DOT Telecom License Required

DOT OSP & ISP
License Registration

DOT OSP & ISP License Registration is mandatory for businesses offering telecom-related services, including call centers, BPOs, and internet service providers. Get expert guidance for hassle-free license approval.

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Understanding

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.

OSP Licence - Call Center Professional

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:

  • 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

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:

  • 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
ISP Licence - Network Engineer
Comparison

Key Differences Between OSP & ISP Licences

Understanding the distinctions between OSP and ISP licenses helps businesses choose the right registration path.

Purpose

OSP Licence

Required for businesses using telecom resources for customer service and support

ISP Licence

Required for companies providing internet services to end-users

Regulatory Body

OSP Licence

Issued by the Department of Telecommunications (DOT)

ISP Licence

Issued under the Unified License (UL) framework by DOT

Applicable Businesses

OSP Licence

BPOs, call centers, telemarketing firms, and service providers relying on telecom resources

ISP Licence

Internet Service Providers, broadband operators, and wireless data providers

License Classification

OSP Licence

No classification, single registration under OSP guidelines

ISP Licence

Classified into Class A, B, and C based on service area (National/State/District)

Infrastructure Requirement

OSP Licence

Must use telecom infrastructure from authorized operators

ISP Licence

Must comply with ISP network infrastructure and lawful monitoring rules

Requirements

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).

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.

OSP Eligibility - Call Center

OSP Licence Eligibility

  • Legal Entity: Only Private Limited or Limited Companies registered under the Companies Act, 2013 can apply.
  • Business Model: Must provide telecom-related services such as call centers, BPOs, telebanking, telemedicine, e-commerce, or network management.
  • Infrastructure: 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.

ISP Licence Eligibility

  • Legal Entity: Any registered Private Limited or Public Limited Company can apply.
  • Service Type: Must intend to provide internet services, broadband, fiber optics, leased lines, or wireless networks.
  • Financial Capability: Must meet net worth requirements:
    • • Class A: ₹2.5 crore (National)
    • • Class B: ₹50 lakh (State)
    • • Class C: ₹5 lakh (District)
  • Security Compliance: Must comply with DoT's data retention, lawful interception, and cybersecurity guidelines.
ISP Eligibility - Data Center

Regulatory Compliance & DoT Guidelines

Both OSP and ISP license holders must follow DoT regulations to ensure security, fair operations, and consumer protection.

OSP Compliance Officer

OSP Compliance

  • Mandatory Registration: Companies providing telecom-related services must register with DoT.
  • Infrastructure Usage: Only authorized telecom infrastructure from TSPs can be used.
  • Data Privacy & Security: Must comply with data protection, call monitoring, and lawful interception policies.
  • Annual Compliance Report: Must submit annual report detailing infrastructure usage and business activities.
  • WFH Guidelines: Remote operations must follow DoT's WFH policies with secure communication channels.

ISP Compliance

  • 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.
ISP Compliance Specialist
Documentation

Documents Required for DOT OSP & ISP Licence

To successfully apply for an OSP or ISP Licence, businesses must submit specific documents as per the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) guidelines.

Common Documents for Both OSP & ISP Licence

Certificate of Incorporation

Proof of company registration under the Companies Act, 2013.

MOA & AOA

Defines the company's objectives and business activities.

Board Resolution for Licence Application

Authorization from company directors to apply for the licence.

PAN Card of the Company

Mandatory for tax compliance and legal verification.

GST Registration Certificate

Required for tax filing and legal business operations.

List of Directors & Shareholders

Details of company ownership and management.

KYC of Authorized Signatory

Aadhaar, PAN, and passport-size photos of the authorized representative.

Additional Documents for OSP Licence

Detailed Business Plan

Overview of services, operations, and telecom infrastructure usage.

Network Diagram & Technical Setup Details

Explaining telecom resource usage from authorized service providers.

Lease Agreement for Office Space

Proof of operational premises for OSP services.

Additional Documents for ISP Licence

Net Worth Certificate

Issued by a Chartered Accountant to prove financial eligibility.

Bank Guarantee (As per Licence Category)

Security deposit based on service area (Class A, B, or C ISP).

Security Clearance for Foreign Directors

Required if the company has foreign investors.

Network & Infrastructure Plan

Detailed explanation of internet service delivery methods.

ISP Licence Application Form

Official DoT form for ISP registration.

STEP-BY-STEP

Process for DOT OSP & ISP Licence Registration

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:

1

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.

2

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.

3

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.

4

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.

5

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.

6

Application Review & Verification

DoT officials verify submitted documents, business plans, and network setup. Additional clarifications or modifications may be requested during the review process.

7

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.

Post-Registration Compliance

Following these steps ensures a hassle-free registration process, avoiding rejections or delays. Proper documentation and compliance with DoT regulations are essential for approval.

Pricing & Timeline

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:

OSP Licence

No government fee is required, but there may be professional service charges for application processing.

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.

Avoid Rejection

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.

Post-Registration

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 Us

Why Choose Udyog Suvidha Kendra for OSP & ISP Licence?

1

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.

2

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.

3

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