To provide internet services through a leased telecom network, it is mandatory for a business to obtain Internet Service Authorisation - VNO from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT). This authorisation is issued by the Department in alignment with Telecommunications (Authorisation for Provision of Principal Telecommunication Services) Rules, 2026.
Need assistance in IS authorisation for VNO? Get in touch with Registration’s telecom consultants. We can simplify the entire ISA VNO process for you!
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ISA stands for Internet Service Authorisation, which is the modern equivalent of ISP license in India. ISA VNO full form in Telecom is Internet Service Authorisation - Virtual Network Operator. It refers to a legal authorization that is granted by DoT to allow a business to provide internet services in India by leasing telecom network infrastructure from a parent Network Service Operator. To apply for IS Authorization, the applicant needs to file an online application via DoT Telecom eServices Portal.
While filing the authorisation application, adhering to provisions of Telecommunications (Authorisation for Provision of Principal Telecommunication Services) Rules, 2026 is absolutely necessary. Want to secure DoT authorisation for internet services without much struggle? Connect with our experienced telecom consultants at Registrationwala to help you out!
VNO full form is Virtual Network Operator. It refers to a telecom business that provides internet services by using telecom network infrastructure leased from a parent Network Service Operator under a lease agreement. Since the network is leased, a VNO does not need to establish, own or operate its own physical telecom network.
A business can get VNO internet service authorization to provide internet services through leased telecom infrastructure across all of India or in selected telecom circles and metro service areas. The applicant can choose the service area depending on the business needs. The available service area options are listed below.:
|
Service Area |
Area Covered |
Suitability |
|
National Service Area (NSA) |
NSA covers the whole of India, including territorial waters, the continental shelf and the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). |
It is suitable for VNOs that want to provide internet services across India by using a leased telecom network. |
|
Telecom Circle/Metro Service Area |
It covers a selected telecom circle or metro service area, such as Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata or Haryana, as specified under Schedule B of Authorisation Rules. |
It is suitable for VNOs that want to provide internet services through a leased telecom network only in a particular state/telecom circle/metro city. |
Companies with ISA VNO can provide the following services:
|
S. No. |
Services that an ISA - VNO Company Can Provide |
|
1. |
Internet Services |
|
2. |
Internet Telephony, subject to rules |
|
3. |
Domestic Leased Circuits |
|
4. |
Internet Leased Lines |
|
5. |
Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) Service |
|
6. |
Machine-to-Machine (M2M) Internet Services |
|
7. |
In-flight and Maritime Internet Connectivity (only if VNO has ISA for National Service Area) |
The Internet Service Authorization fee structure for VNOs, as outlined under Schedule A, is provided in the table below:
|
S. No. |
Service Authorisation |
Application Processing Fee |
Entry Fee |
Initial Guarantee |
|
1. |
Internet (National) |
Rs. 10,000 |
Rs. 10 Lakh |
Rs. 1 Lakh |
|
2. |
Internet (Circle/Metro Area) |
Rs. 10,000 |
Rs. 50,000 (Rs. 25,000 for North East and Jammu and Kashmir) |
Rs. 10,000 |
The eligibility criteria for obtaining the ISA for VNO are stated below:
The applicant must be a company incorporated under the Companies Act, 2013 and adhere to applicable rules under Telecommunications Act 2023.
It must meet minimum paid up equity capital and minimum net worth requirements specified under Schedule C of Telecom Authorisation Rules.
The applicant must ensure compliance with FDI policy as well as prevailing Indian laws.
It must ensure that no prohibited investor has direct/indirect investment or control in applicant entity.
It must also ensure compliance with beneficial ownership and cross holding provisions laid down under Telecom Authorisation Rules.
For providing internet services, the applicant must enter into an agreement with Parent NSO.
The applicant must clear dues/liabilities/penalties/obligations pertaining to previous telecom licence/authorisation, if applicable.
The equity and net worth requirements for ISA - VNO are as follows:
|
S. No. |
Type of Service Authorisation |
Minimum Equity Capital Requirement |
Minimum Networth Requirement |
|
1. |
Internet Service Authorisation (National Area) |
10 Lakh |
NIL |
|
2. |
Internet Service Authorisation (Telecom circle/ Metro Area) |
1 Lakh |
NIL |
The following documents are required for securing Internet Service Authorisation for Virtual Network 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 VNO application.
Details regarding Shareholding pattern and beneficial ownership.
CA certificate for paid-up equity capital and net worth.
Declarations related to FDI and foreign investment details, if applicable.
Undertaking regarding Prohibited investors.
Compliance certificate regarding cross-holding restrictions.
Ownership, management and control structure details.
Copy/details of agreement with Parent NSO.
Compliance undertakings for security and lawful interception.
Technical and service details.
The applicant must complete the following steps to obtain IS Authorisation from the DoT:
Step 1: Before applying for the internet service certificate, the applicant must make sure that all requirements are met, such as the paid-up equity capital requirement, FDI policy and prohibited investor rules.
Step 2: Next, the applicant must submit an online application via Telecom eServices Portal along with the required documents and the internet authorisation processing fee.
Step 3: The DoT will check the application to make sure it meets all the required rules. If needed, the Department may ask for more information or additional documents.
Step 4: If the application is approved, the DoT will issue a Letter of Intent (LoI). The applicant must complete all the LoI requirements within the given time.
Step 5: After the applicant completes the LoI requirements, the DoT will generate a Unique Authorisation Number and grant the Internet Service Authorisation.
Initially, the ISA - VNO is valid for 20 years. It can be renewed for another 20 years at a time to continue providing internet services through leased telecom infrastructure. To renew the authorisation, the applicant must submit the renewal application at least 12 months before the current internet authorisation expires.
Registrationwala has been assisting businesses to get various telecom licenses for more than a decade now. Our consultants always stay up-to-date with the latest telecom rules and have the required experience to assist businesses in telecom compliances. Quite recently, the Telecom Licensing System got replaced by Authorisation-based Framework.
As a result, the DoT now issues VNO authorisations under the Telecom Authorisation Rules 2026. For businesses, the new application process, financial requirements, eligibility criteria and documentation requirements can be quite challenging to understand. This is where Registrationwala can help.
Our ISA VNO registration services are as follows:
Checking your eligibility for Internet Service authorisation.
Assistance in preparing and assembling the documents you need.
Filing the online application under latest DoT authorization framework.
Keep track of the application status and update it in a timely fashion.
Helping you get Internet Service Authorisation for VNO from DoT with minimal efforts from your end.
Q1. What is ISA full form in telecom?
A. ISA full form in telecom is Internet Service Authorization, which is permission/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 - VNO?
A. Internet Service Authorization - VNO has an initial validity of 20 years. It is renewable for additional 20 years at a time.
Q3. What is the Annual Authorization Fee for ISA VNO?
A. The annual authorisation fee for ISA VNO is 8% of Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR).
Q4. Can Registrationwala help me in securing Internet Service Authorisation for VNO in Delhi?
A. Yes, our consultants can certainly help you secure Internet Service Authorisation for VNO in Delhi. In fact, our DoT consultancy services are available across India.
Q5. Does Internet Service Authorization - VNO remain valid for lifetime?
A. No, the internet service registration / authorisation for VNO remains valid for a period of 20 years. To ensure uninterrupted business, an application must be filed for renewal of authorization at least 12 months before the expiry of current validity.
Q6. Which authority grants Internet Service Authorization to VNOs in India?
A. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) grants the Internet Service Authorization to VNOs in India.
Q7. Is DSC required for filing an application for ISA VNO?
A. Yes, DSC is required for filing an ISA VNO application online via Telecom eServices portal.
Q8. What is ISA VNO application processing fee?
A. ISA VNO application processing fee is Rs. 10,000.
Q9. What is a parent NSO?
A. Parent NSO refers to the Network Service Operator that owns and operates the telecom network infrastructure and provides network resources to a VNO for offering telecom services.
Q10. Are ISP licenses still issued by DoT?
A. No, ISP licenses are no longer issued by DoT. Under the new authorisation framework, the Department now issues Internet Service authorisations instead.
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