The Central Government introduced Telecommunications Authorisation for Provision of Principal Telecommunication Services Rules 2026 w.e.f. 23 June 2026. They put the key provisions of Telecommunications Act 2023 into effect. The new telecom rules open a new chapter in India's telecom regulation. They replace the long-standing licence-based framework with a brand new authorisation-based system.
Earlier, the businesses had to apply for telecom licenses through Saral Sanchar portal. Now, they need to apply for telecom authorisations through a new portal known as Telecom eServices portal. In this blog post, we shall discuss everything you need to know about these new Rules, including all the major changes that have been introduced under them.
The Telecommunications Authorisation for Provision of Principal Telecommunication Services Rules 2026 are a new set of telecom rules. They were recently enforced by the Central Government on 23 June 2026 under the Telecommunications Act 2023. They provide the legal framework for authorisation of entities to provide principal telecommunication services in India. The Rules lay the foundation for eligibility conditions, application process, authorisation charges, period of validity, compliance requirements and operational obligations for telecom service providers in the country.
The Rules also define many important telecom terms in Chapter I so as to give businesses a better understanding of the new telecom framework. It includes terms like access spectrum, captive non-public networks, cable landing stations, core telecom networks, leased circuits and satellite communication infrastructure.
The Telecommunications Authorisation for Provision of Principal Telecommunication Services Rules 2026 turn the page on the old telecom system. They introduce a brand new way to regulate telecom services within India. In the table below, we have explained the key points pertaining to the new rules:
|
S. No. |
Change |
Description |
|
1. |
Replacement of License-based System |
Under the old framework, companies were required to obtain different licenses for different telecom services they wanted to provide to customers. Now, under the new Rules, they need to obtain the required authorisation instead. |
|
2. |
Simpler Authorization System |
For offering principal telecommunication services, the new Rules provide a simpler authorisation system. |
|
3. |
Eligibility Criteria |
The Rules define who can apply for authorisation. They clearly mention all the eligibility conditions that must be fulfilled by the applicant. |
|
4. |
Online Application Process via Telecom eServices Portal |
To apply for authorisation, companies must file an application via Telecom eServices Portal, which is the designated online portal for telecom authorisation. Along with the application, the required documents must be submitted as well. Additionally, the prescribed application fee must be paid on the portal. |
|
5. |
Defined Fee Structure |
The Rules clearly explain the different types of fees the applicants must pay like the application fee, entry fee, authorisation fee and other applicable charges. |
|
6. |
Rules to Follow |
The Rules explain what companies must do post-authorisation, including submitting reports and keeping their telecom networks secure. |
|
7. |
New Technologies |
The Rules also include new telecom technologies, i.e, private networks, satellite services, cable landing stations and other modern telecom systems. |
|
8. |
Easy Business Authorization |
The new Rules make it easier for eligible businesses to apply for authorisation so as to start providing telecom services. As a result, more businesses will feel encouraged to file applications for authorisation. |
|
9. |
Less Confusion |
The Rules clearly explain the process, important terms and the responsibilities of telcos and make the new system much easier to understand. |
|
10. |
Continuous Monitoring by Government |
Even though the process is simpler, the government will continue to keep a close watch on telecom networks to protect national security as well as public communication. |
The comparison table below will help you learn how the new telecom authorisation system significantly differs from the earlier telecom licensing regime:
|
Basis for Comparison |
Old Telecom Licensing Regime |
New Telecom Authorisation Regime 2026 |
|
Governing Law |
The old licensing regime was governed primarily by:
|
The new authorization regime is governed by:
|
|
Regulatory Framework |
Under the earlier licensing system, telecom services were provided under a licence-based framework. Separate licences had to be obtained so as to provide different telecom services. |
In the present scenario, the principal telecommunication services are now regulated via authorisation-based framework.. |
|
Approval Required |
Under the old regime, entities would obtain the relevant telecom licence before providing telecom services. |
Entities are required to obtain the relevant authorisation to provide principal telecommunication services. |
|
Application Process |
Depending on the type of license required, the applicants had to submit applications via Saral Sanchar in accordance with different licensing procedures prescribed by DoT. |
Applications for authorisation must be submitted online via Telecom eServices Portal. |
|
Categories |
The earlier framework consisted of various licences, including the following:
|
The Rules introduce five categories of authorisations for principal telecommunication services:
|
|
Eligibility Criteria |
Eligibility conditions varied depending on the type of licence or permission. |
The Rules clearly prescribe standard eligibility parameters for authorisations like minimum paid-up equity, net worth and other specified conditions. It must be noted that the exact requirements may vary depending on the authorisation. |
|
Compliance Requirements |
Under the earlier regime, compliance obligations were governed by the terms and conditions of individual licence agreements. |
Under the new regime, a standardised regulatory framework prescribes reporting obligations, operational requirements and other continuing obligations. |
|
Recognition of Modern Technologies |
The earlier framework had very limited provisions for emerging technologies and evolving telecom infrastructure. |
The Rules specifically recognise modern telecom concepts like access spectrum, captive non-public networks, cable landing stations, core telecom networks, leased circuits and satellite communication infrastructure. All these terms are defined in Chapter I. |
The Telecommunications Authorisation for Provision of Principal Telecommunication Services Rules 2026 bring about a major change to India’s telecom sector. The businesses will now have to get an authorisation to provide principal telecommunication services instead of following the old licence-based system. The new Rules provide clear explanations of important telecom terms, and the eligibility conditions, the application process, fees and compliance requirements for the authorisations. It is anticipated that the new Rules will make the telecom regulatory system a lot simpler, more transparent and better suited for modern technologies like 5G, private networks and satellite communication.
If you are planning to start a telecom services business in India, you can get in touch with our telecom consultants at Registrationwala. We can help you in obtaining the required authorisation under Telecommunications Authorisation for Provision of Principal Telecommunication Services Rules 2026 and guide you every step of the way.
Q1. When did the Telecommunications Authorisation for Provision of Principal Telecommunication Services Rules 2026 come into effect?
A. The Telecommunications Authorisation for Provision of Principal Telecommunication Services Rules 2026 came into effect on 23 June 2026.
Q2. Has the Department of Telecommunications stopped issuing licenses?
A. Yes. According to the Telecom Authorisation Rules 2026, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has stopped issuing traditional telecom licenses. Now, it has started issuing “authorisations” to businesses so they can provide telecommunication services.
Q3. Which portal do I need to visit to apply for internet service authorisation?
A. To apply for internet service authorisation, you need to visit the Telecom eServices Portal of DoT.
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.
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.
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