NEW
Applications for Captive Telecommunication Services Authorisations of licenses as per new Telecommunication rules 2026 have been enabled.
NEW
Applications for Miscellaneous Telecommunication Services Communication Authorisations and Migration of licenses as per new Telecommunication rules 2026 have been enabled.
NEW
Applications for new NSO, VNO authorisations and Migration of licenses as per new notified rules 2026 have been enabled.
NEW
2-factor login will come in Saral Sanchar from 1st July.
Saral Sanchar Portal has been integrated with the Entity Locker. Unified Licenses (UL), UL-VNO, Network and Satellite Licenses can now be directly accessed and downloaded through the Entity Locker.
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Empowering telecom with secure, high-quality wired and wireless services.
Access Services
Empowering telecom with secure, high-quality wired and wireless services.
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. The term "access services" typically refers to the services that enable end-users to "access" the network infrastructure for the purposes of communication or data transmission.
Details of Service
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) grants licenses to telecom operators under the Access Services License which includes the following types of access services:
Fixed-line Access Services: These services allow operators to provide fixed-line telephone connections (landlines) and broadband services over wired infrastructure. They may include services like broadband internet via DSL, FTTH (Fiber to the Home), etc.
Mobile Access Services: These services enable operators to offer mobile voice and data services. Mobile network operators deploy infrastructure like cell towers, base stations, and spectrum to deliver wireless communication services. It includes services such as:
Voice calls
Mobile data (2G, 3G, 4G, 5G)
SMS and MMS
Internet Access Services: These services specifically cater to providing internet connectivity to customers via mobile, fixed-line broadband, or wireless technologies.
Broadband Internet
Wi-Fi Services
Fixed Wireless Access (FWA)
Video Access Services: This category involves the delivery of video communication services over telecom infrastructure. It includes services like cable TV, IPTV, and video conferencing.
Who Can Apply
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 for obtaining Access Service Authorization.
The company's Memorandum of Association (MoA) should include objectives related to "Internet Service Provider" or similar activities to align with offering access services
Other Entities (Specifically for UL (VNO) Access Service Category B): The Unified License (Virtual Network Operator) [UL (VNO)] framework has a specific Category B for Access Services that expands eligibility to include:
Partnership Firms registered under the Indian Partnership Act, 1932.
Proprietorship Firms.
Shops and Establishments registered under relevant state laws.
Any legal person.
Documents Required
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.
When filling out the application form for obtaining Access Service Authorization, the list of required documents is available at the link mentioned below:
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
RegistrationThe 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. Once the registration is done the applicant company needs to apply for any of the desired authorization under UL/UL-VNO regime.
2
Application SubmissionSubmit the application form and required documentation to the designated DoT office.
3
ProcessingThe application undergoes a compliance and background check.
4
ApprovalUpon successful review, the license is issued, allowing the applicant to operate Access Services within the approved territories
Statistics
Count of Access Service Authorizations under UL and UL(VNO) as on 31.12.2024 are
The applicant must be an Indian Company, registered under the Companies Act, 2013. UL and UL(VNO) can be applied by any Indian companies except for Access Service Cat B authorisation under UL(VNO) which can be applied for by Indian companies, partnership firm, proprietorship firm, Shops and establishment and legal person.
The Applicant companies desirous of getting the Access Service Authorization under Unified License/UL-VNO may submit the application on portal i.e. https://saralsanchar.gov.in. The Applicant companies are required to do a one-time registration on the portal.
This is to inform that the acceptance of new applications under Indian Telegraph Act 1885 has been stopped for all kind of Unified Licenses, Unified Licenses (VNO), Standalone Licenses, Registrations, Permissions. Accordingly, the Saral Sanchar Portal and National Single Window System (NSWS) will not accept any new applications for the same.
All applicants who wish to i) obtain any of the above authorisations/ registrations under The Telecommunication Act, 2023, or; ii) migrate the existing licenses/ authorisation granted under Indian Telegraph Act, 1885 to the corresponding authorisations under The Telecommunication Act, 2023 may login to https://eservices.dot.gov.in/authorisation-portal from 25.06.2026 onwards.
This is to inform that the acceptance of all applications including renewals under Indian Telegraph Act 1885 has been stopped for Dealer Possession License (DPL)/ Non-Dealer Possession License (NDPL) and Manufacturing Licence & Testing License. Accordingly, the Saral Sanchar Portal and National Single Window System (NSWS) will not accept any new applications for the same from 03.07.2026 onwards
Detailed list of licenses with contact details of concerned is provided for reference. click here.
Details of Service
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) grants licenses to telecom operators under the Access Services License which includes the following types of access services:
Who Can Apply
The eligibility to apply for authorization to provide access services in India generally includes the following entities:
Documents Required
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
Statistics
Count of Access Service Authorizations under UL and UL(VNO) as on 31.12.2024 are
Policy / Circular / Presentation
Circulars17/01/2022
UL guidelines
838.19 KBCirculars
UL guidelines
978.83 KBClick here to view all
Validity
20 years for Access service authorizations under UL and 10 years for Access service authorizations under UL (VNO).
Frequently Asked Questions
The updated version of UL/UL(VNO) license agreement is available on DoT Website. It can also be found at below mentioned links:
UL - https://dot.gov.in/circulars/license-agreement-unified-license-vno
VNO - https://dot.gov.in/circulars/license-agreement-unified-license
The applicant must be an Indian Company, registered under the Companies Act, 2013. UL and UL(VNO) can be applied by any Indian companies except for Access Service Cat B authorisation under UL(VNO) which can be applied for by Indian companies, partnership firm, proprietorship firm, Shops and establishment and legal person.
The Applicant companies desirous of getting the Access Service Authorization under Unified License/UL-VNO may submit the application on portal i.e. https://saralsanchar.gov.in. The Applicant companies are required to do a one-time registration on the portal.
AS FAQ.pdf