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NSO Internet Service Authorisation (ISA) under the Telecommunications (Authorisation for Provision of Principal Telecommunication Services) Rules, 2026
NSO Internet Service Authorisation (ISA) 2026
The Telecommunications (Authorisation for Provision of Principal Telecommunication Services) Rules, 2026 introduced a new regulatory framework for telecom operators in India. One of the key authorisations under these rules is the Internet Service Authorisation (ISA), which enables eligible entities to provide internet-related telecommunication services across India or within a Licensed Service Area.
A Network Service Operator (NSO) is authorised to establish, operate, maintain, and expand its own telecommunications network for delivering internet services. Unlike a Virtual Network Operator (VNO), an NSO owns and manages the underlying telecom infrastructure, giving it greater operational flexibility and additional rights.
This guide explains the scope, permitted services, technical conditions, operational requirements, security obligations, compliance responsibilities, and key benefits of obtaining an NSO Internet Service Authorisation.
What is a Network Service Operator (NSO)?
A Network Service Operator (NSO) is an authorised telecom operator that owns and operates its own telecommunications infrastructure for providing internet services.
An NSO is responsible for:
- Establishing telecom networks
- Operating and maintaining network infrastructure
- Delivering internet connectivity
- Managing customer access networks
- Providing wholesale bandwidth to authorised operators
- Ensuring regulatory compliance
Unlike a VNO, an NSO does not rely on another operator’s network and can independently expand its telecom infrastructure.
What is Internet Service Authorisation (ISA)?
Internet Service Authorisation (ISA) authorises an NSO to provide internet-related telecommunications services under the Telecommunications Authorisation Rules, 2026.
Depending on the approved service area, the authorisation may be granted for:
- National Service Area – Services throughout India.
- Telecom Circle / Metro Service Area – Services within one or more specified telecom circles.
What Services are Permitted under NSO Internet Service Authorisation ?
An NSO holding an Internet Service Authorisation may provide the following principal telecommunication services.
- Internet Service :-Provide broadband internet connectivity to Residential customers ,Businesses ,Government organisations ,Educational institutions ,Enterprises and Data centres Services may include Fibre Broadband ,Fixed Wireless Broadband ,Enterprise Internet and Dedicated Internet Connectivity
- Internet Telephony :-Internet Telephony may be offered subject to Government restrictions. Permitted communications include Computer-to-computer ,IP device to overseas PSTN/PLMN users and Static IP-based communications .Internet Telephony cannot be used as a substitute for domestic public telephone services.
- Domestic Leased Circuit (DLC) :-An NSO may provide dedicated leased circuits for secure data connectivity between customer locations. Typical users include are Banks ,IT Companies ,Government Departments ,Educational Institutions and Manufacturing Units
- Internet Leased Line (ILL) Provide dedicated internet connectivity with guaranteed bandwidth for Enterprises ,Cloud Providers ,Data Centres ,Financial Institutions ,IT Parks and BPOs
- Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) :-An NSO may provide IPTV services in accordance with applicable laws and Government guidelines.
- Machine-to-Machine (M2M) Internet Services :-The authorisation allows internet-based connectivity for Smart Cities ,Smart Metering ,Fleet Tracking ,Industrial Automation ,Healthcare IoT and Agriculture IoT
- In-flight and Maritime Connectivity :-Where authorised for the National Service Area, an NSO may provide internet connectivity for Aircraft ,Ships and Offshore installations
Network Infrastructure
An NSO may provide services using:
- Wireline networks
- Wireless terrestrial networks
- Satellite networks
- Submarine cable networks
- Fixed wireless terminals
- Fixed IoT devices
- Routers and switches
- Customer Premises Equipment (CPE)
What are Additional Rights Available to an NSO ?
Unlike a VNO, an NSO enjoys several additional operational rights.
- Internet Exchange Point (IXP) :-An NSO may establish, operate, and maintain an Internet Exchange Point (IXP) in accordance with applicable Government regulations. This enables efficient exchange of internet traffic between networks while reducing latency.
- International Internet Gateway (IIG) :- An NSO may establish an International Internet Gateway (IIG) after obtaining Government approval and Security clearance An IIG enables international internet connectivity between India and global internet networks.
- Internet Bandwidth Services :- An NSO may provide:
- Internet bandwidth
- International internet bandwidth
- Domestic leased circuits
to other authorised telecom operators . This allows NSOs to operate as wholesale internet bandwidth providers.
- Peering Arrangements :-NSOs may establish peering with other authorised Internet Service Operators.
Why Choose an NSO Internet Service Authorisation?
An NSO Internet Service Authorisation is suitable for organisations that want to build and operate their own telecom infrastructure. It offers:
- Complete control over network operations
- Ability to provide retail and wholesale internet services
- Establishment of Internet Exchange Points
- International Internet Gateway operations
- Scalability across multiple service areas
- Opportunities to provide bandwidth to other authorised operators
- Long-term growth in India’s digital infrastructure ecosystem
How may types of NSO Internet Service Authorisation (ISA) ?
Telecommunications (Authorisation for Provision of Principal Telecommunication Services) Rules, 2026, the Internet Service Authorisation (ISA) is divided into two categories for Virtual Network Operators (VNO).
What are two service authorisations of NSO Internet Service Authorisation (ISA) ?
The VNO Internet Service Authorisation (ISA) is available in two Internet Services Authorization:
- Internet Services Authorization (National)
- Internet Services Authorization (Circle/Metro)
These categories allow applicants to choose whether they wish to provide Internet Services across India or within specific telecom circles.
What is the Fee Structure for Each Category of NSO Internet Service Authorisation (ISA)?
The fee structure differs for these two VNO Internet Services Authorization (ISA) generally includes:
| Serial No. | Service Authorisation | Area | Processing Fee (Rs.) | Entry Fee (Rs.) | Initial Guarantee (Rs.) | Minimum Equity Capital | Minimum Networth |
| 1 | Internet Services Authorization (National) | National Service Area | 10,000 | 10 lakh | 4 lakh | 10 Lakh | Nil |
| 2 | Internet Services Authorization (Circle/Metro) | Telecom circle or metro service area | 10,000 | 50,000 (25,000 for North East and Jammu and Kashmir) | 20,000 | 1 Lakh | Nil |
This distinction—National Service Area versus Telecom Circle / Metro Service Area—is the correct categorisation under the 2026 Rules, rather than the old ISP Category A/B/C system.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is an NSO Internet Service Authorisation?
It authorises a Network Service Operator to establish, operate, and maintain its own telecom network for providing internet-related services.
Q2. Can an NSO establish its own telecom network?
Yes. An NSO owns and operates its own telecom infrastructure.
Q3. Can an NSO establish an Internet Exchange Point?
Yes. Subject to applicable Government regulations, an NSO may establish and operate an Internet Exchange Point (IXP).
Q4. Can an NSO provide wholesale internet bandwidth?
Yes. An NSO may provide internet bandwidth and international internet bandwidth to other authorised telecom operators.
Q5. Does an NSO need Government approval to establish an International Internet Gateway?
Yes. Prior Government approval and security clearance are mandatory.
Q6. Is compliance with Net Neutrality mandatory?
Yes. Every NSO must comply with India’s Net Neutrality obligations under the Rules.
How to get a NSO Internet Service Authorisation (ISA) ?
The NSO Internet Service Authorisation application is an extensive process subject to strict adherence to complete and accurate paperwork and procedure. An error in paperwork is likely to delay the process by several weeks or even months leading to loss of time and money.
Hiring an experienced NSO ISP consultant can help you save time and efforts and get an NSO Internet Service Authorisation without a hassle in stipulated time period. If you have a query regarding the VNO license Registration, then do get in touch with us. We will be glad to assist you.
We offer end to end NSO ISP Consultancy services across India in all states. In North India we offer services in Delhi, NCR, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Agra, Chandigarh, Amritsar, Ludhiana, Jammu, Allahabad, Patna, Lucknow, Dehradun. In Central India we offer services in Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Pune, Surat, Nagpur, Nashik, Indore, Kolkota, Aurangabad, Vadodara, Kota, Alwar, Ajmer, Bikaner. In South we offer services in Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Kochi, Madurai, Coimbatore, Bhaubaneshwar, Puducherry, Mysuru, Vishakhapatnam, Mangalore, Thiruchirapalli, Vijaywada, Warangal, Salem, Thrissur, Hubli, Belgaum, Vellore, Secunderabad, Rajahmundry, Tirunelveli. In North East India we offer services in Guwahati, Shillong, Imphal, Gangtok, Agartala, Kohima, Aizawl, Dibrugarh, Silchar and Tezpur.
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