DoT notifies new telecom authorisation norms

The Government has notified rules that operationalise a new authorisation-based framework in the telecom sector, marking a transition from the legacy licensing regime. The Centre has also notified the ‘Telecom eServices Portal’ that enables the digital implementation of the provisions of the Telecom Act.

A set of norms has been notified under the Telecom Act, among them, the Telecommunications (Authorisation for Provision of Main Telecommunication Services) Rules, 2025, that effectively shift entities from the old licence regime to a new authorisation-based framework.

Existing Unified Licence, UASL, ISP, NLD and ILD licensees can migrate to the new regime.

The draft of the rules pertaining to the authorisation-based framework was published on September 5, 2025, inviting objections and suggestions from stakeholders within 30 days — a window that was later extended to October 21, 2025.

“...comments and suggestions received in that period in respect of the said draft rules have been considered by the Central Government,” the notification by the Telecom Department said.

The rules allow any eligible entity to apply to the government for authorisation to provide telecom services either as a network service operator, a virtual network operator (VNO), or both.

“Any person may apply to the Central Government under rule 6 to obtain authorisation as a network service operator or virtual network operator or both to provide one or more telecommunication services that are within the scope and service area of any authorisation specified,” it said.

This includes unified service authorisation for a national service area, access service authorisation for one or more service areas, wireline access service authorisation, internet service authorisation for a national service area or one or more service areas, and long-distance service authorisation for a national service area.