DOT OSP ISP License Registration Application
What is DOT OSP & ISP Licence?
The Department of Telecommunications (DOT) mandates businesses offering telecom-based services to obtain OSP (Other Service Provider) and ISP (Internet Service Provider) licenses. These licenses ensure compliance with regulatory norms and allow legal operations in India's telecom sector. While OSP registration is essential for call centers, BPOs, and telemarketing firms, an ISP license is required for providing internet services to consumers.
Overview of OSP (Other Service Provider) Licence
An OSP (Other Service Provider) Licence is required for businesses that use telecom resources to provide services such as call centers, BPOs, telebanking, telemedicine, and e-commerce support. Issued by the Department of Telecommunications (DOT), this license ensures compliance with India's telecom regulations. Companies operating in voice-based or data-based communication services must register as OSPs to legally conduct business.
Key Features of OSP Licence:
- Mandatory for BPOs, call centers, and telemarketing firms.
- Regulated under the New Telecom Policy (NTP), 1999.
- Requires businesses to use authorized telecom infrastructure.
- Ensures compliance with data security and lawful interception norms.
Overview of ISP (Internet Service Provider) Licence
An ISP (Internet Service Provider) Licence is required for companies offering internet services to consumers, businesses, and enterprises. It is issued by DOT under the Unified License (UL) framework and is categorized into three types – Class A, Class B, and Class C, based on operational reach.
Key Features of ISP Licence:
- Essential for providing wired or wireless internet services.
- Classified into national (Class A), state-level (Class B), and district-level (Class C) licenses.
- Requires compliance with data retention and security policies.
- ISPs must follow Fair Usage Policy (FUP) and adhere to net neutrality regulations.
Key Differences Between OSP & ISP Licences
| Feature | OSP Licence | ISP Licence |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Required for businesses using telecom resources for customer service and support. | Required for companies providing internet services to end-users. |
| Regulatory Body | Issued by the Department of Telecommunications (DOT). | Issued under the Unified License (UL) framework by DOT. |
| Applicable Businesses | BPOs, call centers, telemarketing firms, and service providers relying on telecom resources. | Internet Service Providers, broadband operators, and wireless data providers. |
| License Classification | No classification, single registration under OSP guidelines. | Classified into Class A, B, and C based on service area (National/State/District). |
| Infrastructure Requirement | Must use telecom infrastructure from authorized operators. | Must comply with ISP network infrastructure and lawful monitoring rules. |
Eligibility & Compliance Requirements
To legally operate in India's telecom sector, businesses must meet the eligibility criteria and adhere to regulatory compliance set by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT). The licensing process ensures that telecom and internet service providers function within the government’s security, infrastructure, and operational guidelines.
Who Can Apply for OSP & ISP Licence?
Businesses looking to provide telecom-based services or internet services must apply for an OSP or ISP license, respectively. The eligibility criteria differ based on the type of license:
Eligibility Criteria for OSP Licence:
- Legal Entity: Only Private Limited or Limited Companies registered under the Companies Act, 2013 can apply.
- Business Model: The entity must provide telecom-related services such as call centers, BPOs, telebanking, telemedicine, e-commerce, or network management services.
- Infrastructure Requirement: The company must use authorized telecom resources from licensed telecom service providers (TSPs) in India.
- Foreign Investments: FDI is allowed in OSP services as per the FDI policy of the Government of India.
Eligibility Criteria for ISP Licence:
- Legal Entity: Any registered Private Limited or Public Limited Company can apply.
- Service Type: The business must intend to provide internet services, broadband, fiber optics, leased lines, or wireless networks.
- Financial Capability: The company must meet the financial net worth requirement based on the ISP license category:
- Class A: ₹2.5 crore (National-level service).
- Class B: ₹50 lakh (State-level service).
- Class C: ₹5 lakh (District-level service).
- Security Compliance: The applicant must comply with DoT's data retention, lawful interception, and cybersecurity guidelines.
Regulatory Compliance & DoT Guidelines
Both OSP and ISP license holders must follow DoT regulations to ensure security, fair operations, and consumer protection. The compliance requirements include:
Regulatory Compliance for OSP Licence:
- Mandatory OSP Registration: Companies providing telecom-related services must register with DoT.
- Infrastructure Usage: Only telecom infrastructure provided by authorized telecom service providers (TSPs) can be used.
- Data Privacy & Security: Businesses must comply with data protection, call monitoring, and lawful interception policies.
- Annual Compliance Report: OSPs must submit an annual report to DoT detailing infrastructure usage and business activities.
- Work From Home (WFH) Guidelines: Remote OSP operations must follow DoT’s WFH policies, ensuring secure and monitored communication channels.
Regulatory Compliance for ISP Licence:
- License Agreement Compliance: ISPs must adhere to the terms of the Unified License (UL) framework issued by DoT.
- Tariff & Fair Usage Policy (FUP): ISPs must follow government guidelines on pricing, bandwidth allocation, and fair internet usage.
- Lawful Interception & Monitoring: ISPs must provide government agencies access to user data when required for national security.
- Net Neutrality & Consumer Protection: ISPs cannot block or slow down lawful internet services and must ensure fair usage policies.
- Quarterly & Annual Compliance Reports: ISPs must submit network usage and service reports to DoT periodically.
Documents Required for DOT OSP & ISP Licence Registration
To successfully apply for an OSP (Other Service Provider) or ISP (Internet Service Provider) Licence, businesses must submit specific documents as per the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) guidelines. Ensuring proper documentation helps in avoiding application delays and rejections.
Common Documents for Both OSP & ISP Licence
Additional Documents for OSP Licence
Additional Documents for ISP Licence
Step-by-Step Process for Obtaining DOT OSP & ISP Licence
Obtaining a DOT OSP (Other Service Provider) or ISP (Internet Service Provider) Licence involves multiple steps, ensuring compliance with the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) guidelines. Below is a structured process for a smooth registration:
Determine Licence Category & Eligibility
Identify whether you need an OSP Licence (for IT-enabled services like BPOs, call centers) or an ISP Licence (for providing internet services).
Ensure your business meets DoT eligibility criteria for registration.
Register Your Business Entity
Your business must be a Private Limited Company or LLP, as per the Companies Act, 2013.
Obtain Certificate of Incorporation (COI), MOA, AOA, PAN, and GST Registration.
Prepare Required Documents
Gather the necessary KYC documents, business plan, financial details, and infrastructure setup.
If applying for an ISP Licence, arrange for the Bank Guarantee as per licence category.
Submit Online Application to DoT
Visit the Sanchaar Seva Portal and fill out the OSP or ISP Licence application form.
Upload all required documents in prescribed formats.
Pay the Applicable Licence Fee
Pay the Government processing fee based on the type of licence and service area.
ISP Licence applicants must submit a performance bank guarantee.
Application Review & Verification
DoT officials verify submitted documents, business plans, and network setup.
Additional clarifications or modifications may be requested during the review process.
Approval & Licence Issuance
Once the application is approved, DoT grants the OSP or ISP Licence.
Businesses can now legally operate and offer telecom-related services in India.
Following these steps ensures a hassle-free registration process, avoiding rejections or delays. Proper documentation and compliance with DoT regulations are essential for approval.
DOT OSP & ISP Licence Fees & Processing Time
Cost of Licence Application
The cost of obtaining a DOT OSP or ISP Licence varies depending on the licence type and service category:
- 1. OSP Licence: No government fee is required, but there may be professional service charges for application processing.
- 2. ISP Licence: Fee depends on the Service Area Category (A, B, or C) and
includes:
- Entry Fee: ₹30,000 to several lakhs based on service category.
- Application Processing Fee: ₹15,000 (non-refundable).
- Performance Bank Guarantee (PBG): Required for ISP licences based on network capacity.
Time Required for Approval
The DOT OSP & ISP Licence approval process involves multiple stages of verification:
- OSP Licence: Typically takes 4 to 6 weeks, subject to document verification and compliance review.
- ISP Licence: Can take 2 to 4 months, as it requires security clearance and infrastructure assessments.
Timely submission of correct documents and adherence to DoT guidelines can help speed up approval
Common Challenges & How to Avoid Rejection
Incomplete Documentation: Missing or incorrect documents lead to rejection; ensure all required paperwork is complete and accurate.
Non-Compliance with DoT Guidelines: Strict adherence to regulatory guidelines is essential to prevent delays or application rejection.
Financial Requirement Issues: Insufficient bank guarantees or funding may delay approval; arrange financial documents in advance.
Use of Unapproved Infrastructure: Employ only DoT-authorized telecom equipment to meet compliance and avoid licence rejection.
Unclear Business Model: Vague or incomplete business plans can result in delays; provide a detailed and precise operational strategy.
What to Do After DOT OSP & ISP Licence Registration?
- Compliance & Reporting : After obtaining the licence, businesses must submit periodic compliance reports, including annual returns and audit reports, to the DoT to avoid penalties or legal issues.
- Infrastructure Setup : OSPs and ISPs need to establish their network infrastructure, ensuring it meets DoT guidelines and maintains operational efficiency for seamless telecom and internet services.
- Data Security & Lawful Interception : Businesses must implement strict data security measures and lawful interception protocols, as mandated by the DoT, to prevent unauthorized access and ensure regulatory compliance.
- Financial & Operational Management : ISPs must maintain revenue records, pay applicable fees, and adhere to broadband speed and quality standards to continue operations without disruptions or fines.
- Timely Licence Renewal : The licence must be renewed before expiration to avoid suspension. Businesses should prepare compliance reports and financial documents well in advance for a smooth renewal process.
- Updates & Adaptation : The telecom sector undergoes frequent regulatory changes. Staying updated with DoT notifications ensures businesses remain compliant and avoid legal or operational setbacks.
Why Choose Udyog Suvidha Kendra for OSP & ISP Licence?
End-to-End Application Assistance
Get complete support from documentation to submission, ensuring a hassle-free OSP & ISP licence application. We guide you through every step to avoid delays and errors in processing.
Expert Legal & Compliance Support
Our experienced professionals provide legal and regulatory guidance, ensuring full compliance with DoT norms. We help businesses meet all requirements to prevent penalties or application rejection.
Faster Approval with Error-Free Filing
With precise documentation and expert review, we minimize errors and maximize approval chances. Our streamlined process ensures faster application processing, saving you time and effort.
DOT OSP ISP License Registration FAQs
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