In June 2026, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) notified the Telecom Authorisation Rules 2026 so as to modernize the telecom regulatory framework for the Virtual Network Operators (VNOs) and Network Service Operators (NSOs). VNOs are telecom service providers that offer services to customers by using the network infrastructure of NSOs.
NSOs, on the other hand, are telecom service providers that own, build and maintain the telecom network infrastructure, such as towers, cables and other network equipment.
Under Authorisation rules, the Wireline Access Service Authorisation (WASA) is a standalone authorisation that only VNOs can obtain. This means that NSOs are ineligible for this authorisation.
In the telecom sector, WASA full form is Wireline Access Service Authorisation. It is a legal authorisation granted by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) under the Telecommunications Authorisation Rules 2026 to allow a VNO to provide wireline access services in a telecom circle/metro service area by using the wireline network infrastructure of an authorised Network Service Operator (NSO).
This includes services like fixed-line voice services, internet and broadband services, internet telephony, M2M connectivity, enterprise communication services, etc. The Wireline Access Authorisation can only be obtained by Virtual Network Operators.
The Wireline Access Service Authorisation granted by DoT to VNOs covers the following authorised services:
Transmission, emission or reception of voice and non-voice messages.
Principal telecom services authorised under internet service authorisation - VNO.
Internet telephony service.
M2M service.
Intra-circle long distance calls.
Enterprise communication services under enterprise communication service authorisation.
Also Read: Service Areas under Telecom Authorisation Rules
The answer to the question, “Can only VNOs obtain Wireline Access Service Authorisation?”, should now be clear to you. Under the Telecom Authorisation Rules 2026, Wireline Access Service Authorisation (WASA) is available only to Virtual Network Operators (VNOs). Authorised VNOs can provide wireline access services by using the network infrastructure of an authorised NSO while NSOs themselves are not eligible to obtain this standalone authorisation.
If you are planning to apply for WASA, Registrationwala’s telecom experts can assist you with eligibility assessment, documentation, application filing and compliance support throughout the entire authorisation process.
Q1. What is WASA full form in telecom?
A. WASA full form in telecom is Wireline Access Service Authorisation.
Q2. Can only the virtual network operators obtain WAS authorization in India?
A. Yes, it’s true. Only the virtual network operators can obtain the WAS authorization in India.
Q3. Why can the network service operators not obtain the wireline access service authorization?
A. The network service operators cannot obtain the wireline access service authorisation because the Telecom Authorisation Rules 2026 reserve this authorisation exclusively for virtual network operators.
Q4. Can services permitted under WASA be provided only in a Telecom Circle or Metro Service Area?
A. Yes. Under the Telecommunications Authorisation Rules 2026, a VNO holding a Wireline Access Service Authorisation may provide services only within the authorised Telecom Circle or Metro Service Area for which the authorisation has been granted.
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, finance 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.
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