A Unified Licensing (UL) Virtual Network Operator (VNO) license in India is a type of license that allows companies to provide telecom services such as voice, data, and internet services to customers, without owning or operating their own network infrastructure. Instead, VNOs enter into agreements with existing telecom service providers, also known as Unified Licensees (ULs) to provide services to customers under their own brand. The process of obtaining a UL VNO ISP license in India involves several steps that must be followed in order to be compliant with the regulations set by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) and the Department of Telecommunications (DoT).
- Legal entity: The first step in applying for a UL VNO ISP license is to ensure that the company is registered as a legal entity in India. This can be in the form of a private limited company, partnership firm, or a limited liability partnership.
- Financial capability: The company must have the financial capability to invest in the necessary infrastructure and equipment to provide telecom services. This includes having a minimum net worth of Rs.10 crores and a performance bank guarantee of Rs.5 crores.
- Technical capability: The company must demonstrate that it has the technical capability to provide telecom services. This includes having the necessary infrastructure and equipment to provide telecom services, as well as having the necessary technical expertise and personnel to operate and maintain the network.
- Business plan: The company must submit a detailed business plan outlining its proposed telecom services, target market, and revenue projections. This business plan should also include details on the proposed marketing and customer service strategies, as well as the company’s approach to customer data protection and security.
- Agreement with ULs: The company must enter into agreements with one or more ULs to provide telecom services. These agreements should include details on the services that will be provided, the terms and conditions of the agreement, and the revenue sharing arrangement between the VNO and the UL.
- Compliance with regulations: The company must comply with all regulations set by the DoT and TRAI, including those related to customer data protection and security, network infrastructure, and technical standards.
- Trial run: The company must conduct a trial run of its proposed services in order to demonstrate its technical capabilities to the DoT.
- License fee: The company must pay the license fee as stipulated by the DoT.
- Application: Submit the application for a UL VNO ISP license to the DoT, along with all the required documents and information.
- Review and Approval: The DoT will review the application and if it is deemed complete