How to Start a WiFi Service Provider Business in India?

Preface: This post was originally published in 2023 and has been updated on August 13, 2025, to provide you with the most current and accurate information.

In a business, everything is connected to a connection, or it can be wired or wireless. As per the current situation, most businesses use wireless connections and equipment such as computers, network equipment, including routers, access points or any other hardware device connected to a connection. You need to obtain an ISP license from the DoT to legally provide Wi-fi and internet services. Basically, they require an ISP license and the ISP license has many benefits. Below in the article, we will discuss how Wi-Fi and the Internet are different and how you can obtain an Internet Service Provider license.

Is the Internet and Wi-Fi is Same?

Wi-Fi and internet are used interchangeably but they both are not the same. Wi-Fi is a wireless networking technology that allows devices to connect to a local network (LAN) or the internet through a wireless network connection. 

On the other hand, the internet is a global network of interconnected computer networks that allows devices to communicate with each other and access information and resources from around the world. Wi-Fi is a wireless technology, and the internet can be accessed through both wired and wireless connections. To start a business as a Wi-Fi Service Provider, you need a license. As per the requirements, the license can be an ISP license or a WPC license.  

Top Broadband Service Providers

The following are the top broadband service providers in India:

1. Tata: Tata Telecommunications expanded its broadband connectivity beyond India, providing 190 countries in 2022. Charges for Tata fibre broadband plans in the top tier cities start from Rs. 1150 for 200 Mbps for 1 month.
2. Jio: The Jio is a top player in both mobile and broadband internet service providers. Also, Jio includes various OTT subscriptions for each of its plans. In the metro cities, the plan starts from Rs. 699 for 1 month.
3. Airtel: In the category of family and individual internet packs, Airtel has held a top position for a long time. It has cost-effective plans which are available throughout the country. Also, you can find the plans of Airtel in more than 100 cities.
4. BSNL: Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited is one of the first internet and telecom providers. The government took over the company and since then its plans have been affordable. But as compared to other companies, the plans of BSNL are slower and the company upgraded the plans and the prices. 
5. Hathway: The Hathway is a leading television cable provider but after its venture into the broadband business. It is providing broadband services across 16 cities, especially in Mumbai and Pune.

How to Start a Wi-Fi Service Provider Business?

To start a service provider business, you require an ISP license. Below are the steps that are required to get a license:

1. Visit the Saral Sanchar website and register yourself.
2. After ISP registration, log into the website using the credentials.
3. Now apply for the UL license, ISP license or WPC license as per the requirement.
4. Fill out the form and attach all the documents. Signed the form and submitted it.
5. Pay the processing fees of Rs. 10,000 and after submitting it, the authority will scrutinize the file within 30-45 working days.
6. The authority will issue a Letter of Intent (LOI) and respective BG’s (Bank Guarantees) need to be submitted to the portal.
7. After completing all the steps, the department will issue a license to the applicant.

Conclusion

To conclude, the Wi-Fi business requires a license and we at Registrationwala provide an ISP license. We help you with the process such as application, documentation, eligibility, etc. Reach out to us, if you are looking to obtain an ISP license.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Is Wi-Fi the same as the Internet?

A. No. Wi-Fi is a wireless technology that connects devices to a local network or the internet without cables. The internet is a global network that can be accessed via both wired and wireless connections.

Q2. Do I need a license to provide Wi-Fi services?

A. Yes. To start a Wi-Fi service business in India, you need an ISP license or a WPC license from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT).

Q3. Who can help me get an ISP license?

A. Registrationwala can assist with application filing, documentation, and eligibility requirements for an ISP license.

Author: Dushyant Sharma

Hey there, I'm Dushyant Sharma. With the extensive knowledge I've gained in past 8 years, I have been creating content on various subjects such as banking, insurance, telecom, and all the important registration and licensing processes for various companies. I'm here to help everyone with my expertise in these areas through my articles.