Access Service License

Access Services Licenses are a category of regulatory authorizations granted by Department of Telecommunications to telecom operators. These licenses enable telecom operators to establish and operate the telecom infrastructure to deliver services such as voice, data, Internet and Video Communications within designated geographical areas or circles.

About the Access Service

The Access Service license allows telecom operators to offer various communication services directly to end-users. The term "access services" refers to the services that enable end-users to "access" the network infrastructure for the purposes of communication or data transmission.

Fixed-line Access Services

These services allow operators to provide fixed-line telephone connections (landlines) and broadband services over wired infrastructure including broadband internet via DSL, FTTH (Fiber to the Home), etc.

Mobile Access Services

These services enable operators to offer mobile voice and data services including voice calls, mobile data (2G, 3G, 4G, 5G), SMS and MMS through infrastructure like cell towers and base stations.

Internet Access Services

These services specifically cater to providing internet connectivity to customers via mobile, fixed-line broadband, or wireless technologies including Broadband Internet, Wi-Fi Services, and Fixed Wireless Access (FWA).

Video Access Services

This category involves the delivery of video communication services over telecom infrastructure including services like cable TV, IPTV, and video conferencing.

Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility to apply for authorization to provide access services in India generally includes the following entities:

Indian Companies: A company registered under the Companies Act, 2013 is the main eligible entity. The company's Memorandum of Association (MoA) should include objectives related to "Internet Service Provider" or similar activities.

Other Entities (UL-VNO Category B): The Unified License (Virtual Network Operator) framework has a specific Category B for Access Services that expands eligibility to include Partnership Firms, Proprietorship Firms, Shops and Establishments, and any legal person.

Commitment to adhering to operational guidelines and industry standards set by the Department of Telecommunications.

Documents Required

The following documents are required for applying for Access Service Authorization:

Application form (to be filled online)

Copy of Certificate of Incorporation (CoI) along with Articles of Association (AOA) and Memorandum of Association (MOA)

Board resolution regarding appointment of statutory auditor/company secretary along with specimen signature of CA/CS

Original Power of Attorney by resolution of board of Directors that the person signing the application is authorized signatory on stamp paper

Certificates to be issued by CA/CS (as appointed by Board Resolution)

Foreign Equity Details

Post submission of the application along with supporting documents, the complete application is scrutinized and after approval, the Letter of Intent (LoI) is issued to the applicant. The LoI contains various details like service area authorization, details of Entry fee (non-refundable), Performance Bank Guarantee and Financial Bank Guarantee (FBG) to be paid, previous authorizations, if any and effective date of license agreement.

More information: Access Service FAQ Document

Fees and Charges

The details of Processing Fee, Entry fee, PBG and FBG for Access Service (Telecom Circle/ Metro Area) Authorization is readily available at Annexure-II of UL and UL-VNO License Agreement.

UL and UL-VNO License agreement are available for ready reference at S.no. 197 and 198 of URL: https://dot.gov.in/unified-licencing

Amendments in Annexure-II of UL agreement is available at Sr No 178,179,180 and 181 of URL: https://dot.gov.in/unified-licencing

Application Process

1 Registration

The Applicant companies desirous of getting the Access Service Authorization under Unified License/UL-VNO Agreement may submit the application online on SARAL (Simplified Application for Registration and Licenses) SANCHAR portal i.e. https://saralsanchar.gov.in. The Applicant companies are required to do a one-time registration on the portal.

2 Application Submission

Submit the application form and required documentation to the designated DoT office.

3 Processing

The application undergoes a compliance and background check.

4 Approval

Upon successful review, the license is issued, allowing the applicant to operate Access Services within the approved territories.

Benefits

Market Expansion

Expanded market reach for telecom operators targeting underserved or rural locations.

Service Bundling

Opportunity to offer bundled services (voice, data, internet, video) for diversified revenue streams.

Government Support

Access to government initiatives promoting telecom infrastructure development across India.

Scope of License

The Access Service under this authorization covers collection, carriage, transmission, and delivery of voice and/or non-voice messages over TSP's network in the designated Service Area.

The TSP can provide Internet Telephony, Internet Services including IPTV, Broadband Services, and triple play (voice, video, and data)

While providing Internet Telephony service, the TSP may interconnect Internet Telephony network with PSTN/PLMN/GMPCS network

The TSP may provide access service, which could be on wireline and/or wireless media with full mobility, limited mobility, and fixed wireless access

Security Conditions

The TSP shall ensure that the Base Stations, Cell Sites, or Radio Transmitters near International Borders of India are located as far away from the border as feasible. The radio signals must fade out when nearing or crossing the international border.

During emergencies, the TSP shall shut down such BTS(s) under intimation to the DoT/concerned TERM Cell

The designated person of the Central/State Government shall have the right to monitor the telecommunication traffic in every MSC/Exchange/MGC/MG/Routers or any other technically feasible point in the network

Rollout Obligations

The TSP must meet the following rollout obligations within specified timelines:

Phase 1 (1 Year)

Coverage of 10% of DHQs/towns

Phase 2 (3 Years)

Coverage of 50% of DHQs/towns

Phase 3 (3 Years)

Coverage of 10% of BHQs

Access Services License Agreement Process

Standard Operating Procedure for Access Services License Signing

Access Services License Signing Process Flow

1

Application Submission

  • Submit complete application package to LSA
  • Include required documents:
    • Duly filled application form (Form-1)
    • Entry fee payment receipt (₹15 Crore for All Services)
    • Performance Bank Guarantee (₹44 Crore)
    • Financial Bank Guarantee (₹8.8 Crore)
    • Company incorporation documents
    • Board resolution for authorization
  • Specify preferred signing location and date
2

Document Verification

  • LSA verifies document completeness within 7 working days
  • Key checks:
    • Minimum net worth of ₹25 Crore
    • Valid bank guarantees with proper wording
    • FDI compliance (up to 100% allowed)
    • Proper KYC documents for signatories
  • Raise queries if any deficiencies found
3

Technical Evaluation

  • Review network architecture plan
  • Verify compliance with:
    • Security conditions (LI & monitoring)
    • EMF radiation norms (self-certification)
    • Interconnection requirements
    • Numbering plan compliance
  • Assess rollout obligations plan (10% DHQ in 1 year)
4

Financial Clearance

  • Verify bank guarantees:
    • PBG validity (minimum 18 months)
    • FBG covers estimated license fees
    • Bank authorization documents
  • Confirm entry fee payment clearance
  • Check for any outstanding dues or penalties
5

Approval Process

  • Prepare approval file with:
    • Letter of Intent (LOI)
    • Power of Attorney (POA)
    • Verification checklist
    • Query resolution documents
  • Submit for DDG(T) approval
  • Coordinate signing date with applicant
6

License Signing

  • SO signs the License Agreement in presence of witnesses
  • Verify signatory authority matches POA
  • Record signing details in ULS system
  • Capture digital copy of signed agreement
7

Post-Signing Formalities

  • Email scanned copies to:
    • DS Cell (first 3 pages)
    • Finance Wing (for billing setup)
    • Technical Wing (for network coordination)
  • Update UL database with license details
  • File original documents in secure storage
  • Intimate M(T) about license issuance

Access Services Specific Requirements

Financial Requirements
  • Entry Fee: ₹15 Crore
  • PBG: ₹44 Crore
  • FBG: ₹8.8 Crore
  • Minimum Networth: ₹25 Crore
  • License Fee: 8% of AGR
Technical Requirements
  • Lawful Interception capability
  • EMF radiation compliance
  • Number portability support
  • 90% metro coverage in 1 year
  • 10% DHQ coverage in 1 year
Compliance Requirements
  • Security clearance for personnel
  • CDR maintenance for 1 year
  • Location tracking capability
  • Emergency call support
  • Infrastructure sharing provisions

Special Conditions for Access Services

Access Service includes both wireline (PSTN, broadband) and wireless (2G/3G/4G) services under single authorization

Must comply with additional conditions for: Internet Telephony IPTV Services Triple Play

Limited mobility restrictions apply for fixed wireless access (FWA) services

Network must support monitoring of at least 480 simultaneous calls as per security requirements

Must provide location details (latitude/longitude) for all mobile calls within 3 years