) category of license from the Department of Telecommunication to ensure interference-free operations within licensed frequency bands. However, recognizing the need to streamline and expedite the licensing procedure, the DoT has introduced a simplified mechanism through the National Single Window System (NSWS) Portal.
The new process offers several key features aimed at enhancing efficiency, accessibility, and support for innovation:
Efficiency: The automated application process pre-fills technical specifications and schematic details, reducing manual effort and time required for licensing.
Instantaneous Licensing: Applicants can now obtain the experimental license through a “Self-declaration Mode” and download it instantaneously with a single click, enabling prompt commencement of operations.
Simplified Application: With only basic information required and a nominal fee of Rs. 5000, 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 and cultivate competencies, democratizing access to 5G technology and empowering educational institutions and startups to explore its transformative potential.