The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) published Consultation Paper No. 08/2026 to seek stakeholder comments on the regulatory framework for Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) communications and Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) in India.

The consultation follows a reference issued by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), which proposed adopting Cellular Vehicle-to-Everything (C-V2X) as the harmonized ITS communication technology for India. The proposal includes the allocation of 30 MHz spectrum in the 5875–5905 MHz band for the initial deployment of C-V2X services, while reserving an additional 20 MHz in the 5905–5925 MHz range for future ITS applications and evolving standards.

The document evaluates potential regulatory mechanisms for Roadside Units (RSUs), including spectrum assignment models, authorization conditions, and pricing frameworks. It also discusses license-exempt operation for On-Board Units (OBUs) under defined technical parameters and explores interference management measures for nationwide deployment.

TRAI further reviews international regulatory approaches adopted in jurisdictions such as the United States, European Union, United Kingdom, China, Canada, and Japan, particularly regarding spectrum harmonization, licensing models, and technical standards for ITS and connected vehicle ecosystems.

The consultation is part of India’s broader strategy to improve road safety, reduce traffic congestion, support smart mobility initiatives, and enable future connected and autonomous vehicle applications through advanced 4G/5G-based vehicular communication technologies.

This represents a medium-impact regulatory development, as India is proposing the establishment of a national regulatory framework for Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) communications and Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS), including spectrum allocation, authorization mechanisms, and deployment conditions for connected vehicle infrastructure.

The impact is considered moderate because the consultation focuses primarily on spectrum policy, telecom governance, intelligent transport communications, and operational deployment frameworks rather than introducing immediate mandatory product certification requirements or fully adopted technical compliance standards.

Although the proposal does not yet impose finalized RF, EMC, safety, or telecom equipment certification obligations, it establishes the regulatory foundations for future deployment of Cellular Vehicle-to-Everything (C-V2X) technologies, 5G-enabled transport systems, roadside communication infrastructure, and connected mobility ecosystems across India.

The consultation may significantly influence future technical, operational, and spectrum management requirements applicable to automotive manufacturers, telecom operators, ITS providers, infrastructure developers, and connected vehicle technology vendors participating in the Indian market.

Key reasons for medium impact:

• Proposes national adoption of Cellular Vehicle-to-Everything (C-V2X) technology
• Introduces spectrum allocation framework in the 5.9 GHz band for ITS applications
• Establishes potential authorization mechanisms for Roadside Units (RSUs)
• Supports deployment of intelligent transportation and connected mobility infrastructure
• May influence future technical and telecom compliance requirements for connected vehicles
• Impacts telecom operators, automotive manufacturers, and ITS ecosystem stakeholders
• Encourages integration of 4G/5G networks with transportation infrastructure
• Expands regulatory focus on connected and autonomous vehicle communications
• Includes cybersecurity, interference management, and spectrum coexistence considerations
• Does not yet establish finalized mandatory hardware certification standards or immediate conformity assessment obligations

Who?

• TRAI and Department of Telecommunications (DoT)
• Automotive manufacturers and connected vehicle developers
• Telecom operators and 5G infrastructure providers
• Intelligent Transport System (ITS) providers
• Road infrastructure and smart city operators
• Manufacturers of On-Board Units (OBUs) and Roadside Units (RSUs)
• Spectrum management and telecom compliance teams
• Connected mobility and autonomous vehicle ecosystem stakeholders

Conclusion

The Indian consultation on the regulatory framework for Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) communications represents an important strategic initiative to support the deployment of intelligent transport systems, connected vehicles, and future autonomous mobility applications.

While the consultation does not yet introduce finalized technical certification requirements or immediate mandatory compliance obligations, it establishes the policy and spectrum foundations for future C-V2X deployment, 5G-enabled transportation infrastructure, and connected mobility regulation in India.

As a result, this qualifies as a medium-impact regulatory development, particularly for telecom operators, automotive manufacturers, intelligent transport system providers, connected vehicle technology vendors, and organizations involved in smart mobility and transportation infrastructure projects in India.