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UL-International Long Distance (ILD)

The ILD license allows service providers to facilitate international communication by providing connectivity between India and foreign countries.

UL-International Long Distance (ILD)

The ILD license allows service providers to facilitate international communication by providing connectivity between India and foreign countries.

International Long Distance (ILD) service licensee has full flexibility to offer all types of bearer services. The Licensee will provide bearer services so that end-to-end tele-services such as voice, data, fax, video, multi-media etc. can be provided by Access Providers to the customers. The Licensee may also offer international bandwidth on lease to other eligible licensees. To promote free competition, International Long Distance (ILD) services were opened to private players in April 2002, following the recommendations of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI). Since 2013, ILD authorizations have been issued under the Unified License framework, introduced as part of the National Telecom Policy 2012 to implement the concept of 'One Nation, One License'. ILD authorization is now issued as an authorization under Unified License instead of a separate license. Prior to this, ILD services were licensed separately under a standalone license system. The information contained herein is a simplified outline intended solely to assist with general understanding. Applicants should refer to the UL guidelines /License & amendments, issued time to time.at URL https://dot.gov.in/unified-licencing and https://dot.gov.in/relatedlinks/national-long-distance and detailed guidelines of Unified License issued vide letter No. 20-577/2016-AS-I (Vol III) dated 17.01.2022 for complete and accurate information
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Details of Service

Here is a more detailed information related to the International Long Distance (ILD) License in India:

  1. ILD License Requirement
    1. An ILD license is a mandatory regulatory requirement for any telecom operator who wants to provide international telecommunication connectivity in India.
    2. This license is issued by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) under the Ministry of Communications.
  2. Services offered
    1. The ILD Licensee is granted full flexibility to offer all types of bearer services. The Licensee will provide bearer services so that end-to-end services can be provided by Access Providers to the customers. Some key bearer services enabled by ILD licensees include:
      1. Voice Communication – International phone calls.
      2. Data and Internet – Internet services, private leased circuits, cloud services.
      3. Fax Services – Transmission of faxes over international networks.
      4. Video Services – Video calling, video conferencing, streaming.
      5. Multimedia Applications – OTT platforms, messaging services, digital content delivery.
      6. Leasing International Bandwidth - The ILD licensee is allowed to lease international bandwidth to other eligible licensees who are permitted to have international connectivity under their license .
  3. Network interconnection and Security Conditions
    1. The Licensee may deploy circuit switched or managed IP network to engineer their ILD networks.
    2. To provide International Long Distance (ILD) services, the Licensee must establish its own ILD Gateway station.
    3. International Long Distance traffic should be routed through network of NLD service providers, to the ILD service providers gateways for onward transmission to international networks. However, the access provider shall not refuse to interconnect with the Licensee directly in situations where POP of ILD service licensee and Switches of Access Provider’s (GMSC/ Transit Switch) are located at the same station which is a designated Level -I TAX location.
    4. Commencement of International telecom services shall be permitted only after establishment of ILD Gateway with requisite monitoring facility to the satisfaction of Licensor for lawful interception and monitoring.
    5. While entering into an agreement/arrangement with Foreign Carriers, for provision of end-to-end ILD services including IPLC service, the Licensee shall ensure that the Foreign Carrier does not acquire customers in India and does not raise bills/collect revenue to/from any user of the ILD services in India.

 

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Who Can Apply

  1. General Guidelines for Grant of International Long Distance (ILD) services under Unified License:
    1. The applicant must be an Indian company, registered under the “Companies Act- 2013/1956”.
  2. Financial and Eligibility Requirements
    1. Applicants must pay a non-refundable processing fee as prescribed.
    2. FDI upto 100% under automatic route subject to observance of licensing and security conditions by licensee as well as investors as notified by the DoT from time to time.
    3. The applicant company shall have a minimum paid up equity capital and networth as prescribed.
    4. The applicant must pay the Entry fee prescribed.
    5. The applicant must submit the Financial Bang Guarantee (FBG) and Performance Bank Guarantee (PBG) as prescribed.
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Documents Required

Copy of registration certified by Company Secretary/Statutory Auditor and countersigned by Director duly authorized by the company.
Articles of Association certified by Company Secretary/Statutory Auditor and countersigned by Director duly authorized by the company.
Memorandum of Association certified by Company Secretary/Statutory Auditor and countersigned by Director duly authorized by the company
Equity Details certificate from the Company Secretary/Statutory Auditor countersigned by the Director duly authorized by the company
Certificate from the Company Secretary/Statutory Auditor, countersigned by the Director duly authorized by the company to disclose the status of foreign holdings.
Networth of the company certificate from the Company Secretary/Statutory Auditor countersigned by the Director duly authorized by the company.
Paid up capital certificate by the Company Secretary/Statutory Auditor, countersigned by ,the Director duly authorized by the company
MHA clearance (in case of foreign nationality/ CEO/CTO/CFO, Director)
Power of Attorney by Resolution of board of Directors
Other Documents, if any
Payment Challan Copy
https://dot.gov.in/unified-licencing
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Fees and Charges

  • The application shall be made online on Saral Sanchar portal ( https://saralsanchar.gov.in/) . The processing fee for the application is Rs. 10,000/- (non-refundable), which is also payable online.
  • The entry fee for the license is Rs. 2.5 crore only and is non-refundable/ non-adjustable.
  • The Financial Bank Guarantee (FBG) for the license is Rs. 1 crore only.
  • The Performance Bank Guarantee (PBG) for the license is Rs. 50 Lakhs only.
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Application Process

1
Registration The Applicant companies desirous of getting the Authorization under Unified License/UL-VNO Agreement may submit the application online on SARAL (Simplified Application for Registration and Licenses) SANCHAR portal i.e. https://saralsanchar.gov.in. The Applicant companies are required to do a one-time registration on the portal. Once the registration is done the applicant, company needs to apply for any of the desired authorization under UL/UL-VNO regime.
2
Application Submission Submit the application form and required documentation in the Saral Sanchar Portal.
3
Processing The application undergoes a compliance and background check.
4
Approval Upon successful review, the license is issued, allowing the applicant to operate within the approved services area
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Statistics

The List of ILD Licensees are available at https://dot.gov.in/relatedlinks/international-long-distance

Click here to view all
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Policy / Circular / Presentation


Click here to view all
Apply/View Status
Nodal Cell Contact / Help Desk
  • For queries, please contact the Nodal Cell at Email: support@saralsanchar.gov.in., admin@ett.in
    Help Desk 011-26288886
     

Validity

20 years

User Manual
A comprehensive user manuals are available for applicants.
UL Applicant Manual_ILD 3.54 MB
Read
New
Telecommunications
Act 2023
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Frequently Asked Questions

International Long Distance (ILD) services licensee has full flexibility to offer all types of bearer services. The Licensee will provide bearer services so that end-to-end tele-services such as voice, data, fax, video, multi-media etc. can be provided by Access Providers to the customers

Any Indian company registered under the Companies Act, 2013/1956 is eligible to apply.

The license is valid for 20 years

Applications must be submitted via the SARAL SANCHAR portal: https://saralsanchar.gov.in

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