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.
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
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
Processing Fees - Unified License ISP
| Category | Service Area | Application Fee (Rs) | Entry Fee (Rs) | Performance Bank Guarantee (Rs) | Financial Bank Guarantee (Rs) | Networth (Rs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | All India | 1,00,000 | 1,50,00,000 | 4,40,00,000 | 8,80,000 | 2,50,00,000 |
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.
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