The Wireless Planning and Coordination (WPC) Wing under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) regulates licensing, usage, and management of wireless equipment in India. To address procedural gaps and ensure proper handling of equipment upon cancellation, expiry, or termination of Wireless Operating Licenses (WOL), including Experimental and Demonstration Licenses, the DoT has issued detailed guidelines on their use, retention, and disposal.

These guidelines clarify responsibilities of licensees and enforcement authorities concerning equipment handling:

• Cancellation: Licensees must dispose of wireless equipment within 90 days of submitting a cancellation request, or obtain a Non-Operational Disposal Possession License (NDPL) if disposal is delayed.
• Expiry: On license expiry, an automated notice will require disposal within 30 days; failure to comply will be treated as a wilful violation. Equipment will be considered under deemed NDPL during this period.
• Retention for reuse: Entities wishing to retain equipment for future licensed use must obtain a valid NDPL from the concerned Wireless Monitoring Organisation (WMO).
• Termination: In cases of government-initiated termination, disposal must be completed within 15 days, with proof submitted to the licensing authority.

Permitted Disposal Methods include returning the equipment to the supplier or an authorised dealer, transferring it to another valid licensee, or destroying it under WMO supervision. Government departments and PSUs may self-certify destruction but must follow e-waste management norms.

E-waste generated from such destruction must comply with the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022, ensuring environmentally safe disposal of telecom and radio communication equipment. The guidelines may be revised following the notification of frequency assignment rules under the Telecommunications Act, 2023.