India: Telecoms, Mobile & Cable Communications

On 8 July 2026, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has notified the Telecommunications (Radio Equipment Possession Authorisation) Rules, 2026 (Rules). The Rules operationalise the authorisation requirement under Section 3(1)(c) of the Telecommunications Act, 2023 (Telecom Act) for possession of radio equipment, while also identifying categories of persons and equipment for which a separate possession authorisation is not required.

The transition towards connected mobility received an impetus as on 10 June 2026 when the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) released the Use of On-Board Unit for Cellular Vehicle-to-Everything Communication in the 5.9 GHz band (Exemption from Licensing Requirements) Rules 2026 (Rules).

On 23 June 2026, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) notified the Telecommunications (Authorisation for Provision of Miscellaneous Telecommunication Services) Rules, 2026 (Rules). The Rules (with notable revisions) follow the previously published draft rules (Draft Rules), which were released in September 2025 for stakeholder feedback (please see here for our update on Draft Rules).

The SC in State Bank of India v. Union of India[1] held that spectrum allocated to telecom service providers (‘TSPs’) and recorded in their books as an ‘asset’ cannot be subjected...

The Ministry of Communications has introduced new rules exempting low power wireless equipment operating in the 5925-6425 MHz frequency band from licensing requirements.

Standard Essential Patents (SEPs) were once a niche topic for telecom specialists. With 5G, IoT devices, connected cars, smart meters and even “smart” fans in Indian homes, SEP and FRAND disputes...

Telecommunication and broadcasting laws in India is a specialized area of law, which has changed from the state-controlled monopoly to a very complex regulatory environment managed through different statutes and a tribunal...

India's space sector Foreign Direct Investment ("FDI") policy has undergone a significant transformation from its previously restrictive approach driven by national security concerns.

India's telecom regulator TRAI has introduced significant amendments to broadcasting and cable services interconnection regulations, fundamentally reshaping audit requirements, broadcaster participation rights, and infrastructure...