Decision to exempt low power devices from licensing will benefit industry

NEW DELHI, INDIA: The Wireless Planning and Coordination Wing-the custodian of spectrum, in its latest notification has exempted very low power equipment for wireless microphones that can be used in the frequency band of 36 to 38 MHz, from licensing.

The WPC, which is under the Department of Telecom, has exempted use of short range radar systems in a frequency band of 76 to 77 GHz which are generally used as sensors in automotive vehicles to implement safety features such as collision warning, lane change assistance, blind-spot detection and pedestrian protection.

As per the notification, equipment including the radio frequency identification devices operating in 433 to 434.79 MHz will also be exempted from licensing.

"Microphones in this frequency band are generally used in handheld devices that are used commonly at the time of event management or cordless phones within a premise. The notification will ease import and use of such devices," international telecom regulatory expert SN Gupta told PTI.

"These devices are not being made in India at present but the rule with the ease of doing business will facilitate in building eco-system around these devices," he said.

The new notification eases use of contactless smart cards, microwave oven in 302 to 351 kHz frequency band, he added.

"Shopping malls use RFID tags and equipment to detect movement of products. This will also help free use of near field communication technology which we have seen in some smartphones. NFC technology is also used at toll plaza for automatic deduction of toll tax from cars without stopping them," Gupta said. Though the products will not need license to operate, they will have to get approval once from WPC for their use.

The exemptions, however, will not apply in cases where specific service licence is required from the central government and wherever the use of this band for airborne devices or applications is required.