A comprehensive licensing framework enabling service providers to offer multiple telecom services under a single license with flexible authorization options.
Need for a Unified License
- Telecommunication Services such as voice, data and video are now being rendered through single networks bringing about a convergence in networks, services and devices.
- It is imperative to move towards convergence of networks, platforms, technologies and overcome the segregation of licensing, registration and regulatory mechanisms to enhance affordability, increase access, delivery of multiple services and reduce cost.
- Accordingly, there was a need to unify all the services in a single license.
Approach to Unified License
- The cafeteria approach (pay as you eat) supports service providers with much lower net worth and capital requirement to enter the market with one or more services.
- Small service providers are important for sustaining and enhancing competition in important and niche segments of Telecom services.
- Service providers can obtain Unified License with authorization for any number of offered services, with option to add more services later as per business requirements.
Structure of Unified License
- Organized into two parts: 'License Agreement' and 'Schedule to the License Agreement'
- Schedule is divided into Part-I (Chapters I-VII) with common terms applicable to all services
- Part-II (Chapters VIII-XVI) contains specific terms and conditions for respective 9 services
Authorization Services
Authorization under Unified License comprises for any one or more services listed below:
- Unified License (All Services)
- Access Service (Service Area-wise)
- Internet Service (Category-A with All India jurisdiction)
- Internet Service (Category-B with jurisdiction in a Service Area)
- Internet Service (Category-C with jurisdiction in a Secondary Switching Area)
- National Long Distance (NLD) Service
- International Long Distance (ILD) Service
- Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite (GMPCS) Service
- Public Mobile Radio Trunking Service (PMRTS) Service
- Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) Closed User Group (CUG) Service
- INSAT MSS-Reporting (MSS-R) Service
- Resale of International private Leased Circuit (IPLC) Service
Financial Conditions (In Rs Crore)
| Sr No. |
Service |
Minimum Equity |
Minimum Networth |
Entry Fee |
PBG |
FBG |
Application Fee |
| 1 |
UL (All services) |
25 |
25 |
15 |
44 |
8.8 |
0.010 |
| 1 |
Access Service |
2.5 |
2.5 |
1 (0.5 for NE & J&K) |
2 |
0.4 |
0.005 |
