[Home](/)/[Resources](/resources)/WPC ETA for Drone Radio Equipment IndiaWPC / Drones # WPC ETA for Drone Radio Equipment in India Drone compliance in India spans two distinct regulatory bodies: DGCA handles airworthiness and operations, while WPC handles radio spectrum. Most consumer drone C2 and video links use de-licensed ISM bands and don't need WPC ETA. The challenge arises with LTE-connected BVLOS drones and high-power FPV systems where licensed spectrum compliance becomes mandatory. Copy Link[Share on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/?text=https%3A%2F%2Fkrono-labs.com%2Fguides%2Fwpc-eta-for-drones) At a glance Drone radio links analyzed 5 Application steps 5 Common pitfalls 5 ## Drone radio links and ETA status ### Command and Control (C2) link Typically de-licensed (ISM bands) Band: **2.4 GHz ISM / 900 MHz ISM / 5.8 GHz ISM** Most consumer and commercial drone C2 links use 2.4 GHz or 5.8 GHz — de-licensed in India. Verify power levels remain within de-licensed limits. ### Video downlink (FPV) Partially de-licensed (indoor/low power) Band: **5.8 GHz ISM (5725–5875 MHz)** 5.8 GHz FPV is widely used. Power level and indoor/outdoor use restrictions apply. High-power FPV transmitters may require ETA. ### Remote ID broadcast De-licensed bands Band: **2.4 GHz Wi-Fi or Bluetooth LE (per DGCA rules)** DGCA Remote ID rules mandate broadcast via Wi-Fi Beacon or Bluetooth. Both are de-licensed bands. ### LTE/5G connectivity (drone cellular) ETA required Band: **Licensed cellular bands (700–2600 MHz)** Drones with cellular connectivity (LTE/5G for BVLOS operations) use licensed spectrum. ETA required for the cellular radio module. ### Satellite communication link ETA or WPC licence required Band: **L-band, Ku-band** SATCOM-equipped drones need WPC ETA or licence for the satellite terminal depending on the specific frequency and use. ## Application process 01 ### Map all radio interfaces in the drone system Identify every wireless link: C2 link, video downlink, Remote ID broadcast, telemetry, cellular connectivity. For each, determine the frequency band and transmit power. Cross-reference with WPC de-licensed band notifications. 02 ### Determine ETA requirement for each RF interface De-licensed band interfaces (standard 2.4 GHz C2, 5.8 GHz video within power limits, 2.4 GHz Remote ID) typically do not need ETA. Licensed band interfaces (LTE, SATCOM) require ETA. Document the analysis. 03 ### Obtain RF test reports for ETA-required interfaces For interfaces requiring ETA, get testing done at WPC-recognized or ILAC-accredited laboratories. Test reports must cover all RF parameters including frequency range, power output, and spurious emissions. 04 ### Coordinate with DGCA type certification WPC ETA addresses radio spectrum compliance. DGCA type certification (under Drone Rules 2021) covers airworthiness, GPS, altitude limits, and Remote ID. Both are needed for commercial drone operation in India — address them in parallel. 05 ### Submit ETA application on Saral Sanchar portal For ETA-required radio components, submit through the Saral Sanchar portal. Drones assembled in India by foreign OEM designs may require the manufacturer's AIR to hold the ETA. ## Common pitfalls Not distinguishing between WPC ETA (spectrum compliance) and DGCA type certification (airworthiness) — both are required for commercial drone operation Assuming all 5.8 GHz FPV systems are freely usable — outdoor/high-power 5.8 GHz may not be de-licensed Importing drone RF equipment without checking whether the module vendor holds Indian WPC ETA (for cellular-connected drones) Overlooking Remote ID radio equipment compliance — Remote ID broadcast radios must use de-licensed bands at compliant power levels Using non-approved frequencies for BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) operations which require additional DGCA and WPC clearances ## Frequently asked questions ### Do consumer drones (DJI, etc.) sold in India need WPC ETA? Consumer drones using standard 2.4 GHz / 5.8 GHz control and video links in de-licensed ISM bands do not require separate WPC ETA for those radio links. However, they must comply with DGCA Drone Rules 2021 and the UAS Digital Sky platform registration. The drone manufacturer or importer is responsible for ensuring all radio links operate within de-licensed parameters. If the drone includes a cellular module, that module requires ETA. ### What WPC approvals are needed for BVLOS drone operations in India? Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations in India require DGCA experimental BVLOS permissions. If BVLOS operations use LTE/5G connectivity (licensed spectrum), the drone's cellular radio module needs WPC ETA. Operations using dedicated radio links in licensed bands (e.g., certain sub-GHz frequencies) require WPC licence for the specific radio frequency. BVLOS approvals are technology-specific and require DGCA + WPC coordination. ### Does the Ground Control Station (GCS) radio also need WPC ETA? Yes — the GCS transmits on the C2 uplink frequency and is an active radio transmitter. GCS units using standard 2.4 GHz or 5.8 GHz are de-licensed. GCS units using licensed spectrum (SATCOM uplinks, LTE dongles) require ETA for those components. The GCS is often treated as part of the overall drone system for type certification purposes, but radio compliance is assessed per radio interface. **Disclaimer:** Drone regulations in India (DGCA Drone Rules 2021, WPC band allocations) are evolving. Always verify current WPC and DGCA requirements before importing or operating commercial drones. 🇮🇳 India roadmap for radio equipment Every standard, document, and test that applies — free, no account required. See your free roadmap[ Want an expert to take radio equipment through 🇮🇳 India compliance for you? One consultant from Krono's compliance team takes your product from requirements to legal sale, with a fixed quote before any work starts. See compliance services](/services) Learn this properly In-depth course that teaches the full process, not just this one answer. [Start the course — $149](/courses/10-india-wireless-type-approval-wpc-eta-mtcte)[Prefer to read? Get the book — $24.99](/books/10-india-wireless-type-approval-wpc-eta-mtcte) Related guides * [India Drone Certification Deep DiveDeep dive into India drone certification for manufacturers and importers: DGCA weight classification, NPNT, Digital Sky, required tests, and WPC/BIS overlays.](/guides/india-drone-certification-deep-dive) * [WPC ETA Certification for Wireless EquipmentComplete guide to WPC ETA certification: equipment type approval requirements, application process, test reports, labeling, and…](/guides/wpc-eta-certification) * [India Drone Import and DGCA Type CertificationComplete guide to importing drones into India: DGCA Drone Rules 2021 type certification, UIN registration on Digital Sky platfo…](/guides/india-drone-import-regulations) * [WPC ETA for IoT and M2M DevicesComplete guide to WPC Equipment Type Approval (ETA) for IoT and M2M devices in India: cellular IoT modules (LTE-M, NB-IoT), Wi-…](/guides/wpc-eta-for-iot-devices) * [India Market Entry for Hardware CompaniesPractical regulatory roadmap for hardware companies entering India: BIS CRS, WPC ETA, TEC MTCTE, EPR, and customs requirements …](/guides/india-market-entry-hardware)