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Service definition
Map internet access, broadband, leased line, internet telephony, IPTV, M2M, in-flight or maritime plans to the authorised scope and connected laws.
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DOT • ISP • NSO • VNO • AUTHORISATION 2026
ISP authorisation, engineered around the network model.
Choose the correct operator role, service area and network architecture under India's current telecommunications authorisation framework before the rollout begins.
The legacy UL and UL-VNO application route has transitioned to authorisations under the Telecommunications Act, 2023 and the 2026 Rules. Existing licences and new applications require different treatment.
01 • FRAMEWORK2026 RulesDoT authorisation
02 • MODELSNSO or VNONetwork led
03 • SCOPENational or circleArea specific
Clarity continues beyond the first step.
The original page-specific roadmap is retained here, with every detail available after the quick enquiry panel.
New legacy Unified Licence applications are no longer the current entry route. DoT directs new applicants and migrating licensees to the Authorisation Portal under the Telecommunications Act, 2023 and the applicable 2026 Rules.
Compare the current routes WHAT ISP AUTHORISATION ACTUALLY MEANS
Selling connectivity makes you part of a regulated telecom system.
Internet Service Authorisation permits an eligible entity to provide defined internet and connected telecommunication services within an approved service area and operating model. It determines whether the business acts as a Network Service Operator using its own network or as a Virtual Network Operator working through a parent NSO.RegisCorp helps translate the commercial plan into the current DoT route. We map services, network ownership, parent-operator relationships, service area, entity eligibility, financial conditions and application evidence, then organise the Letter of Intent and post-authorisation compliance pathway.
Review my ISP business model SEPARATE THE TELECOM ROLES
Bandwidth resale, public Wi-Fi and operating an ISP are not the same business.
NSO versus VNO
An NSO establishes and operates network infrastructure; a VNO provides services through arrangements with an authorised parent NSO.
National versus circle
The approved area controls the geographic scope and affects eligibility, fees, guarantees and expansion planning.
Authorisation versus spectrum
Internet service authorisation does not automatically assign spectrum; spectrum follows a separate legal process where relevant.
ISP versus infrastructure provider
Owning or sharing passive infrastructure does not itself authorise the provision of internet services to customers.
Company versus OPC
The current eligibility rules require an eligible company and expressly exclude a One Person Company from the general applicant description.
Grant versus operations
Authorisation begins an ongoing framework of fees, security, customer, reporting, network and compliance duties.
DOCUMENT READINESS
Build a regulator-ready operator file.
Portal requirements depend on NSO or VNO status, service area, ownership and the particular authorisation requested.Request a tailored checklist- Certificate of incorporation, constitutional documents, PAN and company master data
- Board resolution, authorised-signatory documents and portal identity records
- Shareholding, beneficial ownership, promoter, director and group-company information
- FDI, land-border investment, prohibited-investor and cross-holding certifications
- Paid-up equity capital, net-worth and financial statements or professional certificates
- Business plan, service description, customer segments and five-year rollout assumptions
- Network diagram, technology, nodes, interconnection, service area and security architecture
- Parent NSO agreement or proposed commercial framework where a VNO route is selected
OUR WORKFLOW
Design the operator first. Submit the authorisation second.
01
Architecture review
Map services, customers, network ownership, parent operator, service area, equipment and spectrum assumptions.
02
Eligibility model
Verify the company, capital, ownership, FDI, cross-holding, financial and authorisation-category conditions.
03
Application and examination
Prepare the portal record, certificates, business and technical materials and respond to government clarification.
04
LoI and operations
Complete entry-fee and guarantee conditions, obtain authorisation and activate the continuing compliance calendar.
RISK CONTROL
Do not build a telecom network around an outdated licence assumption.
The 2026 authorisation transition changes the filing route and terminology while preserving serious financial, security and operating responsibilities.- Legacy route followedNew applicants should use the current Authorisation Portal and rules rather than preparing a discontinued fresh UL application.
- Operator role misclassifiedAn NSO and VNO have different network rights, evidence, arrangements and compliance positions.
- Financial model incompleteEntry fees, guarantees and annual AGR-linked charges should be built into the business case before application.
- Security duties postponedNetwork, customer-identification and cybersecurity controls are operating requirements, not documents to consider after launch.
ISP AUTHORISATION QUESTIONS
Direct answers before network and customer commitments begin.
Answers reflect general orientation to the current framework. The Telecommunications Act, 2023, 2026 Rules, portal instructions and applicant facts control the actual route.Ask an expert question01Is an ISP licence still called a Unified Licence in India?+
The legacy UL and UL-VNO system remains relevant to existing licences, but DoT has moved fresh applications and migrations to the authorisation framework under the Telecommunications Act, 2023 and the 2026 Rules.
02What is the difference between ISP NSO and VNO authorisation?+
An NSO uses its own telecommunication network infrastructure to provide services. A VNO provides services through the network of a Parent NSO under the permitted arrangement.
03Can an OPC apply for Internet Service Authorisation?+
The general eligibility description in the current principal-services rules refers to a company other than a One Person Company. The proposed entity should be checked before application.
04Can one authorisation cover all of India?+
A national-area route exists, while circle and metro routes support defined regional areas. Eligibility, entry fee, guarantee and capital conditions differ by scope.
05Does ISP authorisation include spectrum?+
No. The official DoT guidance states that spectrum is separate and spectrum-related charges apply where relevant.
06How long can the authorisation remain valid?+
The current rules provide durations subject to a maximum of twenty years and allow renewal at government discretion under the prescribed process.
07What fee applies after authorisation?+
DoT states an annual authorisation fee of eight percent of Adjusted Gross Revenue for the referenced Internet Service Authorisations, including the applicable Digital Bharat Nidhi contribution, with other charges where relevant.
08Can RegisCorp help migrate an existing ISP licence?+
Yes. We can map the existing licence, service area, authorisations, financial and compliance record to the corresponding migration route and required evidence.
PRIMARY REFERENCES