The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) of India has issued Gazette Notification No. G.S.R. 466(E) regarding the removal of spectrum licensing requirements for devices operating in the frequency band 5.9 GHz. This regulation applies to devices using on-board units for Cellular Vehicle-to-Everything (C-V2X) communication in the frequency range 5875 MHz – 5905 MHz.
The Gazette Notification No. G.S.R. 466(E) come into force on the date of its publication in the Official Gazette. Therefore, in this article we will discuss all important notes from Gazette Notification No. G.S.R. 466(E) and its impact to the process of Type Approval in India.
Key Notes of Gazette No. G.S.R. 466(E)
Before DoT issues the Gazette Notification No. G.S.R. 466(E), on-board units that using Cellular Vehicle-to-Everything (C-V2X) communication require radio licensing to operate in India. The Gazette No. G.S.R. 466(E) constitutes an exercise of the powers conferred upon the Central Government under the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885 (13 of 1885) and the Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1933 (17 of 1933) to establish the new rules, namely:
- The new rules under the Gazette No. G.S.R. 466(E) may be called as the Rules of 2026 on the Use of On-Board Units for Cellular Vehicle-to-Everything (C-V2X) Communication in the Frequency Band 5.9 GHz (Exemption from Licensing Requirements).
- Notwithstanding other provisions of the Indian Wireless Telegraphy Rules, 1965, these new rules under Gazette Notification No. G.S.R. 466(E) exempt the licensing requirements for the operation of on-board units installed on a vehicle (solely for C-V2X communication purposes as part of Intelligent Transport System, or ITS) within the 5.9 GHz frequency band.
- The new rules under the Gazette No. G.S.R. 466(E) apply to the frequency band 5.9 GHz, covering the frequency range of 5875 MHz – 5905 MHz.
- No license is required for any person to possession of such on-board units installed on a vehicle, nor for any distributor to sell or rent it out.
- The new rules under the Gazette No. G.S.R. 466(E) come into effect immediately upon their publication in the Official Gazette.
The on-board unit on a vehicle for C-V2X communication must meet the technical parameters listed in the Table below:
| Frequency range | Maximum power spectral density Equivalent isotropic radiated power for in-band emissions | Maximum equivalent isotropic radiated power for in-band emissions | Out of band emissions (maximum power spectral density) |
| 5875 MHz – 5905 MHz | 23 dBm/MHz | 33 dBm | 30 dBm/MHz |
Impact on India Type Approval
The implementation of the Gazette No. G.S.R. 466(E) can eliminate the licensing requirement barriers that have previously slowed the rollout of C-V2X technology in India. Although licensing requirement has been waived for vehicle-mounted C-V2X on-board units, the Type Approval process remains mandatory for the device.
The licensing exemption does not eliminate the obligation to obtain Type Approval certificates for on-board units with C-V2X technology. Manufacturers, suppliers or dealers are required to register for Type Approval for their on-board units through the WPC ETA Type Approval scheme managed by the DoT. You may download a copy of the Gazette Notification No. G.S.R. 466(E) in the file below.
Conclusion
The release of this Gazette No. G.S.R. 466(E) for delicensing the use of on-board units for Cellular Vehicle-to-Everything (C-V2X) Communication installed on a vehicle marks a significant change for Type Approval in India. Therefore, it is important for manufacturers and suppliers to make sure that their on-board units comply with all applicable technical requirements before placing them in India market. Feel free to send an email to info@narmadi.com if you have any questions related to this new technical regulation.
