In an effort to streamline the testing processes, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) rolled out a slew of rules to help establish regulatory sandboxes.

The move is also expected to give time to telecom service providers and has also removed the need for operating license towards setting up, maintaining, or using radio equipment in telecoms.

During the annual India Mobile Congress event, telecom minister Ashwini Vaishnaw made an announcement about the advancements, and encouraged additional enhancement proposals. He also shed light on the government’s efforts in the continuing reforms that are taking place in the telecom sector.

“Now an easy portal-based (Saral Sanchaar) permission will be provided where spectrum would be used by colleges or institutions, by paying Rs.1,000 they get permission for testing the equipment. This regulatory sandbox was designed to foster innovation and remove bottlenecks," the minister said.

According to Vaishnaw, the India Mobile Congress is scheduled for October 15–19 this year. The industry is encouraged to collaborate with groups like Nasscom and MAIT to broaden the event's reach.

Carrying about a thousand exhibitors, through the event innovations around 5G and 6g, cloud and edge computing, Internet of Things (IoT), semiconductors, cybersecurity, green tech, satcom, and electronics manufacturing, as well as cutting edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, quantum technology, and the circular economy are looking to be highlighted.

Additionally, Vaishnaw stated that the Global Standards Symposium (GSS 2024) will be held at the country’s capital dated October 14 and that the World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (WTSA 2024) from October 15–24, 2024.

The present meeting was arranged by the International Telecommunication Union's Telecommunication Standardization Bureau that is known to be organized every four years to hold talks about latest standardization plans.

Also, the assembly being held in India showcases the country’s lead step in creating new technologies like 6G, IoT, and AI.

During the ceremony, the DoT and telecom equipment manufacturer Ericsson signed a Memorandum of Understanding to develop a workforce with advanced skills in cutting-edge technologies through the "Ericsson Educate" initiative. With an emphasis on improving digital skills, this program will help 10,000 students at 100 institutions with 5G use case laboratories by arming them with fundamental knowledge about automation, machine learning, AI, IoT, and telecommunications.