India notifies new telecom rules that allow time-bound exemptions to test

Benchmarks Nifty22,598.45-212.9FEATURED FUNDS★★★★★UTI Aggressive Hybrid Fund Regular Plan-Growth5Y Return8.76 % Invest NowFEATURED FUNDS★★★★★Motilal Oswal Midcap Fund Direct-Growth5Y Return18.76 % Invest NowEnter search text:

The Economic Times daily newspaper is available online now. Read Today's Paper India notifies new telecom rules that allow time-bound exemptions to test emerging technologiesET OnlineLast Updated: Oct 22, 2026, 10:10:00 AM ISTSynopsis

The Indian government has introduced new rules to facilitate the testing of telecommunication technologies in controlled environments. These rules provide exemptions from certain regulatory requirements under existing laws aimed at fostering innovation. Regulatory sandboxes will allow for trial of new services under specified conditions before commercial deployment. The government will oversee eligibility criteria and risk management measures for participants.

Listen to this article in summarized format

Loading...×The Indian government has notified new rules that allows certain telecommunication technologies, services, products and business models to be tested in a controlled environment and exempt from certain regulatory requirements, a move that is expected to improve innovation and development in the sector.

Under the Telecommunications (Regulatory Sandbox) Rules, 2026, the government can now create regulatory sandboxes on its own initiative or approve certain proposals that have been submitted. The rules provide certain exemptions from requirements and provitions of the 2023 Telecommunications Act and the 1997 Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Act.

Also Read: Trai mandates voice, SMS-only tariff plans despite Jio, Airtel, Vi opposition

A regulatory sandboc will allow new services and technology to be tested under prescribed conditions before being deployed commercially. The government can also specify the elgibility criteria for participants, measures pertaining to managing risk, scope of a trial and other matters around the testing.

The validity of a sandbox cannot exceed 24 months, although the government may grant extensions of up to 12 months at a time, subject to the prescribed conditions.

Live Events

Applicants must submit proposals along with reports of preliminary testing and other required documents. A non-refundable processing fee of Rs 10,000 will apply.

The rules also prescribe safeguards for trials involving users. Participants must be informed about the purpose and scope of testing, and their prior consent must be obtained. Test users cannot be charged for participating. Approved applicants must comply with applicable data protection and security laws, maintain testing records and ensure that the products, services or technologies being tested are not commercially available during the trial.

Also Read: Trai tightens anti-spam rules, brings AI-based detection, automated calls under framework

The government can monitor trials, seek reports and issue directions to ensure compliance and protect participants. Based on the results, it may allow a sandbox to continue under revised conditions, order its closure or permit steps towards commercial deployment in accordance with applicable laws.

The rules, which came into force upon publication in the Official Gazette, replace the draft Telecommunications (Regulatory Sandbox) Rules published in November 2024.

Add as a Reliable and Trusted News Source Add Now!
(You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel)
Read More News onIndia Telecom RulesTelecommunications Regulatory SandboxEmerging Technologies in IndiaRegulatory Exemptions for TelecomTelecom InnovationTelecom Regulatory Authority of India2023 Telecommunications ActControlled Environment TestingTelecom Business Models

(Catch all the Business News, Breaking News and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times.)

...moreless
(You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel)
Read More News onIndia Telecom RulesTelecommunications Regulatory SandboxEmerging Technologies in IndiaRegulatory Exemptions for TelecomTelecom InnovationTelecom Regulatory Authority of India2023 Telecommunications ActControlled Environment TestingTelecom Business Models

(Catch all the Business News, Breaking News and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times.)

...morelessContinue reading with one of these options:Limited AccessFreeLogin to get access to some exclusive stories
& personalised newslettersLogin NowUnlimited AccessStarting @ Rs120/monthGet access to exclusive stories, expert opinions &
in-depth stock reportsSubscribe NowET

Unlock Access to All Exclusives with ETPrime FREE TRIAL

15 Days Free: Unlock All ETPrime Exclusives, Market Tools & ePapers

Trial offer expiring in00 : 05 : 00

I'd rather pay ₹2599 now

Uh-oh! This is an exclusive story available for selected readers only.

Worry not. You’re just a step away.

Prime Account Detected!

It seems like you're already an ETPrime member with

Login using your ET Prime credentials to enjoy all member benefits

Log out of your current logged-in account and log in again using your ET Prime credentials to enjoy all member benefits.

Unlock ETPrime's Exclusive Stories Today!

Big Price Drop! Flat 40% Off

Student Only OfferAlready a Member? Sign In nowAlready a Member? Sign In nowAlready a Member? Sign In now

Offer Exclusively For You

Save up to Rs. 700/-

ON ET PRIME MEMBERSHIP

Avail Offer

Offer Exclusively For You

Get 1 Year Free

With 1 and 2-Year ET prime membership

Avail Offer

Offer Exclusively For You

Get 1 Year Free

With 1 and 2-Year ET prime membership

Avail Offer

Offer Exclusively For You

Get Flat 40% Off

Then ₹ 1749 for 1 year

Avail Offer

Offer Exclusively For You

ET Prime at ₹ 49 for 1 month

Then ₹ 1749 for 1 year

Avail Offer

Special Offer

Get flat 40% off on ETPrime

Avail OfferAvail OfferClaim NowAlready a Member? Sign In now

Need Assistance?

Connect with an ETPrime expert for personalized support and guidance

+91 9484700004'; }); } if(listing) { var h3 = "You tried reading " + listArr.length + " locked stories in the past " + threshold + " days.", h4 = "Become an ET Prime member and don't miss out on these exclusive stories."; var html = '

' + h3 + '

' + h4 + '

' + listing + '

'; $('#paidSCWidget').html(html); var callback = $('#paidSCWidget').attr('data-callback'); if(callback && window[callback]) { window[callback](); } customDimension.dimension72 += ' | Shown SYFT no Trial_With Missed Paywalled Articles Collection'; } else { _processNormal() } } }); } else { _processNormal(); } } catch (e) { _processNormal(); } }, function () { _processNormal(); }); //console.log('storyCollectionLoad', $); }

What’s Included with

ETPrime Membership

1Exclusive Insights That Matter

Uncover the truth with our investigative stories

Make strategic moves using the real-world case studies

Read industry-specific stories to identify emerging trends

Spot opportunities with
in-depth insights that matter

• Trump temper on H-1B visas is forcing Indians to do these things to stay put in US

  What Adani’s US indictment means for India Inc’s overseas fundraising

• Why veterans like Reliance, L&T are on acquisition spree? Aswath Damodaran has an answer.

  Will China’s dollar bond sale in Saudi Arabia trump the US in financial world?

• Huawei launches its own OS to compete with Google and Apple. But can it win beyond China?

  The problem with lab grown diamonds

• Why a falling rupee is a better option for the economy

  A list of top 20 momentum stocks that have delivered massive returns in one year

2Invest Wisely With Smart Market Tools & Investment Ideas

Alpha Trade

Get daily trade ideas from SEBI-registered research analysts.

Investment Ideas

Grow your wealth with stock ideas & sectoral trends.

Stock Reports Plus

All-in-one stock research with Stock Score, peer comparison & key signals.

BigBull Portfolio

Get to know where the market bulls are investing to identify the right stocks.

Stock Analyzer

Check the score based on the company's fundamentals, solvency, growth, risk & ownership to decide the right stocks.

Market Mood

Analyze the market sentiments & identify the trend reversal for strategic decisions.

Stock Talk Live at 9 AM Daily

Ask your stock queries & get assured replies by ET appointed, SEBI registered experts.

3Stay informed anytime, anywhere with ET ePaper

ePaper - Print View

Read the PDF version of ET newspaper. Download & access it offline anytime.

ePaper - Digital View

Read your daily newspaper in Digital View & get it delivered to your inbox everyday.

Wealth Edition

Manage your money efficiently with this weekly money management guide.

TOI ePaper

Read the PDF version of TOI newspaper. Download & access it offline anytime.

Deep Explainers

Explore the In-depth explanation of complex topics for everyday life decisions.

Health+ Stories

Get fitter with daily health insights committed to your well-being.

Personal Finance+ Stories

Manage your wealth better with in-depth insights & updates on finance.

5Enjoy Complimentary Subscriptions From Top Brands

Stream new documentaries from all across the world every day.

Stories you might be interested in