OBU for Communication Exempted from Radio Licence but Type
Approval Remains
1.
The Ministry of Communications (Department of
Telecommunications) has notified the Use
of On Board Unit for Cellular Vehicle-to-Everything Communication in the 5.9
GHz Band (Exemption from Licensing Requirements) Rules, 2026.
The rules came into force upon publication in the Official Gazette on 10 June 2026.
2.
The rules apply to On-Board
Units (OBUs) used for Cellular
Vehicle-to-Everything (C-V2X) communication operating in the 5875–5905 MHz (5.9 GHz) frequency band.
3.
OBUs are radio communication devices used as part of Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS)
and may be:
o Installed on a vehicle,
o Integrated into a
vehicle, or
o Carried by an
individual in relation to a vehicle.
4.
The establishment, operation, maintenance, possession,
sale, or hire of such OBUs is exempt
from radio licensing requirements, subject to compliance with
prescribed conditions.
5.
The exemption is granted on a non-interference, non-protection, and
non-exclusive basis, meaning users cannot claim protection from
interference and must not disrupt licensed radio systems.
6.
The prescribed technical parameters for OBUs are:
o Frequency Band: 5875–5905 MHz
o Maximum power spectral
density (in-band): 23
dBm/MHz
o Maximum equivalent
isotropic radiated power (EIRP): 33
dBm
o Out-of-band emission
limit: –30 dBm/MHz.
7.
Manufacturers must obtain equipment type approval through a
designated DoT portal for each OBU type, unless approval for the same equipment
type has already been granted and published on the portal.
8.
OBUs must comply with standards notified by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)
or the Central Government. Where Indian standards are unavailable, relevant
international standards will apply.
9.
If licensed telecom or wireless systems experience harmful
interference from exempted OBUs, the Government may direct users to take
corrective measures such as relocation of equipment, power reduction, or use of
specified antennas.
10.
The notification is intended to support the deployment of connected and intelligent transportation
technologies, enabling vehicle-to-vehicle,
vehicle-to-infrastructure, and other C-V2X communications without requiring
individual wireless licences.