Access Service Authorisation - NSO is a permission granted by Department of Telecommunications to allow a company to provide wireline and wireless access telecom services using its own telecommunication network. If you need help obtaining this authorisation, contact the telecom experts at Registrationwala.
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The Access Service Authorisation (ASA) for Network Service Operator (NSO) is an authorisation issued by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT). It allows a company to provide wireline and wireless access telecom services using its own telecommunication network within a Telecom Circle or Metro Service Area notified under Schedule B of the Telecommunications (Authorisation for Provision of Principal Telecommunication Services) Rules, 2026.
To apply for Access Service Authorisation - NSO, an application must be filed through the Telecom eServices Portal. While filing the application, adhering to all the requirements prescribed under Telecommunications Authorisation Rules is of utmost importance.
Since these Authorisation Rules were notified quite recently on 23 June 2026, understanding the new framework can be quite complicated. However, Registrationwala's telecom consultants have a firm grasp of new telecom rules and can help you obtain this authorisation with ease.
NSO stands for Network Service Operator. It is a widely used term in the telecom industry. It refers to an entity authorised by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to establish, operate and maintain a telecommunication network for the provision of telecommunication services.
An NSO that has Access Service Authorisation can provide the following telecom services:
|
S. No. |
Permitted Service |
|
i. |
Transmission, emission or reception of voice and non-voice messages (including video messages) |
|
ii. |
Services permitted under Internet Service Authorisation (ISA) - NSO |
|
iii. |
Internet telephony service |
|
iv. |
Intra-circle long distance calls |
|
v. |
Captive Non-Public Network (CNPN) as a telecommunication service |
|
vi. |
Cell broadcast service |
|
vii. |
Direct Air-to-Ground Communication Service (DA2GC) |
|
viii. |
Machine-to-Machine (M2M) service |
|
ix. |
Enterprise communication services |
|
x. |
In-flight and maritime connectivity service (if NSO holds Access Service Authorisation for all 22 Service Areas) |
The NSO access service authorisation fee structure is given below:
|
Service Authorisation |
Application Processing Fee |
Entry Fee |
Initial Guarantee |
|
Access Service Authorisation NSO |
Rs. 10,000 |
Rs. 50 Lakh (Rs. 25 Lakh for North East and Jammu and Kashmir) |
Rs. 2 Crore |
The eligibility requirements for Access Service Authorisation - NSO are given below. Before submitting the application, it is necessary to make sure the applicant meets all these conditions. If any requirement is not fulfilled, the application may be rejected or the authorisation process may take longer than expected:
The entity must be a company incorporated under Companies Act, 2013. With that being said, one person company is ineligible to obtain the access service authorization - NSO.
The company must meet minimum paid-up equity capital requirement.
The company must meet minimum net worth requirement.
Any foreign direct investment, if applicable, must comply with Government of India's FDI policy and other applicable laws.
The company’s management must be of sound character.
If the company already holds one or more telecom authorisations/licences or is applying for additional authorisations, it must meet combined paid-up equity capital and net worth requirements for all such authorisations/licences.
The company must fulfil requirements prescribed under Rule 12 of Telecom Authorisation Rules.
The company must not have any pending dues.
The equity and net worth requirements for obtaining ASA NSO certificate are stated below:
|
Category |
Service Authorisation |
Service Area |
Minimum Equity Capital Requirement |
Minimum Networth Requirement |
|
Principal Telecommunication Services Authorisation (NSO) |
Access Service Authorisation - NSO |
Telecom Circle or Metro Service Area |
Rs. 2.5 Crore |
Rs. 2.5 Crore |
For obtaining Access Service Authorisation - NSO, certain documents must be submitted along with the online application. The list of required documents is provided below:
Certified Board Resolution authorising submission of application.
Certified Board Resolution authorising authorised signatory.
Power of Attorney for authorised signatory.
Certified copy of auditor's appointment resolution and acceptance letter.
Certified Certificate of Incorporation.
Certified Certificates of Memorandum of Association (MoA) and Articles of Association (AoA). MoA must include telecommunication services as a main object.
Net worth certificate.
Paid-up equity capital certificate.
Digital signature certificate.
Certificate showing the breakup of Indian and foreign equity.
Certificate confirming compliance with Indian Government’s FDI policy.
Certificate confirming compliance with Rule 5 of Telecom Authorisation Rules 2026.
The following steps are involved in the Access Service Authorisation NSO application online process:
Prior to filing the application, the applicant shall ensure compliance of the company with paid-up equity requirements, net worth requirements, FDI policy, prohibited investor restrictions and cross-holding conditions.
Then, the applicant shall submit the Access Service Authorisation - NSO application via Telecom eServices Portal. Upload all the required documents and pay the Access Service Authorisation application processing fee.
The DoT will examine the application after receiving it. During this stage, DoT may ask for additional documents/clarifications so as to verify the applicant's eligibility and compliance.
If the applicant is found eligible, DoT will issue a Letter of Intent (LoI). The applicant must then fulfil all the conditions mentioned in the LoI within the prescribed time and submit the entry fee and initial guarantee.
Once all the LoI conditions are fulfilled, DoT will generate a Unique Authorisation Number and finally grant the Access Service Authorisation - NSO to the entity.
Access Service Authorisation - NSO does not remain valid forever. Initially, it is granted for a period of 20 years. To keep providing authorised telecommunication services without any break, the authorisation must be renewed.
It is important to note that the renewal application should be submitted at least 12 months before the current authorisation expires.
When it comes to telecom authorisations and regulatory compliance, Registrationwala is among the top telecom consultancy firms in India. Our team includes Chartered Accountants, Company Secretaries, Lawyers and telecom professionals with extensive experience in handling telecom approvals and compliance matters.
For more than a decade, we have helped businesses obtain telecom approvals and meet regulatory requirements. If you are planning to obtain Access Service Authorisation - NSO, our experts can assist you at every single stage of the process. Our services include:
A. The Department of Telecommunications issues Authorisation for Access Service in India.
A. No. NSOs establish, own and operate their own telecommunication network. Therefore, they do not need to lease telecom infrastructure from another operator.
A. The application processing fee for NSO access service authorization is Rs. 10,000.
A. The access service authorisation is initially valid for 20 years. To continue providing services after its expiry, the authorisation must be renewed. The renewal application must be filed at least 12 months before the expiry of current authorisation.
A. To obtain Access Service Authorisation - NSO for a Telecom Circle/Metro Service Area, the applicant company must have a minimum paid-up equity capital of Rs. 2.5 crore and a minimum net worth of Rs. 2.5 crore at the time of application.
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