India’s Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has issued new national guidelines governing the use, retention, and disposal of wireless equipment acquired under Wireless Operating Licenses (WOL), including Experimental and Demonstration Licenses. Effective from October 15, 2025, the guidelines provide a structured approach for handling wireless equipment once a license is cancelled, expires, or is terminated.
Applicability Across License Holders
These provisions apply to all entities holding any license issued by the Wireless Planning and Coordination (WPC) Wing, Regional Licensing Offices (RLOs), or the Wireless Monitoring Organisation (WMO).
The rules aim to enforce accountability around how wireless equipment is managed post-license, minimizing regulatory gaps and potential misuse of radio spectrum.
Defined Timelines Based on License Status
The guidelines impose different compliance timelines based on the status of the license:
Cancellation by Licensee: Equipment must be disposed of within 90 days of cancellation request submission. If disposal is not feasible within this window, a regular Non-Dealer Possession License (NDPL) must be obtained from the relevant WMO field office.
License Expiry: Licenses not renewed are considered expired at the end of their validity. The licensee must dispose of the equipment within 30 days from the automated portal notice, and upload the disposal certificate within 7 days of completion. During this time, the equipment is deemed to be held under a temporary NDPL.
Retention for Future Use: If an entity wishes to retain equipment for future operations under a new or existing license, a formal NDPL must be secured.
Government-Terminated Licenses: Equipment must be disposed of within 15 days of termination. The licensee must submit proof of disposal (surrender certificate) to the issuing authority. Until disposal, the equipment is treated as under a deemed NDPL.
Non-compliance in any of these scenarios is considered a willful violation and is subject to DoT enforcement action.
Approved Disposal Methods
Licensees must dispose of equipment using one of the following methods and provide a disposal certificate as proof:
Return to the original source or authorized dealer.
Transfer to another valid license.
Physical destruction in the presence of a WMO officer or NDPL holder.
For government departments or PSUs, self-certification of destruction is acceptable with a 10-day notice to WPC. However, all disposals must adhere to India’s E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022, covering telecommunications devices listed under Schedule 1, including both transmitting and receiving equipment.
Future Revisions Tied to Telecom Act Implementation
The DoT may revise these guidelines in the future after the Frequency Assignment rules are officially notified under the Telecommunications Act, 2023, noting that further regulatory updates are anticipated as the spectrum management framework evolves.
For this article’s source information and any product certification guidance, please contact Global Validity.
Quick Country Facts
India
Certification Body: Ministry of IT and Communications, Wireless Planning & Coordination Wing
Certification Type: Mandatory
License Validity: Indefinite
Application Language: English
Legal License Holder: Local Representative
In-Country Testing Requirement: Testing Not Required
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