Telecom Authorisation - NSO & VNO
India’s telecom industry is constantly evolving, driven by technological innovations, digital expansion, and regulatory reforms. To support this growth and maintain uniformity, the Government of India has reshaped the telecom regulatory framework, encouraging transparency, better service delivery, and wider access.
For businesses planning to offer telecom services—whether through their own infrastructure or a virtual network model—obtaining the appropriate telecommunication authorisation is a legal necessity. Under the Telecommunications (Authorisation for Provision of Principal Telecommunication Services) Rules, 2026, introduced pursuant to the Telecommunications Act, 2023, businesses can operate as Network Service Operators (NSOs) or Virtual Network Operators (VNOs), depending on their business and network model. The framework enables eligible entities to provide a range of telecommunication services in a structured and compliant manner.
What Are NSO and VNO?
Network Service Operator (NSO):
A Network Service Operator (NSO) is an authorised entity that provides telecommunication services and may deploy, operate, and manage the network infrastructure required for delivering those services. Depending on the applicable authorisation, an NSO can offer services such as Access Service, Internet Service, Long Distance Service, and other authorised telecommunication services.
Unified License (VNO):
A Virtual Network Operator (VNO) is an authorised entity that provides telecommunication services by leveraging the network infrastructure of an authorised Network Service Operator (NSO). VNOs can offer services under their own brand while entering into appropriate arrangements with NSOs, subject to the applicable regulatory conditions. This model can be suitable for businesses looking to enter the telecom sector without deploying the entire underlying network infrastructure themselves, offering greater flexibility and potentially lower infrastructure investment.
What Happens If You’re Not Compliant?
Operating telecom services without a valid NSO or VNO authorisation—or failing to meet post-authorisation compliance—can result in serious consequences, such as:
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Hefty penalties or cancellation of services by the DoT
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Reputational damage due to non-compliance
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Legal challenges and inability to expand operations
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Disruption of business continuity and strained relationships with network partners
How We Help You Stay Compliant?
Authorisation Selection Advisory
We help you identify the most suitable authorisation category based on your business model, services offered, and market goals. Our team simplifies regulatory jargon and helps you make informed authorisation decisions that support compliance and scalability.
Registration Support
From documentation to application submission, we manage the end-to-end authorisation registration process. Our team prepares all necessary legal, financial, and technical documents, submits the application to the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), and coordinates with authorities to address any queries or clarifications.
Post Compliance
Once your authorisation is granted, staying compliant with ongoing regulatory requirements is critical. We assist with quarterly AGR (Adjusted Gross Revenue) filings, annual submissions, and timely preparation of reports in the prescribed DoT format.
Why Partner with Us?
Specialised
Expertise
We understand the telecom authorisation framework inside out, helping you avoid mistakes and speed up approvals.
Complete
Support
From appropriate service authorisation selection to post-compliance, we handle everything, so you can focus on your core business.
Smooth
Coordination
We liaise directly with DoT and TSPs to simplify the process and resolve queries quickly.
Growth-Ready
Approach
Our guidance ensures you're not just compliant, but also ready to grow in India’s evolving telecom space.