The Long Distance Service Authorisation (LDSA) - Network Service Operator (NSO) is a type of a principal telecom service authorisation under the latest telecom authorisation framework. It is granted by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to permit a company to establish and maintain networks for carrying National Long Distance (NLD) and International Long Distance (ILD) traffic.
In this blog post, we shall understand the major benefits associated with obtaining the LDSA NSO. If you are planning to offer NLD and ILD services in India, we recommend that you go through this post.
In the telecom sector, LDSA NSO stands for Long Distance Service Authorisation - Network Service Operator. It is a telecom authorisation that the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) grants to a company to authorise it to establish, operate, maintain and expand its own telecommunication network for carrying National Long Distance (NLD) and International Long Distance (ILD) traffic.
Under the Telecommunications (Authorisation for Provision of Principal Telecommunication Services) Rules, 2026, the LDSA NSO initially remains valid for a period of 20 years from the effective date. It may be renewed for a further period to ensure continuous provision of authorised services.
The top benefits of Long Distance Service Authorisation for NSOs are listed below:
An entity with LDSA NSO is legally allowed to build, operate, maintain and expand its own telecom network for carrying long-distance traffic. This means the company can create and manage the infrastructure needed to provide authorised telecom services.
Having its own network gives the authorised entity a much better control over its operations. It helps the NSO to provide telecom services across India as well as connect with international networks in alignment with DoT rules and regulations.
Another key benefit associated with LDSA NSO is that it enables the authorised entity to provide a wide range of services. It includes National Long Distance (NLD) services like carriage of bearer telecommunication traffic within India, carriage of intra-circle and inter-circle long-distance calls, Domestic Leased Circuit (DLC) services and Domestic Calling Card services.
The authorisation also enables the authorised entity to provide International Long Distance (ILD) services like carriage of bearer telecommunication traffic outside India, carriage of international long-distance calls to or from foreign carriers, International Private Leased Circuit (IPLC) services and International Calling Card services.
Apart from the above-mentioned services, an NSO may also lease domestic and international bandwidth to authorised entities or eligible licensees, and set up, operate, maintain or expand Cable Landing Stations (CLS), CLS-Point of Presence (CLS-PoP), International Long Distance Gateways (ILDG) and International Internet Gateways (IIG), subject to the required government approvals and security clearances.
The LDSA for Network Service Operator provides regulatory certainty under telecom authorisation framework introduced by the DoT. The rights, obligations, renewal process and compliance requirements that must be fulfilled by the authorised entity are all laid down under the Telecommunications Authorisation Rules.
This helps the authorised entity understand what all the applicable rules are quite clearly. Because of this, the entity can plan its telecom operations with confidence. What’s more, a clear set of rules also helps the company make long term business plans and continue providing authorised telecom services as per DoT requirements.
Another benefit linked with telecom authorisation LDSA NSO is that it allows the authorised entity to share its telecom infrastructure and interconnect with other authorised entities, subject to applicable rules laid down by DoT.
This is quite an important benefit as it helps the authorisation holder in expanding its network connectivity and providing long-distance telecom services a lot more efficiently.
One of the biggest benefits of LDSA NSO is its long term validity. This authorisation is initially granted by DoT to an entity for a period of 20 years in total. Because of this benefit, the authorised entity does not have to worry about applying for frequent renewals. Instead, it can focus on growing its business.
To continue providing the authorised services, the entity must submit a renewal application at least 12 months before the expiry of the current authorisation. Once the renewal application gets DoT approval, the authorisation may be renewed for another 20 years.
Also Read: Can only VNOs obtain Wireline Access Service Authorisation?
Long Distance Service Authorisation - NSO offers many benefits, such as the ability to build and operate telecom infrastructure, provide NLD and ILD services, share infrastructure and enjoy a clear regulatory framework with long-term validity.
For assistance in obtaining Long Distance Service Authorisation for NSO, get in touch with our telecom consultants at Registrationwala.
Q1. What is LDSA NSO full form in telecom?
A. In the telecom sector, the LDSA NSO full form is Long Distance Service Authorisation - Network Service Operator.
Q2. Can NSOs establish their own telecom networks?
A. Yes, the DoT-authorised NSOs can establish, operate, maintain and expand their own telecommunication networks, in accordance with Telecom Authorisation Rules.
Q3. What National Long Distance (NLD) services can an entity with LDSA NSO provide?
A. An entity authorised under LDSA NSO may provide NLD services such as: (i) Carriage of bearer telecommunication traffic within India, (ii) Carriage of intra-circle and inter-circle long-distance calls, (iii) Domestic Leased Circuit and (iv) Domestic Calling Card.
Q4. What International Long Distance (ILD) services can an entity with LDSA NSO provide?
A. An entity authorised under LDSA NSO may provide ILD services such as: (i) Carriage of bearer telecommunication traffic outside India, (ii) Carriage of international long-distance calls to or from foreign carriers, (iii) International Private Leased Circuit (IPLC) and (iv) International Calling Card.
Q5. Does LDSA NSO come with long-term initial validity?
A. Yes, this authorisation comes with a long-term initial validity of 20 years. Because of this reason, the authorisation does not need to be renewed on a frequent basis.
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