The Centre has notified use of spectrum for the automobile industry.

“These rules may be called the ‘Use of Very Low Power Radio Frequency Devices or Equipments for Short Range Radar Systems’ (exemption from licensing requirement) Rules, 2015. They shall come into force on the date of their publication in the Official Gazette,” the notification said.

These rules will be applicable in the 76 to 77 GHz frequency band, it said.

In February, BusinessLine had written that the auto companies are pushing the Centre to open up a spectrum band that will enable them offer services to enhance passenger and pedestrian safety via satellite. According to the notification, no licence will also be required by any person to establish, maintain, work, possess or deal in any wireless equipment for the purpose of usage of very low power radio frequency devices or equipment for short range radar systems in the 76 to 77 GHz frequency band on non-interference, non-protection and shared (non exclusive) basis, with the maximum effective radiated power limits.

Such frequencies do not require auctioning, as in the case of telecom, since these are for public use and not for commercial gains.

The companies had requested the Department of Telecom for ‘de-licensing of radio frequency for automotive use’.

“The Government has facilitated testing and use of radar frequency based high technology safety features for cars in India. This will enable us to capture export opportunities, particularly in advanced markets. This is truly using technology as an enabler for 'Make in India for the World'. The entire Indian auto industry stands to benefit from this move,” said a spokesperson at Maruti Suzuki India.

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