[Home](/)/[Resources](/resources)/WPC Frequency Compliance IndiaSpectrum Guide # WPC Frequency Band Compliance India regulates radio frequency spectrum through the Wireless Planning and Coordination Wing. Understanding whether your product operates in de-licensed bands or requires specific approvals is the first step in wireless compliance. Operating in the wrong frequency or exceeding power limits can result in equipment seizure and penalties. Copy Link[Share on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/?text=https%3A%2F%2Fkrono-labs.com%2Fguides%2Fwpc-frequency-compliance) At a glance De-licensed bands 6 Restricted bands 5 Test parameters 8 ## Common de-licensed frequency bands BandTypical UsePower LimitETA? 2.400-2.4835 GHzWi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, general ISM4W EIRP (indoor), 200mW EIRP (outdoor)No (self-declaration) 5.725-5.875 GHzWi-Fi (high-speed), outdoor WLAN4W EIRPNo (self-declaration) 865-867 MHzRFID, low-power devices4W ERPNo (self-declaration) 335 MHzRemote control, security systems1mWNo 49.83-49.99 MHzCordless phones, baby monitors10mWNo 13.553-13.567 MHzRFID, inductive systems10mWNo ## Restricted bands requiring licenses ### GSM 900/1800 **Use:** Cellular communication License from DoT required; not available for general equipment ### 3G/4G/5G bands **Use:** Mobile broadband Spectrum license required; equipment must be type-approved for operator networks ### UHF 470-582 MHz **Use:** Television broadcasting Broadcast license required; not for general use ### VHF 136-174 MHz **Use:** Two-way radio, maritime Specific license for each installation ### Aircraft bands 960-1215 MHz **Use:** Aviation systems Strictly regulated; aviation authority approval required ## Product-specific compliance guidance Product TypeCompliance CheckOutcome Wi-Fi router (2.4 GHz)Verify power ≤ 4W EIRP indoor; ≤ 200mW EIRP outdoorDe-licensed, no ETA Bluetooth headsetPower typically < 100mWDe-licensed, no ETA LoRaWAN device (865 MHz)Verify ≤ 4W ERP and duty cycle limitsDe-licensed with conditions 4G LTE modemUses licensed cellular bandsCannot be sold without operator integration UHF RFID readerMust use 865-867 MHz only; verify power limitsDe-licensed if compliant Zigbee sensor (2.4 GHz)Standard power < 1mW typicalDe-licensed, no ETA ## RF testing requirements for ETA Frequency stability and accuracy measurements Transmitter power output (conducted and radiated) Spurious emissions at antenna terminal Radiated spurious emissions Spectrum efficiency and modulation characteristics Duty cycle measurements (for certain bands) Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) for body-worn devices Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) for some categories ## Frequently asked questions ### What does 'de-licensed' actually mean? 'De-licensed' means you don't need a spectrum license from the government to operate the device. However, the equipment must still comply with specified technical parameters (frequency range, power limits, etc.). For many de-licensed bands, WPC ETA is still required to verify the device meets these parameters before import. True license-free operation only applies to very low power devices in specific bands. ### Can I import a product that operates in restricted bands? Generally no, unless the end-user will obtain the required license. Products for general sale to consumers cannot operate in restricted bands like cellular frequencies (900/1800 MHz). Some specialized equipment (like broadcast transmitters) can be imported for licensed operators who already hold spectrum rights. Always verify the target frequency band before importing wireless equipment. ### What if my product has multiple radio modules? Multi-radio products must comply with regulations for each band they use. If all bands are de-licensed and within power limits, you may still need ETA to demonstrate compliance. If any band is restricted, you cannot sell the product for general use in that configuration. Some products disable certain bands via software/firmware for Indian market compliance. ### How do I know if my test report covers Indian requirements? Your RF test report must specifically show compliance with Indian parameters: (1) Frequency range within Indian allocation, (2) Power output within specified EIRP/ERP limits, (3) Spurious emissions below specified limits. Generic FCC or CE test reports may not cover Indian requirements if they don't test the specific limits. Ask your lab to include Indian parameter testing or supplement with India-specific testing. ### What is the difference between EIRP and ERP? EIRP (Effective Isotropic Radiated Power) references an ideal isotropic antenna. ERP (Effective Radiated Power) references a half-wave dipole antenna. EIRP = ERP + 2.15 dB. Indian regulations specify which measurement to use for each band — WPC typically specifies EIRP for higher frequencies and ERP for lower frequencies. Ensure your test report uses the correct reference for the band in question. **Disclaimer:** Frequency allocations change with WPC notifications. This guide reflects current de-licensed bands but always verify current status with official WPC Gazette notifications before product launch. 🇮🇳 India roadmap for your product Every standard, document, and test that applies — free, no account required. See your free roadmap[ Want an expert to take your product 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. 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