National Long Distance Service License
National Long Distance (NLD) services licensee can carry telecommunication traffic from one Licensed Service area (LSA) to another LSA. The Licensee can also provide Leased Circuit services.
About the NLD Service
National Long Distance (NLD) service was opened for private players in August 2000 to promote free competition. Since 2013, NLD authorizations have been issued under the Unified License framework, introduced as part of the National Telecom Policy 2012 to implement the concept of 'One Nation, One License'. NLD authorization is now issued as an authorization under Unified License instead of a separate license.
Mandatory Requirement
An NLD license is a mandatory regulatory requirement for any telecom operator who wants to carry telecommunication traffic from one Licensed Service area (LSA) to another LSA.
Unified License Framework
NLD authorizations are now issued under the Unified License framework as part of the 'One Nation, One License' concept introduced in the National Telecom Policy 2012.
Regulatory Authority
This license is issued by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) under the Ministry of Communications.
Note: The information contained herein is a simplified outline intended solely to assist with general understanding. Applicants should refer to the UL guidelines /License & amendments, issued time to time at URL https://dot.gov.in/unified-licencing and https://dot.gov.in/relatedlinks/national-long-distance and detailed guidelines of Unified License issued vide letter No. 20-577/2016-AS-I (Vol III) dated 17.01.2022 for complete and accurate information.
Details of Service
The NLD Service Licensee can carry inter-circle switched bearer telecommunication traffic over its national long distance network. The Licensee may also carry intra-circle switched traffic where such carriage is with mutual agreement with originating access service provider.
Services Offered
Voice Communication: Carrying voice traffic across service areas
Data and Internet: Internet services, private leased circuits, cloud services
Fax Services: Transmission of faxes across service areas
Video Services: Video calling, video conferencing, streaming services
Multimedia Applications: OTT platforms, messaging services, digital content delivery
Leased Circuit Services: The Licensee can provide Leased Circuit Services
Leasing Bandwidth: The Licensee can provide bandwidth to other telecom service licensees
M2M Connectivity: The licensee can also provide connectivity to the service providers which have obtained registration for M2M service
Network Interconnection and Security Conditions
The Licensee may deploy circuit switched or managed Packet Switched network to engineer its NLD networks
The Licensee shall ensure that the Leased circuits are regularly checked for their bonafide use and to detect any misuse
Who Can Apply
General Guidelines for Grant of National Long Distance (NLD) services under Unified License:
The applicant must be an Indian company, registered under the "Companies Act- 2013/1956"
Financial and Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must pay a non-refundable processing fee as prescribed
FDI upto 100% under automatic route subject to observance of licensing and security conditions by licensee as well as investors as notified by the DoT from time to time
The applicant company shall have a minimum paid up equity capital and networth as prescribed
The applicant must pay the Entry fee prescribed
The applicant must submit the Financial Bank Guarantee (FBG) and Performance Bank Guarantee (PBG) as prescribed
Documents Required
The following documents are required for applying for NLD Service Authorization:
Copy of registration certified by Company Secretary/Statutory Auditor and countersigned by Director duly authorized by the company
Articles of Association certified by Company Secretary/Statutory Auditor and countersigned by Director duly authorized by the company
Memorandum of Association certified by Company Secretary/Statutory Auditor and countersigned by Director duly authorized by the company
Equity Details certificate from the Company Secretary/Statutory Auditor countersigned by the Director duly authorized by the company
Certificate from the Company Secretary/Statutory Auditor, countersigned by the Director duly authorized by the company to disclose the status of foreign holdings
Networth of the company certificate from the Company Secretary/Statutory Auditor countersigned by the Director duly authorized by the company
Paid up capital certificate by the Company Secretary/Statutory Auditor, countersigned by the Director duly authorized by the company
MHA clearance (in case of foreign nationality/ CEO/CTO/CFO, Director)
Power of Attorney by Resolution of board of Directors
Other Documents, if any
Payment Challan Copy
More information: Unified Licensing Information
Fees and Charges
The application shall be made online on Saral Sanchar portal (https://saralsanchar.gov.in/).
Processing Fee: Rs. 10,000/- (non-refundable), payable online
Entry Fee: Rs. 2.5 crore only (non-refundable/non-adjustable)
Financial Bank Guarantee (FBG): Rs. 1 crore only
Performance Bank Guarantee (PBG): Rs. 50 Lakhs only
Application Process
1 Registration
The Applicant companies desirous of getting the 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 in the Saral Sanchar Portal.
3 Processing
The application undergoes a compliance and background check.
4 Approval
Upon successful review, the license is issued, allowing the applicant to operate within the approved service area.
Statistics
The List of NLD Licensees are available at:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an NLD license?
FAQ for UL - NLD License
Who can apply for an NLD license?
FAQ for UL - NLD License
What is the validity of an NLD license?
FAQ for UL - NLD License
Where can I apply for an NLD license?
FAQ for UL - NLD License