Requirements for Registering as an Internet Services Provider Business in India

ISP full form is Internet Services Provider. In India, an internet services provider is an entity authorized by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to provide internet access to their customers. 

Without authorization from DoT, no entity can serve as an ISP in the telecom industry. DoT provides authorization to an entity for functioning as an ISP by issuing an ISP license. To secure this license, it is necessary to file an ISP registration application with the authority. In this blog post, we will discuss the requirements for registering as an Internet Services Provider Business in India.

Understanding the ISP License in India

ISP License full form is Internet Service Provider License. It is a legal permit which enables a business to provide internet services to the public or businesses. In India, the regulatory authority which issues the ISP license is known as the Department of Telecommunications, which is a department of the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT).

The ISP certificate does not come with a lifetime validity. It remains valid for 20 years once it has been issued. After this period has ended, an application for ISP license renewal must be submitted to ensure smooth internet service-related operations. ISP license cost depends on the ISP license category. In total, there are 3 ISP license categories in India based on geographical coverage. We’ll discuss them in the further section of this blog post.

Securing an ISP registration certificate ensures compliance with regulations and guidelines of DoT and enables smooth business operations.  

If you want to obtain an Internet Service Provider License in India without any hassle, speak with our ISP consultants at Registrationwala. 

Types of ISP licenses

As mentioned earlier, there are 3 categories of ISP license based on geographical coverage. We shall explain them to you one by one: 

Class A ISP License (National Area)

This ISP Registration is issued by DoT to authorize a business entity to conduct PAN India ISP operations.

BSNL, a popular ISP business, has Class A ISP License. This is why it can provide internet connectivity to its customers across the nation. 

Class B ISP License (Telecom Circle/Metro Area)

Class B ISP License is issued by the DoT to authorize a business entity to conduct ISP operations in a total of 20 major states or any of the following metropolitan cities: Mumbai, New Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, Pune, Hyderabad and Ahmedabad.

Affinity Telecom Pvt Limited and Home Cable Network Private Limited are licenseholders of Class B ISP License.

Class C ISP License (Secondary Switching Area)

This type of ISP license is issued by DoT to authorize a business entity to provide internet services in a particular secondary switching area. 

A secondary switching area refers to a government defined territory comprising several small towns, villages or districts. An internet service provider with Class C ISP License has authority to provide internet services in any one particular secondary switching area unless they apply for multiple authorizations under one Unified License (UL).

Here is a list of some secondary switching areas (SSAs) in India for Class C ISP License.

In total, there are 322 SSAs. For the complete list, you can visit Sanchar Saathi website.

Eligibility Criteria for an ISP License

To apply for an ISP license, the following eligibility requirements must be met:

• The company must be registered as a private limited company under Companies Act, 2013. 

• In the company’s MoA, the intent to become an internet service provider must be mentioned.

Documents Required for ISP registration

To obtain ISP license from DoT, the following documents must be filed during the application process:

• Certificate of Incorporation

• Memorandum of Association & Articles of Association

• Power of Attorney

• Foreign Equity Approval Certificate 

• Directors Details

• Address Proof of Registered Office 

• Bank Guarantees

• Any other documents required by DoT

Process for ISP Registration

Before applying for ISP Registration, you must carefully decide the ISP license category you want to apply for. Once you obtain an ISP license, you’ll only be able to provide internet services in the geographical area authorized by the license. 

If you need guidance regarding which ISP category would be suitable for you, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team. 

So, here’s the ISP registration process: 

Step 1: Visit the official portal of DoT and register as a user to apply for an ISP license.

Step 2: Once registered, you will get the login credentials.

Step 3: Now, apply for UL (Unified License).

Step 4: Fill the ISP License form carefully and upload all the required documents. Make sure to digitally sign all the documents and then proceed to submit the form.

Step 5: Make the processing fee for the ISP application. It is important to note that this fee is non-refundable. 

Step 6: Once the application has been filed, the DoT will issue a letter or intent (LOI). In case any clarification is required, DoT will notify you. The clarification must be provided within the prescribed period.

Step 7: After LOI has been generated, you must sign it and upload it along with Bank Guarantee.

Step 8: If the DoT approves the ISP application, you will be granted an ISP license in your ISP business’ name. 

Role of Registrationwala in Securing ISP Certificate

Obtaining an ISP is no cakewalk if you plan to apply for it all on your own. Obtaining DoT’s approval can be pretty exhausting, especially if you’ve never applied for it before. A lot of requirements and guidelines must be adhered to. Hence, it is recommended that you approach a consultant to help you out in the ISP license process. 

If you reach out to Registrationwala’s ISP consultants, we promise to help you in securing an ISP license in the smoothest manner you could imagine. We will help you to prepare all the documents required for an ISP license, fill all the necessary details in ISP form correctly, and even submit the application with the authority on your behalf.

What’s more, even after the DoT grants you an ISP license, we will continue to assist you in complying with all the guidelines and requirements set by the Government of India. Trust us! If you reach out to us for assistance, you won’t regret it! We know what it takes to satisfy our dear customers.

Conclusion

Obtaining an ISP license is mandatory for anyone wanting to provide internet services to businesses or the public. This license is granted by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT). If the DoT does not grant this license, no business can provide internet services in India. Reach out to Registrationwala for more information regarding the ISP license. 

Author: Dushyant Sharma

Hey there, I'm Dushyant Sharma. With the extensive knowledge I've gained in past 8 years, I have been creating content on various subjects such as banking, insurance, telecom, and all the important registration and licensing processes for various companies. I'm here to help everyone with my expertise in these areas through my articles.