Under the Telecom Authorisation Rules 2026, Principal Telecommunication Services are the main telecom services that businesses offer to their customers. To provide these services, a business must obtain authorisation from Department of Telecommunications (DoT).
In this blog post, we shall discuss the principal telecom services in detail, including its categories and how to get authorization for a principal telecom service online.
The term ‘Principal Telecommunication Services’ is an official term used by the Department of Telecommunications. It refers to main telecom services that businesses provide to their customers (like individuals, businesses and government organisations). The term was introduced as part of the Telecommunications (Authorisation for Provision of Principal Telecommunication Services) Rules, 2026.
The principal telecom services help people as well as businesses communicate via voice, data and internet. These services are an important part of telecom sector in India. To provide a principal telecom service, a business must obtain authorisation from the Department of Telecommunications under the Rules.
The application for authorisation must be submitted online through the Telecom eServices Portal, which is the official portal of the DoT for telecom authorisation and related services.
Principal Telecommunication Services in India are divided into five main categories. Both Network Service Operators (NSOs) and Virtual Network Operators (VNOs) operate in these categories. NSOs own and operate the telecom network.
On the other hand, VNOs use the network of an NSO to provide telecom services to their customers. Below, we have explained all the five main categories of principal telecom services:
|
S. No. |
Category of Principal Telecom Service |
Definition |
Who can Apply for an Authorization? |
|
1. |
Access Services |
Access Service can be described as a principal telecom service that allows businesses to provide wireline or wireless voice, video and data communication services directly to end users. It also includes services like internet telephony and cell broadcast services. |
Both NSO and VNO can apply for an authorization for access service. While the NSO applies for Access Service Authorization - NSO, the VNO applies for Access Service Authorization - VNO. |
|
2. |
Internet Services |
Internet Service means a telecom service that lets businesses provide public internet access, Internet Leased Line, Internet Protocol Television and Machine-to-Machine connectivity services to customers. |
Both NSO and VNO can apply. While the NSO applies for Internet Service Authorization - NSO, the VNO applies for Internet Service Authorization - VNO. |
|
3. |
Wireline Access Services |
Wireline Access Service is a telecom service enables a VNO to provide wireline voice and non-voice communication, internet, internet telephony and intra-circle long-distance services over a wired network. NSO cannot provide this service under Authorisation Rules. On eServices Telecom portal, there’s no such provision for an NSO to apply for Wireline Access Service Authorization. |
Only VNO can apply for Wireline Access Service Authorisation. |
|
4. |
Long Distance Services |
Long Distance Service refers to one of the core telecom services. It allows businesses to carry voice and data traffic over National Long Distance (NLD) and International Long Distance (ILD) networks |
NSO and VNO both can apply. NSO must apply for Long Distance Service Authorization - NSO. On the other hand, the VNO must apply for Long Distance Service Authorization - VNO. |
|
5. |
Unified Services |
Unified Service can be described as a telecom service that allows businesses to provide multiple telecom services, subject to the conditions specified under the Authorisation Rules. |
Both NSO and VNO can apply. The NSO must apply for Unified Service Authorization - NSO. The VNO must apply for Unified Service Authorization - VNO instead. |
To get authorization for a principal telecom service, you need to visit Telecom eServices Portal. This portal is managed and operated by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT). Below, we have explained all the important steps you need to follow to complete the principal telecom authorization process:-
Step 1:- Visit the official portal of Telecom eServices.
Step 2:- After that, log into portal by entering your credentials.
Step 3:- Then, go to dashboard and click on ‘Industry Services’ tab and then click on ‘Authorisation Module’.
Step 4:- Then, choose principal telecom service authorisation you want to apply for.
Step 5:- After that, begin filling out authorisation application form with necessary details and attach all the necessary documents.
Step 6:- Pay prescribed application processing fee to submit the application.
Step 7:- Once DoT receives the application, it’ll examine its details and documents attached. If everything is in alignment with the authorisation rules, the department will issue a letter of intent.
Step 8:- Comply with the letter of intent’s conditions within the prescribed period. Also, submit the entry fee and initial guarantee.
Step 9:- Finally, DoT will grant the required telecom authorisation.
The Telecom Authorisation Rules 2026 plant seeds of a modern telecom ecosystem in India. These rules replace the previous licensing framework with an authorisation based regime for telecom services. Under the new regime, businesses must obtain the appropriate authorisation from DoT prior to providing principal telecommunication services.
For assistance in securing an authorisation for a principal telecom service, you can connect with telecom consultants at Registrationwala.
Q1. How to obtain principal telecom service authorization?
A. To obtain principal telecom service authorization, you need to file an application with DoT online via Telecom eServices Portal. If the application meets all the requirements, the department will grant you the appropriate authorization.
Q2. Can NSOs secure wireline access service authorisation in India?
A. No. Wireline Access Service Authorisation is available only to Virtual Network Operators (VNOs). Network Service Operators (NSOs) are not eligible to obtain this authorisation.
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Disclaimer:- Please note that this blog post is purely intended for educational purposes. While the author has made every effort on their end to provide our readers with accurate as well as complete information in this post, we cannot guarantee its full accuracy or completeness. We encourage our readers to verify details via official and reliable sources or connect with an experienced telecom consultant for assistance. |
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