Which License is Required for High-Performance Hotspot Devices

In India, importing or selling high-performance hotspot devices (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth) requires WPC Equipment Type Approval (ETA) license. This license is issued by the Wireless Planning and Coordination (WPC) wing of the Department of Telecommunications. The WPC is the national radio regulatory authority functioning under the Department of Telecommunications, Ministry of Communications, Government of India. 

What is WPC in Telecom?

In telecom, WPC full form is Wireless Planning and Coordination Wing. It is a wing of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) coming under the Ministry of Communications. 

It was established in 1952 and is headquartered in New Delhi. It has regional offices in Mumbai (Western Region), Chennai (Southern Region), Kolkata (Eastern Region), Guwahati (North Eastern Region) and Delhi (Northern Region).

When is WPC Approval Required?

For importing or selling high performance hotspot devices, approval from WPC is a mandatory requirement that simply cannot be ignored. This approval is issued by the wing in the form of WPC ETA License. 

Additionally, Wireless Operating Licenses are required for operating and using wireless equipment involving radio frequency transmission (depending on frequency & usage), and these licenses are also issued by the wing. 

While WPC under DoT issues ETA certificates and wireless operating licenses, DoT is the central telecom regulatory authority and issues various other licenses like ISP license, IP1 license, etc.

Who can Obtain WPC License for Hotspot Devices?

Entities must obtain WPC approval for high-performance hotspot devices if they fall under the following categories:

• Indian sellers of hotspot devices;
• Importers engaged in importing hotspot devices into India;
• Authorized Indian Representatives (AIR) appointed by foreign manufacturers to act on their behalf;
• Entities intending to test imported wireless products may require WPC license depending on the frequency band as well as usage conditions.

Process to Obtain WPC ETA License

The general process to obtain WPC ETA certificate for high performance hotspot devices is described below :-

Step 1:- First, you need to conduct a test at an accredited laboratory to check your product’s frequency level and ensure it complies with the permissible range for WPC ETA certification. Once you have ensured this, you can proceed further. 

Step 2 :- You must collect all the necessary documents required for WPC ETA certificate application like Radio Frequency Test Report, Product Catalog and Business Ownership Proof, Valid ID Proof and Valid Address Proof for the authorized individual.

Step 3:- Then, you must fill out the WPC ETA certificate application form and attach all the required documents. After this, submit the form via the Saral Sanchar Portal.

Step 4:- Then, the designated officer at WPC will carefully review your application and documents. If satisfied with the application, they will issue the ETA license.

Also Read: How to start a internet service provider company?

Conclusion

For importing or selling high-performance hotspot devices, WPC ETA license is mandatory. To obtain this license, you must file an application with the Wireless Planning and Coordination (WPC) Wing of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) under the Ministry of Communications, Government of India. It is important to note that you must file this application via the official Saral Sanchar Portal.

If you need assistance in obtaining the WPC ETA license, you can contact our contacts at Registrationwala. We will help you file the application accurately and improve your chances of obtaining the license in a timely manner.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is WPC full form?

A. WPC full form is Wireless Planning and Coordination Wing.

Q2. Is WPC a part of DoT?

Yes, the Wireless Planning and Coordination Wing (WPC) is a part of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT). 

Q3. Which certificate do I need to obtain to import high performance hotspot devices into India?

If you want to import high-performance hotspot devices into India, you must obtain an ETA certificate from the Wireless Planning and Coordination (WPC) Wing of the Ministry of Communications.

Q4. When was WPC established?

WPC was established in 1952.

Q5. What is the difference between WPC ETA license and ISP license?

The WPC ETA license is required for the import, sale and use of wireless equipment operating on de-licensed frequency bands like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth devices. On the other hand, the ISP license is required for providing internet services to users.

Q6. What are the regional offices of WPC?

The regional offices of WPC are in Mumbai (Western Region), Chennai (Southern Region), Kolkata (Eastern Region), Guwahati (North Eastern Region) and Delhi (Northern Region).