To establish and operate a telecom network for internet services in India, it is mandatory for a business to obtain Internet Service Authorisation - NSO from Department of Telecommunications (DoT). The Department grants IS authorisation in accordance with Telecommunications (Authorisation for Provision of Principal Telecommunication Services) Rules, 2026. These rules have officially replaced the old licensing system with authorisation system.
Registrationwala’s consultants can make Internet Service Authorisation NSO process easy and smooth for you by helping with documentation, application filing and compliance under the latest telecom rules.
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ISA full form in Telecom is Internet Service Authorisation. It is the modern equivalent of an ISP license. Internet Service Authorisation - NSO refers to a legal authorisation granted by DoT to allow a business to establish, maintain and operate its own telecom network for providing internet services in India. It is one of the main principal telecom service authorisations available under the NSO category. To apply for Internet Service Authorisation - NSO, the applicant needs to file an online application via DoT Telecom eServices Portal.
While filing the authorisation application, adhering to the provisions of the Telecommunications (Authorisation for Provision of Principal Telecommunication Services) Rules, 2026 is something that every applicant must ensure.
Looking for professional assistance in obtaining Internet Service Authorisation for NSO? Connect with our experienced telecom consultants at Registrationwala to help you out. We’ll ensure a smooth experience for you throughout the authorisation process.
NSO full form is Network Service Operator. It is a telecom business that owns and operates physical telecommunications network. Since it owns the network, it does not need to lease telecom infrastructure from another operator.
Under NSO framework, authorisation to provide internet services can be obtained either for whole of India or for specific telecom circles and metro service areas in the country.
Applicants can choose the service area according to their business plans and the areas they want to cover. The following are the available service area options:
|
Service Area |
Coverage |
Ideal For |
|
National Service Area (NSA) |
It covers the whole of India. This includes territorial waters, continental shelf and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). |
It is ideal for telecom companies that intend to establish and operate a nationwide internet network. |
|
Telecom Circle/Metro Service Area |
It covers a specific licensed telecom circle or metro area like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Haryana, etc., as specified under Schedule B of Authorisation Rules. |
It is an ideal option for telecom companies like regional internet service providers that want to offer internet services within a state/telecom circle/metro city. |
Under ISA - NSO framework, the following services are permitted:
|
S. No. |
Services Permitted Under Internet Service Authorisation - NSO Framework |
|
1. |
Internet services |
|
2. |
Internet telephony, subject to applicable rules |
|
3. |
Domestic leased circuits |
|
4. |
Internet leased lines |
|
5. |
Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) |
|
6. |
Machine-to-Machine (M2M) internet services |
|
7. |
In-flight and maritime internet connectivity (if NSO holds National Service Area Authorization) |
The NSO Internet Service Authorization fee structure, according to Schedule A of Authorisation Rules, is provided in the table below:
|
S. No. |
Service Authorisation |
Application Processing Fee |
Entry Fee |
Initial Guarantee |
|
1. |
Internet Services Authorization (National) |
Rs. 10,000 |
Rs. 10 Lakh |
Rs. 4 Lakh |
|
2. |
Internet Services Authorization (Circle/Metro Area) |
Rs. 10,000 |
Rs. 50,000 (Rs. 25,000 for North East and Jammu and Kashmir) |
Rs. 20,000 |
The eligibility criteria for NSO ISA are as follows:
The applicant applying for internet service authorization must be a company incorporated under Companies Act, 2013. With that being said, one person company incorporated under the Act is ineligible.
The applicant must meet minimum paid up equity capital and minimum net worth requirements, as specified under Schedule C.
It must comply with FDI policy as well as prevailing Indian laws.
It must also comply with beneficial ownership and cross holding provisions under Telecom Authorisation rules.
The applicant must settle dues/liabilities/penalties/obligations pertaining to any previous telecom licence/authorisation, if applicable.
According to Schedule C of Telecom Authorisation Rules, the equity and net worth requirements for ISA NSO are as follows:
|
S. No. |
Type of Service Authorisation |
Minimum Equity Capital Requirement |
Minimum Net Worth Requirement |
|
1. |
Internet Service Authorisation (National Area) |
Rs. 10 Lakh |
NIL |
|
2. |
Internet Service Authorisation (Telecom circle/Metro Area) |
Rs. 1 Lakh |
NIL |
The following documents are required for securing Internet Service Authorisation for Network Services Operator:
Certificate of Incorporation issued by Registrar of Companies.
Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association.
Digital Signature Certificate.
Board Resolution that authorizes submission of ISA NSO application.
Shareholding pattern and beneficial ownership details.
Chartered Accountant-issued certificate for paid up equity capital and net worth.
FDI related declarations and foreign investment details, wherever applicable.
Compliance certificate for cross-holding restrictions.
Details regarding ownership, management and control.
Compliance undertakings for security and lawful interception.
Technical and network deployment details.
To apply for IS Authorisation - NSO with DoT, the applicant needs to complete the following steps:
Step 1: Prior to filing the application, the applicant must ensure compliance with the paid up equity capital requirements, FDI policy, prohibited investor restrictions, etc.
Step 2: After that, they must file an online application through the Telecom eServices portal, along with necessary documents and payment of processing fee.
Step 3: Once the DoT receives the application, it shall examine it to check whether it meets the regulatory requirements. If required, the Department may seek clarifications or additional documents.
Step 4: If satisfied with the application, the Department shall issue a Letter of Intent (LoI). The applicant must ensure compliance with LoI within the stipulated period.
Step 5: After successful compliance, a unique authorisation number will be generated and internet service authorisation - NSO will be granted by the Department.
The ISA NSO comes with an initial validity of 20 years. It can be renewed for another 20 years at a time so as to ensure the continued provision of internet services. It is important to note that the applicant must file the renewal application at least twelve months before the current authorisation expires.
Registrationwala has been helping businesses obtain various telecom licences for more than a decade. Our consultants have hands-on experience when it comes to telecom compliances and always stay up to date regarding the latest telecommunications laws and regulations. Now that the telecom licensing system has been replaced with authorisation framework, the DoT issues authorisations under Telecom Authorisation Rules 2026.
For businesses, understanding the new application process, financial requirements, eligibility criteria and documentation requirements under the new framework can be pretty challenging without any professional assistance. That's where Registrationwala can help. Our ISA NSO registration services include:
Assessing eligibility for Internet Service Authorisation for NSO.
Helping you prepare/collect required documents.
Filing the online ISA NSO application on your behalf while adhering to authorisation framework.
Regularly monitoring application status and providing timely updates.
Assisting you in obtaining NSO IS Authorisation from DoT efficiently.
Q1. What is IS Authorisation?
A. It is a legal authorization granted by DoT to allow a business to provide internet services in India. It is a category of principal services authorization.
Q2. What is the validity of Internet Service Authorization - NSO?
A. Internet Service Authorization - NSO has an initial validity of 20 years. This authorization can be renewed for additional 20 years at a time.
Q3. What is the Annual Authorization Fee for ISA NSO?
A. The annual authorisation fee for ISA NSO is 8% of Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR).
Q4. Can Registrationwala help me in securing Internet Service Authorisation - NSO in Delhi?
A. Yes, our consultants can certainly help you secure Internet Service Authorisation - NSO in Delhi. In fact, our services are available across India. Whether your business is located in a metro city or a rural area, our telecom consultants can assist you with the entire DoT authorisation process.
Q5. Which authority grants Internet Service Authorization to NSOs in India?
A. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) grants the Internet Service Authorization to NSOs in India.
6. Does Saral Sanchar portal accept applications for Internet Service Authorization - NSO?
A. No, Saral Sanchar portal does not accept applications for Internet Service Authorization - NSO. For the authorization, a new portal known as Telecom eServices Portal has been developed.
Q7. Has DoT stopped issuing the ISP licenses?
A. Yes, DoT has stopped issuing the ISP “licenses”. Now, it issues Internet Service “authorisations” instead. To know more, you can get in touch with Registrationwala’s telecom consultants.
Q8. Can a One Person Company (OPC) obtain Internet Service Authorization - NSO?
A. No, an OPC is ineligible for obtaining IS Authorisation NSO.
Q9. Can a Limited Liability Partnership obtain ISA NSO?
A. No, an LLP is ineligible for obtaining ISA NSO. According to the eligibility conditions, the business entity must be a company registered under the Companies Act, 2013 (except OPC).
Q10. Is DSC required for filing ISA NSO application?
A. Yes, DSC is required for filing the ISA NSO application.
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