DoT introduces a spectrum regulatory sandbox to encourage R&D in telecom

Introduced by the central government, the 'Spectrum Regulatory Sandbox' will facilitate a hassle-free regulatory environment for telecom research and development. The sandbox will enable engineering colleges to easily obtain portal-based authorization to test telecom equipment, according to Union Minister for Telecom and IT Ashwini Vaishnaw. Universities can obtain testing spectrum for a nominal fee of Rs 1000.

The minister launched spectrum regulatory sandbox 'wireless test zones' at a curtain raiser to announce India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2024 event.

The 8th edition of India Mobile Congress will be held in New Delhi from October 15-24. It will be held concurrently with the World Telecommunication Standardisation Assembly.

The Telecommunication Standardisation Bureau of the International Telecommunication Union conducts the World Telecommunication Standardisation Assembly once in four years to plan its standardisation programme for the next 4 years.

Vaishnaw said the World Telecommunication Standardisation Assembly meeting in New Delhi would play a critical role in deciding for standardisation of technology for the coming four years.

It will also play a crucial role in shaping the global agenda for standardisation of telecom and information and communication technologies (ICTs). Over 2,000 technology developers, industry leaders, academicians, policymakers from 193 member countries are expected to participate in the event.

The minister emphasised on the need for involving a higher number of stakeholders in India Mobile Congress and conducting parallel related events in different cities like Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Pune that are important tech centres.

This year's event will put a major focus on Artificial Intelligence, Quantum technology and Circular Economy along with spotlight on 6G, 5G use-case showcase, cloud & edge computing, IoT, semiconductors, cybersecurity, green tech, satcom and electronics manufacturing.

Highlighting the need for involving a higher number of exhibitors and stakeholders, Vaishnaw said, "We should aim for 1000 exhibitors in the upcoming edition, a significant increase from the 375 in the last edition."