The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has unveiled its proposal aimed at fostering live experimentation of innovative technologies and applications within the country. These recommendations were prompted by the swift advancements observed in technologies like 5G/6G, artificial intelligence (AI), virtual reality, among others. The envisioned regulatory sandbox framework is anticipated to serve as the groundwork for ushering in new services, technologies, and business models in the digital communication sector. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) had sought these recommendations from TRAI.For those unfamiliar, a regulatory sandbox (RS) facilitates controlled access to telecom networks and customer resources in real-time—a feature unattainable through traditional methods of laboratory testing or pilot projects. Several regulatory authorities worldwide have already established similar sandbox frameworks.The Ministry of Communications articulated, Introducing such a framework for live testing in India will incentivize more entrepreneurs to craft solutions for the digital communication sector, not only for the nation but also for the global market.Regarding the eligibility criteria for participating in regulatory sandbox testing, Indian entities like companies, partnership firms, limited liability partnerships, or research institutes that have conducted limited prior testing of their products, services, and applications and meet all conditions outlined in the framework can apply for participation.Emphasizing the security and safeguarding of networks and customer data during RS testing, the ministry stated, Given that RS testing will be conducted on live networks involving a specified user group, the framework prioritises network security and customer protection.To ensure transparency and accountability in the evaluation process of applications, stringent timelines have been outlined for government agencies involved.The recommended Regulatory Sandbox framework is anticipated to grant the startup ecosystem of the digital communication industry access to actual network environments and telecom network data to evaluate the efficacy of new applications before their market launch, affirmed the ministry.
