ISP Registration in India
ISP Registration in India is a mandatory legal approval for those intending to act as an internet service provider. This license falls under the government-backed Unified licensing scheme, which provides for hassle-free registration. Notably, ISP Registration is also referred to as the Unified License. The cost and applicability of this registration in India differ based on the operational footprint. Unified License holders can apply for various ISP approvals to extend their operation in other areas. Knowing legalities can help with catering to the registration requirements of this license. In this article, we will leap into ISP registration norms, paperwork, and processes.
Understanding Categories of ISP Registration in India
ISP license is categorized as follows depending on the area you need to serve:
Class A (National Area): Class A approval is for those who seek to render ISP services nationwide
Class B (Telecom Circle/Metro Area): A class B permit is mandatory for applicants intending to target a specific telecom circle or an urban setting i.e. a metro area.
Class C (Secondary Switching Area): Class C refers to the legal permit compulsory for those seeking to target a secondary switching area, which is a government-defined territory such as a village, district, etc.
The governing authority that comprehensively regulates ISP Registration in India is the Department of Telecommunication (DOT), which works under the aegis of the Indian government. To impart a holistic governing environment, the GOI introduced a system of Unified licenses dedicated to electronics and telecommunication. The system overcomes registration ambiguities and allows applicants to apply for multiple ISP authorizations via a single window.
Documents Required for ISP Registration in India
Keep the following documents handy before diving into the process of securing the ISP Registration in India:
- Company Incorporation Documents
- Memorandum of Association
- Certificate of Incorporation
- Directors Details
- Articles of Association
- Bank Guarantees
Procedure to Secure ISP Registration in India
Applying for ISP Registration in India is not a complicated affair though new applicants might experience otherwise. Anyway, the section below explicitly illustrates the process of securing ISP Registration in India.
Step 1- Register Your Company
The step involves registering your entity under prevailing legislations such as the Companies Act 2013, Partnership Act 1932, LLP Act 2008, etc. It is noteworthy the DoT does not accept applications from candidates representing an unregistered entity.
Step 2 – Choose the Apt License Category
The next step requires selecting an apt license type. As discussed, ISP registration has three distinct categories viz. Class A, B, and C. Depending on the operational footprint and the territory you wish to serve, select an apt category to advance further in the registration process.
Step 3 – File the Application
Once selecting the license category, file an online form followed by an offline application. The form submission accompanies the standard fee depending on the type of license chosen. While submitting the offline application, pay the fee via DD or Pay order, enclosing the beneficiary party name i.e. Pay & Accounts Officer (Headquarter) DOT. After application submission, share the supporting documents so that the authority can initiate the vetting process.
Step 4 – Document Vetting
As the name suggests, this step involves the inspection of the application and paperwork submitted by the applicant. Any error or misleading information can compel the authority to revoke the application. Therefore, paying close attention to details while form-filing is paramount. Besides, pay undue attention to dossiers and their accuracy before sharing them with authority. It’s worth noting that the reasons concerning application rejections will be shared with the applicant via registered contact details.
Step 5: Grant of Letter of Intent
If the authority cannot find any inconsistencies or errors in the document, the applicant shall be awarded the letter of intent, marking the initiation of the next step.
Step 6 – Submission of a one-time fee
After securing the letter of intent, the applicant must submit the one-time fee to the governing authority as an expense to initiate the operation. This one-time fee will pan out as follows based on the license type:
- Category A (Rs 2.4 Crores)
- Category B (Rs 13 Lakhs)
- Category C (Rs 90,000)
The fee would be accompanied by an agreement enclosing the applicant’s signature, confirming its legal interplay with the authority i.e. DoT. This step must be completed within a stipulated time.
Step 7- Grant of Unified License
The completion of the above step would allow the authority to accord the unconditional confirmation and the Unified License, which shall remain valid for 20 years.
Conclusion
ISP Registration in India attracts plenty of legalities and compliance, be it a matter of registration or paperwork. After securing this approval, the applicant can initiate the ISP operation as per the DoT’s norms. Notably, unified license holders are required to follow stringent operational norms to stay compliant and penalty-free.
If you are new to the ISP operation and want to initiate your business journey hassle-free, contact Adviso today- your trusted ally in licensing regime. Our seasoned professional will help you navigate the compliance landscape of DoT, letting you secure the license quickly and effortlessly.
Read Our Article: ISP license in India: All You Need To Know
