Unified License (UL)

Need for a Unified License

• Telecommunication Services such as voice, data, and video are now being rendered through single networks, bringing about a convergence in networks, services, and devices.
• It is imperative to move towards convergence of networks, platforms, and technologies to overcome the segregation of licensing, registration, and regulatory mechanisms in these areas to enhance affordability, increase access, and deliver multiple services at reduced costs.
• Accordingly, there was a need to unify all the services under a single license.

Approach to Unified License

• The "cafeteria approach" (pay as you eat) would support service providers with lower net worth and capital requirements, enabling them to enter the market with one or more of the services on offer. These service providers are important for sustaining and enhancing competition in important and niche segments of Telecom services.
• The prospective telecom service provider should have the choice to obtain a Unified License with authorization for any number of offered services in the composite license document, according to their business needs. Additional services can be authorized later at the licensee's request.

Structure of Unified License

• The Unified License consists of two parts: the ‘License Agreement’ and the ‘Schedule to the License Agreement’.
• The Schedule is further divided into two parts: Part-I and Part-II.
• Part-I (Chapter-I to Chapter-VII) contains the common terms and conditions applicable to all services.
• Part-II (Chapter-VIII to Chapter-XVI) contains specific terms and conditions applicable to the respective nine services.

Service Authorization in Unified License

The services are as mentioned below:

• Access Service (also includes ISP and Voicemail/Audiotex/UMS Service)
• Internet Service (Category ‘A’, ‘B’, and ‘C’)

Violation cases reported against the ISPs

• Sub-Leasing of License/Service provisioning and Billing by Franchisee Company
• Selling/providing the services outside the authorized service area
• Violation of FDI Norms
• Security vetting of Managing Director, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and/or Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Licensee company, if held by foreign nationals
• Remote Access Server without permission (as per RA guidelines 31.01.2013)
• ISP not having WPC clearance for the tower in the network
• Security vetting of Managing Director, CEO, and/or CFO of Licensee company, if held by foreign nationals

Documents required for new license apply

• Particulars of the company such as Name, Registered Office, Corporate Office address is verified in respect of application form and other documents submitted by the applicant.
• Certificate of Registration duly signed by the authorised signatory.
• MOA/AOA (object clause as per guidelines) duly signed by the authorised signatory.
• Net-worth Certificate claimed in application form, duly signed by CA/CS and countersigned by the authorised signatory.
• Minimum Equity Certificate (if claimed) duly signed by CA/CS and countersigned by the authorised signatory.
• Paid-up capital certificate.
• Net-worth certificate of the company.
• Board resolution regarding the statutory audit appointment.
• Foreign equity shareholding certificate.
• Power of Attorney duly signed by authorised signatory.
• Board Resolution duly signed by authorised signatory.