Centre Introduces New Telecom Authorization Rules, Replaces Licensing System

The Central Government has notified new rules under the Telecommunications Act, paving the way for India's telecom sector to transition from the traditional licensing regime to a modern authorization-based framework. As part of this reform, the government has also launched the Telecom e-Services Portal to digitally implement provisions of the Telecom Act. The notified Telecommunications (Authorization for Providing Primary Telecommunication Services) Rules, 2025 are designed to simplify regulatory processes and enable a seamless migration for telecom service providers.

Under the new framework, entities holding existing Unified Licence (UL), Unified Access Service Licence (UASL), Internet Service Provider (ISP), National Long Distance (NLD), and International Long Distance (ILD) licences can migrate to the authorization-based system. The draft rules were released on September 5, 2025, with stakeholders initially given 30 days to submit feedback, later extended until October 21, 2025. After reviewing the suggestions, the government finalized the rules. Eligible organizations can now apply to provide telecom services as a Network Service Operator (NSO), a Virtual Network Operator (VNO), or both.