Digital Connectivity Infrastructure Provider Authorisation facilitates the establishment, operation, maintenance and expansion of specified digital connectivity infrastructure, including wireline networks, RAN, WLAN, transmission links and in-building solutions, subject to the scope and conditions specified under the Rules.
A “transmission link” means the telecommunication network used for interconnecting the systems of a wireline terrestrial network, Radio Access Network, Wireless Local Area Network or in-building solution of a new authorised entity with the core telecommunication network of another new authorised entity or licensee holding the relevant authorisation or licence.
2. Scope of Authorisation - The Digital Connectivity Infrastructure Provider Authorisation authorises a new authorised entity to establish, operate, maintain or expand:
- Telecommunication equipment and systems required for establishing:
- Wireline terrestrial network
- Radio Access Network
- Wireless Local Area Network
- Transmission link
- In-building solution
- Telecommunication network authorised under Infrastructure Provider Authorisation.
3. Applicability of Infrastructure Provider Conditions- The specific terms and conditions prescribed for Infrastructure Provider Authorisation shall also apply to the establishment, operation, maintenance or expansion of telecommunication networks under Digital Connectivity Infrastructure Provider Authorisation, unless otherwise specified under this Part.
4. Scope Restriction- The new authorised entity shall establish, operate, maintain or expand only such telecommunication network as is authorised under the scope of its authorisation and shall not establish, operate, maintain or expand any other telecommunication network requiring a separate authorisation from the Central Government.
Applicant must be a Company with skilled management and a responsible track record in the telecommunication sector.
FDI compliance must be ensured as per the Government of India’s FDI policy and applicable law.
No pending dues should be outstanding against the applicant.
No overlapping Licence/Authorisation should be held covering the entire scope and network area of the proposed authorisation.
Application must be submitted through the designated Portal, except MNP, which follows the Central Government bidding process.
Prescribed processing fee and Auditor’s Certificate confirming eligibility under Rule 5 must accompany the application.
Where applicable, the applicant must fulfil LoI requirements, including entry fee, unconditional and irrevocable guarantee, and undertaking for relinquishment of overlapping licence/authorisation.
Certificate of Incorporation / Company registration details
Details of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), if applicable, demonstrating conformity with Government of India FDI policy and applicable law.
Auditor’s Certificate certifying fulfilment of the eligibility criteria under Rule 5.
Declaration/undertaking regarding pending dues, including compliance with judicial orders and undertaking for payment, wherever applicable.
Details/declaration of existing licences or authorisations, particularly for identification and relinquishment of any overlapping licence/authorisation.
Non-refundable Processing Fee payment proof, as specified in Schedule A.
Unconditional and irrevocable undertaking for relinquishment of overlapping licence/authorisation, wherever applicable, as specified through the Portal/LoI.
Unconditional and irrevocable Guarantee, wherever required under the Letter of Intent and Schedule A.
As per Schedule A of the Telecommunications (Authorisation for Telecommunication Networks) Rules, 2026, the applicable fees for Digital Connectivity Infrastructure Provider Authorisation are-
There shall be no authorisation fee to be paid by a new authorised entity.
S. No. | Network Authorisation | Entry Fee (in Rs.) | Initial Guarantee (in Rs.) | Processing Fee (in Rs.) |
1 | Digital connectivity infrastructure provider authorisation | 10 Lakh | NIL | 10,000 |
1
Submission of Application
• Submit the application through the portal in the prescribed form and manner.
• Furnish the documents specified on the portal.
2
Processing Fee & Auditor’s Certificate
• The application shall be accompanied by the non-refundable processing fee specified in Schedule A.
• Submit the auditor’s certificate, issued by the auditor appointed under the Companies Act, 2013, certifying compliance with the eligibility criteria under Rule 5.
• For Digital Connectivity Infrastructure Provider Authorisation, the processing fee is ₹10 Thousand.
3
Examination of Application
• On receipt of the application, the Central Government may make such inquiry as it deems fit regarding the eligibility of the applicant.
• The applicant may be required to furnish such information as may be called for.
4
Letter of Intent and Fulfilment of Requirements
• If satisfied that the applicant is eligible, the Central Government may issue a Letter of Intent (LoI) through the portal specifying the requirements to be fulfilled.
• Where applicable, the applicant shall submit the unconditional and irrevocable guarantee specified in Schedule A and fulfil other requirements specified in the LoI.
5
Grant of Authorisation
• On being satisfied that the requirements specified in the LoI have been fulfilled, the Central Government may grant the authorisation through the portal.
• The authorisation shall specify, among other things, the scope, network area, duration and effective date.
Beta
Details of Service
A “transmission link” means the telecommunication network used for interconnecting the systems of a wireline terrestrial network, Radio Access Network, Wireless Local Area Network or in-building solution of a new authorised entity with the core telecommunication network of another new authorised entity or licensee holding the relevant authorisation or licence.
2. Scope of Authorisation - The Digital Connectivity Infrastructure Provider Authorisation authorises a new authorised entity to establish, operate, maintain or expand:
3. Applicability of Infrastructure Provider Conditions- The specific terms and conditions prescribed for Infrastructure Provider Authorisation shall also apply to the establishment, operation, maintenance or expansion of telecommunication networks under Digital Connectivity Infrastructure Provider Authorisation, unless otherwise specified under this Part.
4. Scope Restriction- The new authorised entity shall establish, operate, maintain or expand only such telecommunication network as is authorised under the scope of its authorisation and shall not establish, operate, maintain or expand any other telecommunication network requiring a separate authorisation from the Central Government.
Who Can Apply
Applicant must be a Company with skilled management and a responsible track record in the telecommunication sector.
FDI compliance must be ensured as per the Government of India’s FDI policy and applicable law.
No pending dues should be outstanding against the applicant.
No overlapping Licence/Authorisation should be held covering the entire scope and network area of the proposed authorisation.
Application must be submitted through the designated Portal, except MNP, which follows the Central Government bidding process.
Prescribed processing fee and Auditor’s Certificate confirming eligibility under Rule 5 must accompany the application.
Where applicable, the applicant must fulfil LoI requirements, including entry fee, unconditional and irrevocable guarantee, and undertaking for relinquishment of overlapping licence/authorisation.
Documents Required
Fees and Charges
As per Schedule A of the Telecommunications (Authorisation for Telecommunication Networks) Rules, 2026, the applicable fees for Digital Connectivity Infrastructure Provider Authorisation are-
There shall be no authorisation fee to be paid by a new authorised entity.
S. No.
Network Authorisation
Entry Fee (in Rs.)
Initial Guarantee (in Rs.)
Processing Fee (in Rs.)
1
Digital connectivity infrastructure provider authorisation
10 Lakh
NIL
10,000
Application Process
Policy / Circular / Presentation
Facilitation Desk (Working Hours 09:30 am to 05:30 pm - Monday to Friday)
Support: 011 23350020, 011-23350025
Validity
20 years, subject to the period specified by the Central Government at the time of grant of authorisation.
Frequently Asked Questions