Apply for Access Service Authorisation - VNO

What is Access Service Authorisation - VNO?

Access Service Authorisation - VNO is a legal authorisation granted by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT). It allows a company to provide wireline and wireless (mobile) access services without the requirement of building a physical telecom network. Instead, the authorised entity leases telecom network infrastructure of a Parent NSO to provide authorised telecommunication services to customers. 

The AS authorisation is granted for a Telecom Circle or Metro Service Area. Under Schedule B of the Telecommunications Authorisation Rules 2026, there are 22 Telecom Circles / Metro Service Areas for which this authorisation may be obtained. To apply for Access Service Authorisation - VNO, an application must be filed online via Telecom eServices Portal managed by DoT. While filing the application, the applicant must meet eligibility conditions, submit required documents and provide accurate information in application form. 

For assistance in obtaining the authorisation, get in touch with our experienced telecom 

consultants at Registrationwala. We are well-versed in application process and will help you prepare and file the application while ensuring compliance with Telecom Authorisation Rules 2026.

What is a VNO?

VNO full form in telecom is Virtual Network Operator. It refers to a telecom business that provides telecommunication services to customers by using the network infrastructure of a Parent NSO under a commercial agreement, instead of building and operating its own telecom network. 

What is a Parent NSO?

A Parent NSO is an authorised Network Service Operator with whom a VNO enters into a commercial agreement for the provision of telecommunication services. It owns and operates the telecom network infrastructure that the VNO leases to provide authorised telecommunication services to its customers. 

What Services are Permitted Under ASA - VNO? 

A VNO with a valid access service authorisation can provide the following services:

Access Service Authorisation VNO Fee Structure

The VNO access service authorisation fee structure is given below:

What are the Eligibility Criteria for VNO ASA Registration?

The eligibility criteria for Access Service Authorisation - VNO are provided below. Before filing the application, it is essential to ensure that applicant meets all the eligibility conditions. Failure to satisfy these requirements may result in access service authorisation application rejection or cause unnecessary delays in authorisation process:-

• The applicant must be a company incorporated under Companies Act, 2013.

• It must meet the minimum paid-up equity capital requirement as well as minimum net worth requirement.

• Any foreign direct investment, if applicable, must comply with FDI policy and other applicable laws.

• Applicant entity’s management must be of sound character.

• In case the applicant already holds one or more telecom authorisations/licences or is applying for multiple authorisations, it must:-

• Have minimum paid-up equity capital equal to combined minimum capital requirement for all such authorisations/licences; and

• Have minimum net worth equal to combined minimum net worth requirement for all such authorisations/licences.

• The applicant must comply with requirements prescribed under Rule 12 of Authorisation Rules 2026.

• The applicant must have no pending dues.

Equity and Net Worth Requirements for ASA VNO

The equity and net worth requirements for obtaining ASA VNO license are stated below:

Which Documents are Required for VNO AS Authorisation?

While filing an ASA VNO application, the following documents are required:

• Certified copy of Board Resolution authorising submission of telecom authorisation application. 

• Certified copy of Board Resolution authorising the person signing the application to act as the authorised signatory. 

• Power of Attorney in favour of authorised signatory.

• Certified copy of Board Resolution appointing the auditor along with auditor's acceptance letter.

• Certified copy of Certificate of Incorporation

• Certified copy of Memorandum of Association. It must include telecommunication services as one of its main objects.

• Certificate copy of Articles of Association.

• Certificate of applicant's net worth.

• Certificate of applicant's paid-up equity capital.

• Certificate showing the breakup of paid-up equity capital into Indian and foreign equity along with foreign equity details.

• Certificate confirming that the foreign direct investment complies with FDI policy, if applicable.

• Certificate confirming that applicant satisfies eligibility criteria under Rule 5 of Authorisation Rules 2026.

How to Apply for VNO ASA Online?

The application process for obtaining the Access Service Authorisation - VNO online generally involves the following steps: 

Validity and Renewal Requirements for AS Authorisation - VNO

Access Service Authorisation - VNO does not come with lifetime validity. It is granted for a fixed period of 20 years. To continue the provision of authorised telecommunication services without interruption, the renewal application must be filed at least 12 months before the expiry of the current authorisation. 

Registrationwala’s Assistance in ASA VNO

Registrationwala is inarguably one of the leading telecom consultancy firms in India. Our team consists of highly qualified professionals, including Chartered Accountants, Company Secretaries, Lawyers and other experts with hands-on experience in the telecom regulatory and compliance sector. 

For over a decade, we have been assisting businesses with telecom regulatory compliance and approvals. We can guide you through the entire process of obtaining Access Service Authorisation for VNO. Our services include the following:

• Carefully assessing your eligibility for authorisation.

• Collecting and preparing the mandatory documents.

• Filing ASA - VNO application with DoT on your behalf.

• Regularly tracking the status of your application.

• Handling clarifications/queries raised by DoT during application process.

• Providing complete support until Access Service Authorisation - VNO is granted by DoT.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)