India: Adopted TRAI Recommendations on Innovative Technologies, Services, Use Cases, and Business Models through Regulatory Sandbox in Digital Communication Sector Paper

On 12 April 2024, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) adopted its recommendations for a Regulatory Sandbox (RS) framework aimed at supporting innovation in the digital communication sector. This initiative, responding to a request from the Department of Telecommunications dated 10 March 2023, seeks to facilitate the testing of new technologies, services, use cases, and business models in live network environments. The RS framework is designed to provide real-time, regulated access to telecom networks and customer resources, enabling the testing of innovations in areas such as 5G/6G, machine-to-machine communications, artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and virtual reality. The framework outlines the qualifications for participation, essential requirements, application and evaluation procedures, and the authority to waive or amend rules. Indian companies, partnership firms, limited liability partnerships, and research institutes that have conducted limited prior testing and meet all conditions can apply for RS testing. The framework emphasises network security and consumer protection and includes provisions for regulatory exemptions, risk mitigation, and a well-defined exit strategy.