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SACFA (Standing Advisory Committee on Frequency Allocation) Clearance

SACFA (Standing Advisory Committee on Frequency Allocation) Clearance

The SACFA clearance is required for setting up any wireless communication infrastructure, such as telecom towers, that uses radio frequencies. It ensures that installations comply with regulations concerning frequency allocation, environmental impact, and aviation safety. The SACFA clearance process involves consultation with various government bodies, including the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Ministry of Defense, and other agencies, to assess the suitability and safety of the site. Applicants must provide details about the proposed site location, equipment specifications, and intended frequency use. Once cleared, the SACFA license grants permission for the installation of wireless infrastructure at the specified site, promoting safe, efficient, and regulated growth of telecom and broadcast services across India.
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Details of Service

The SACFA clearance is issued by the Department of Telecom’s WPC (Wireless Planning and Coordination) Wing and is mandatory for the establishment of wireless communication infrastructure in India, including telecom towers, base transceiver stations, and radio antennas. SACFA approval ensures that the proposed infrastructure meets regulatory standards, including:

  • Frequency Allocation Compliance: Ensures that the frequency spectrum to be used does not interfere with other radio services and adheres to the country's spectrum allocation policies.
  • Aviation Safety: Checks for compliance with height restrictions and safety guidelines laid out by the Ministry of Civil Aviation to avoid interference with aircraft navigation.

The SACFA clearance process involves consultation with various government bodies, including the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Ministry of Defense, and other agencies, to assess the suitability and safety of the site. Applicants must provide details about the proposed site location, equipment specifications, and intended frequency use. Once cleared, the SACFA clearance grants permission for the installation of wireless infrastructure at the specified site, promoting safe, efficient, and regulated growth of telecom and broadcast services across India.

 

The SACFA clearance is mandatory for the establishment of wireless communication infrastructure in India, including telecom towers, base transceiver stations, and radio antennas.

SACFA applications are classified into four major categories, depending on the nature of the installation and the type of service being deployed. These categories help streamline the process for tower/mast installations and ensure proper frequency coordination, safety, and compliance.

  1. Mast Height Category

Purpose: To obtain clearance for setting up new masts or towers, primarily based on their height and location.

Sub-Categories:

  1. Mast Height (Broadcast Service) – For broadcast towers used in radio or TV transmission.
  2. Mast Height (VSAT) – For Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) earth stations used in satellite communication.
  3. Mast Height (General) – For general telecom applications (e.g., cellular towers, microwave links).

Key Parameters to Be Filled:

  1. Transmitter Output Power / EIRP
  2. Frequency band (range or spot)
  3. Tower height and antenna height
  4. Geographical coordinates (Latitude/Longitude)
  5. Location address and PIN code
  6. Antenna details (type, azimuth, tilt, gain)
  7. Service Area & Nature of User (TSP, ISP, etc.)

Use Case: Most commonly used for new tower or mast installations by telecom service providers, broadcasters, or satellite operators.

 

  1. Full Siting Category

Purpose: For locations that require detailed inter-agency coordination, including defence, aviation, and other regulatory authorities.

When Required:

  1. Installation of high-power or large antenna systems
  2. Sites near airports, defence zones, or sensitive areas
  3. Usage of new or uncoordinated frequency bands
  4. Installations involving international border proximity or restricted zones

It ensures:

  1. National security compliance through coordination with the Ministry of Defence (MoD).
  2. Aviation safety, with checks by the Airports Authority of India (AAI).
  3. Interference management through technical vetting by the Wireless Planning & Coordination (WPC) wing.
  4. Geographic impact assessment, especially in proximity to defence/air traffic zones.

Use Case: Used for satellite uplink stations, large broadcasting stations, and installations near airports or military installations.

 

  1. Exemption Category

Purpose: The Exemption Category under SACFA is for wireless installations that do not require full SACFA clearance, due to their low risk, low power, or indoor deployment characteristics. These setups are considered non-critical in terms of frequency interference, national security, or aviation safety. 

Commonly Exempted Installations:

  1. Indoor antennas (e.g., Wi-Fi access points)
  2. Low-powered devices or short-range wireless installations
  3. Small cell deployment under defined height/power limits

Key Requirements:

  1. Declare the exemption formally by submitting an application under the Exemption Category on the SaralSanchar portal.
  2. Confirm the compliance with all technical and safety norms, especially EMF radiation and usage of permitted frequency bands.
  3. Accept the Self-Declaration terms online.
  4. No site inspection or inter-agency clearance is typically involved.

Use Case: Ideal for indoor DAS systems, small IoT base stations, and Wi-Fi hotspots.

  1. Additional Antenna Category

Purpose: The Additional Antenna Category is used when a telecom operator or infrastructure provider wants to install new antennas on a site or tower that has already received SACFA clearance. This ensures that any modification or expansion of existing infrastructure complies with the DoT’s regulations for frequency usage, interference management, and structural safety.

Why It's Needed:

  1. Facilitate network upgrades (e.g., 4G to 5G, MIMO additions)
  2. Allow multiple operators to share existing towers (infrastructure sharing)
  3. Add new frequencies or sectors to improve coverage or capacity
  4. Maintain updated records of antenna parameters for each site.

Information Required:

  1. Existing site/application reference number
  2. Antenna height, frequency, gain, tilt, azimuth, etc.
  3. Revised EIRP or transmitter output power
  4. Additional geo-tagging if antenna changes orientation

Use Case: Used when operators upgrade from 4G to 5G, or add antennas to existing towers for coverage enhancement.

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Who Can Apply

Common applicants include-

  1. Telecom Service Providers (TSPs)
  2. Internet Service Providers (ISPs)
  3. Broadcast operators (TV/Radio)
  4. Satellite operators (VSAT, Teleport, etc.)
  5. Government and defence communication bodies
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Documents Required

1. Online SACFA Application - Submit via the WPC (Wireless Planning and Coordination) portal: https://saralsanchar.gov.in
2. Antenna/Structure Details: Height of antenna and supporting structure (Above Ground Level and Above Mean Sea Level), Coordinates (Latitude and Longitude in decimal degrees), Location address with village, city, district, and state etc.
3. Site Map / Sketch / Drawing: Site layout clearly showing antenna placement, Tower drawing (if applicable) with structural details.
4. Google Earth Image: Marked location of the site with latitude and longitude overlay.
5. Frequency Details: Frequency band to be used, Type of transmission (e.g., point-to-point, mobile, etc.)
6. Undertaking / Declaration Letter (on company letterhead): Stating that the site will not interfere with existing services, Assurance of compliance with EMF and safety norms
7. Equipment Details: Make, model, and type of the antenna and transmission equipment, Gain, polarization, EIRP, etc.
8. Height Clearance Certificate (if applicable): From AAI (Airports Authority of India) if near airports or exceeding certain heights.
9. Authorization Letter / Power of Attorney: If someone is submitting on behalf of the company.
10. Company Registration Documents (optional but often needed): Certificate of incorporation or GST registration for verification.
Frequency assignment letter
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Fees and Charges

  1. Small Cell Installations on Street Furniture: INR 100/- per small cell.
  2. Additional Antenna Installations: INR 100/- per additional antenna.
  3. General SACFA Applications: INR 1,000 /- per application.

 

Note: This are the standard processing fee for SACFA clearance applications.

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Application Process

1
Submit application saral sanchar portal
2
Upload all the required documents.
3
Pay the applicable fee and submit application
4
Download the certificate
Apply/View Status
New user?Sign up for MeriPehchaan
Nodal Cell Contact / Help Desk

Sr.DWA (IT & SACFA)

th.babu@gov.in

Validity

Lifetime unless revoked by SACFA member

User Manual
A comprehensive user manuals are available for applicants.
SACFA_Applicant_User_Manual 2.05 MB
Read
New
Telecommunications
Act 2023
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Frequently Asked Questions

SACFA (Standing Advisory Committee on Radio Frequency Allocation) clearance is mandatory for installing wireless transmitting equipment (like mobile towers and antennas) to ensure No interference with existing systems, Safety from aviation hazards, Proper frequency allocation.

Yes, unless the installation falls under exemption categories such as:

  1. Low-power indoor Wi-Fi
  2. Certain short-range devices
  3. Installations below specified height limits away from airports

Under Self-Declaration Mode, applicants can:

  1. Submit applications online via Saral Sanchar
  2. Self-certify compliance with norms
  3. Get auto-clearance for eligible sites without scrutiny delays

  1. Antenna and site details
  2. Frequency assignment (DL/AIP)
  3. Google Earth site image with coordinates
  4. Tower height, EIRP, and transponder info
  5. Self-declaration and payment

  1. Auto-cleared sites: Instantly after submission and payment
  2. Scrutiny-required sites: Timeline varies depending on the complexity. Maximum 30 Days.

  1. ₹1,000 per application (standard)
  2. ₹100 per site for small cells or additional antennas

On the DoT’s Saral Sanchar Portal: https://saralsanchar.gov.in

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