The Center on Wednesday notified a new licensing framework for telecom services under the Telecommunications Act, 2023, replacing the licensing regime under the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885.
In a series of notifications, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has brought into force the key provisions of Section 3 of the Telecommunications Act and notified the rules governing the provision of core telecom services, miscellaneous telecom services and restricted telecom services.
The new framework replaces the current license-based system with a licence-based system, which defines how companies provide wired and wireless access services. Telecom operators like Airtel, Jio and Vi, which are currently operating under licenses issued under the Telegraph Act, will be able to migrate to the new system.
The government has also notified the DoT’s Telecom e-Services Portal as the official portal through which the new licensing framework will be implemented digitally. The rules also make clear that obtaining a license does not automatically grant rights over spectrum.
The Framework also introduces enhanced anti-fraud obligations, including measures aimed at detecting fraudulent communications and spoofing activities. The rules also require data, records and information associated with telecommunications networks to be stored within India, strengthening data localization requirements.
Besides the core services framework, the government has also notified the licensing rules for various telecom services, including enterprise telecom services, machine-to-machine (M2M) services, PM-WANI services, public mobile radio channel services, aviation data communication services, and on-board and maritime communication services.
Separate rules for restricted telecom services have also been notified, which are expected to govern private telecom networks deployed by companies and institutions for their private use. The government has also notified migration rules for entities moving from the existing licensing regime to the new licensing framework.
The notification comes after nearly a year of consultations. The draft rules were first published in September 2025, with the government extending the deadline for public comments to 21 October 2025.
