Long Distance Service Authorisation for a Virtual Network Operator (VNO) enables the provision of National Long Distance (NLD) and International Long Distance (ILD) telecommunication services through arrangements with a Parent Network Service Operator (NSO). It allows a VNO to provide domestic and international connectivity services, including carriage of long-distance telecommunication traffic, domestic leased circuits, International Private Leased Circuits (IPLC), domestic calling cards, and international calling cards. Services may be provided through wireline networks, wireless terrestrial networks, satellite networks, or submarine networks, subject to the applicable authorisation conditions and agreement with the Parent NSO.

The scope of Long Distance Service Authorisation for a Virtual Network Operator (VNO) comprises the following:

A. National Long Distance (NLD) Service

1. Carriage of bearer telecommunication traffic within India.
2. Carriage of intra-circle and inter-circle long distance calls.
3. Domestic Leased Circuit.
4. Domestic Calling Card.

B. International Long Distance (ILD) Service

1. Carriage of bearer telecommunication traffic outside India.
2. Carriage of international long-distance calls to or from foreign carriers.
3. International Private Leased Circuit (IPLC).
4. International Calling Card.

Services may be provided through wireline networks, wireless terrestrial networks, satellite networks, or submarine networks.

The authorised entity may directly access users for provisioning of Domestic Leased Circuits, Domestic Calling Cards, International Private Leased Circuits (IPLC), and International Calling Cards.

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An applicant seeking Long Distance Service Authorisation (VNO) shall:

1. Be a company incorporated under the Telecommunications Act, 2023.
2. Meet the minimum paid-up equity capital and minimum net worth requirements specified under Schedule C, wherever applicable.
3. Comply with Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) policy and applicable laws of India.
4. Ensure that no prohibited investor has direct or indirect investment or control in the applicant entity.
5. Comply with beneficial ownership and cross-holding provisions under the Rules.
6. Enter into an agreement with Parent NSO for the provision of long-distance telecom services.
7. Clear all dues, liabilities, penalties, or obligations relating to any previous telecom licence or authorisation, if applicable.

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Processing fee, entry fee and initial guarantee for authorisations for telecommunication services -

SI.No.	Category	Service Authorisation	Processing Fee (Rs.)	Entry Fee (Rs.)	Initial Guarantee (Rs.)
1	VNO	Unified Service	1 lakh	3 crores	4.4 crores ​
2	VNO	Access Service	10,000	12.5 lakh (6.25 lakh for North East and Jammu and Kashmir)	20 lakh
3	VNO	Wireline Access	10,000	50,000 (25,000 for North East and Jammu and Kashmir)	10,000
4	VNO	Internet (National)	10,000	10 lakh	1 lakh ​
5	VNO	Internet (Circle/Metro)	10,000	50,000 (25,000 for North East and Jammu and Kashmir)	10,000 ​
6	VNO	Long Distance	10,000	25 lakh	50 lakh ​

Minimum equity, minimum net worth for authorisations for telecommunication services -

SI.No.	Category	Service Authorisation	Minimum Equity Capital	Minimum Networth
1	Principle Telecommunication Services Authorisation (VNO)	Unified Service Authorisation	10 Cr	10 Cr
2		Access Service Authorisation	1 Cr	1 Cr
3		Wireline Access Service Authorisation	1 Lakh	Nil
4		Internet Service Authorisation (National Area) 10 lakh Nil	10 Lakh	Nil
5		Internet Service Authorisation (Telecom circle/ Metro Area)	1 Lakh	Nil
6		Long Distance Service Authorisation	1 Cr	1 Cr

Authorisation Fee

• Annual authorisation fee shall be 8% of Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR).
• The fee shall include contribution attributable to Digital Bharat Nidhi.
• Spectrum related charges shall apply separately wherever applicable and as per Parent NSO arrangements. 

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