A UL-VNO License allows a business to offer internet and other permitted telecom services by utilizing the network of an existing DoT-licensed telecom operator. This means that by obtaining this license, you can start providing services without the requirement of setting up a complete telecom network of your own and save up a lot of money on infrastructure costs. You can easily apply for a UL-VNO License in India with professional support from Registrationwala.
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VNO License process
A VNO is a telecom service provider that uses the network infrastructure of an existing licensed telecom operator to offer services to customers. Unlike a traditional telecom operator, a VNO does not have a legal mandate to build and operate a complete telecom network of its own. Instead, what it simply does is that it obtains network capacity from a licensed operator and provides authorized telecom services, including internet services, to subscribers.
For assistance in the UL VNO licensing process, you can contact our consultants at Registrationwala. Our experts provide complete support to you in documentation, application filing, and regulatory compliance so you can set up your virtual telecom business smoothly in India. We ensure a 100% secure process and have successfully handled 100+ telecom compliance projects across the country.
Get in touch with our experts for availing a free expert consultation.
UL VNO full form is Unified License - Virtual Network Operator. It is a mandatory license for businesses that want to operate as Virtual Network Operators (VNOs) in India. By obtaining this license, a business can provide authorized telecom services by using network infrastructure of an existing licensed telecom operator. Instead of building and maintaining a complete telecom network of its own, a VNO simply purchases network capacity from a licensed operator so as to offer services such as internet and data connectivity to its customers.
The VNO licensing framework lets businesses make an entry into the telecom sector with much lower infrastructure costs as compared to traditional telecom operators. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) is the concerned authority for granting VNO License in India, subject to fulfillment of prescribed eligibility requirements and completion of VNO license registration process by the applicant. The UL-VNO license validity is 10 years from the effective date of license. It is a cost-effective alternative to the full-ISP license.
Many people confuse UL VNO License with traditional ISP License. However, when entering the telecom industry, it is essential to understand the difference between the two, as without knowing how they differ, it can be extremely difficult to determine which license is suitable for your business.
In the table below, we have explained the key differences between a VNO License and an ISP License:
|
Feature |
UL VNO |
ISP License |
|
Infrastructure Requirement |
It does not require the license holder to establish a complete telecom network of its own. |
It requires the license holder to establish and maintain its own network infrastructure. |
|
Validity |
It remains valid for a period of 10 years. |
It remains valid for a period of 20 years. |
|
Cost & Risk |
It requires lower setup costs and financial commitment. |
It requires higher setup costs as well as greater financial commitment. |
|
Best Suited For |
Ideal for startups and businesses entering the telecom sector. |
Ideal for businesses planning to operate their very own telecom network. |
Under the Unified License (UL) and UL-VNO framework, the license for internet service is granted for three different categories. In the table below, we have explained each and every category along with applicable fees:
|
Category of VNO License |
Description |
Processing Fee |
One-Time Entry Fee |
Financial Bank Guarantee (FBG) |
|
Category A (National Area) |
The Category A license allows the licenseholder to provide internet services Pan-India. |
Rs. 10,000 (Rs. Ten Thousand) |
Rs. 15,000,000 (Rs. 15 Lakhs) |
Rs. 1,00,000 (Rs. 1 Lakh) |
|
Category B (Telecom Circle / Metro Area) |
The Category B license allows the licenseholder to provide internet services within a telecom circle or metro area. |
Rs. 10,000 (Rs. Ten Thousand) |
Rs. 1,00,000 (Rs. 1 Lakh) |
Rs. 10,000 (Rs. Ten Thousand) |
|
Category C (Secondary Switching Area) |
The Category C license allows the licenseholder to provide internet services within a secondary switching area, typically covering a district-level or a localized area. |
Rs. 10,000 (Rs. Ten Thousand) |
Rs. 10,000 (Rs. Ten Thousand) |
Rs. 1,000 (Rs. One Thousand) |
Note: The fees mentioned above are indicative. Higher entry fees and performance bank guarantees may be required depending on the type of service chosen under the VNO license, such as Access Service, National Long Distance or International Long Distance. These fees may also change from time to time. For the latest information, please refer to the official DoT website or consult an experienced VNO registration consultant.
The eligibility requirements for securing UL-VNO license are stated below:
The applicant must be a company registered under Companies Act, 2013.
It must fulfill the minimum paid up capital and net worth requirement.
Foreign Direct Investment, where applicable, must follow Indian laws as well as telecom policy rules.
No banned or restricted investors are allowed to apply.
In case the company had a previous license that was ended, surrendered or expired, all pending dues must be cleared prior to application filing.
The company must follow beneficial ownership rules.
Other entities like LLPs, firms, societies, trusts and government bodies may also be allowed for M2M services in accordance with DoT guidelines.
The following documents are required for UL-VNO License:
Below, we have explained the UL VNO application procedure in a simple and easy manner:
First, you must ensure you meet all eligibility conditions and keep all required documents ready in advance. In case you fail to meet the eligibility criteria or collect the necessary documents, your application may get rejected.
Now, you can begin to register on the Saral Sanchar Portal. After registering, login into the portal.
After that, you need to select the UL-VNO service and required authorization depending on what your business plan is.
Thereafter, you need to fill out and then submit the application form. Along with it, you must file all required documents.
Then, you must upload the required TSP (Telecom Service Provider) agreement, if applicable.
After that, you need to pay the applicable government fees online as per DoT rules.
Thereafter, the application is scrutinized and processed by DoT.
Then, respond to any queries or provide clarifications promptly, if asked by the Department.
After that, if approved, a Letter of Intent (LoI) is issued by DoT.
Thereafter, you must comply with all conditions mentioned in the LoI within the given time.
Finally, after fulfillment of compliance, the UL-VNO license is granted by DoT.
Registrationwala is a telecom consultancy firm with experienced experts who understand telecom licensing and compliance work very well. We have helped many of our clients in successfully obtaining telecom licenses. During the UL VNO license process, we support you in the following ways:
Need a UL-VNO License for your business? Get in touch with us today, and we'll begin the application process for you right away!
VNO full form is Virtual Network Operator. It refers to an entity that offers telecom or internet services without owning its own network infrastructure.
The Department of Telecommunications, abbreviated as DoT, is the concerned government department for issuing the UL-VNO licenses in India.
To apply for UL-VNO registration application, you need to visit the official Saral Sanchar portal.
The validity of the UL VNO license registration in India is 10 years.
Yes, Registrationwala is one of the leading consultancy firms in India for UL-VNO license registration services.
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