Draft Telecommunications (Authorisation for Provision of Miscellaneous Telecommunication Services) Rules, 2025

REGD. No. D. L.-33004/99 The Gazette of India CG-DL-E-10092025-266050 EXTRAORDINARY PART II-Section 3-Sub-section (i) PUBLISHED BY AUTHORITY No. 567] NEW DELHI, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2025/BHADRA 18, 1947 6001 GI/2025 MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS (Department of Telecommunications) NOTIFICATION New Delhi, the 9th September, 2025 G.S.R. 611(E).—The following draft rules, which the Central Government proposes to make in exercise of the powers conferred by clause (a) of sub section (1) of section 3 read with clause (a) of sub-section (2) of section 56 of the Telecommunications Act, 2023 (44 of 2023) are hereby published for the information of all persons likely to be affected thereby and notice is hereby given that the said draft rules shall be taken into consideration after the expiry of a period of thirty days from the date on which copies of this notification in the Official Gazette, are made available to the public. Objections or suggestions, if any, may be addressed to the Joint Secretary (Telecom), Department of Telecommunications, Ministry of Communications, Government of India, Sanchar Bhawan, 20, Ashoka Road, New Delhi- 110001. The objections or suggestions which may be received from any person with respect to the said draft rules before the expiry of the aforesaid period shall be taken into consideration by the Central Government. CHAPTER 1: PRELIMINARY 1. Short title and commencement (1) These rules shall be called the Telecommunications (Authorisation for Provision of Miscellaneous Telecommunication Services) Rules, 2025. (2) These rules shall come into force from the date of their publication in the Official Gazette. (3) These rules shall not override the terms and conditions of actions taken under the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885 (13 of 1885), including issuance of licenses, registrations or permissions, by whatever name called, undertaken pursuant to the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885 (13 of 1885), which shall continue in accordance with sub-section (6) of section 3 of the Act. 2. Definitions (1) In these rules, unless the context otherwise requires, (a) "access service” means the telecommunication service provided by an authorised entity to users for conveyance of voice or non-voice messages through wireline or wireless telecommunication network and the words "wireline access service” and “wireless access service" shall be construed accordingly; (b) "access spectrum" means the spectrum assigned to an authorised entity for conveyance of voice or non- voice messages between user terminal (UT) and base station; (c) "Act" means the Telecommunications Act, 2023 (44 of 2023); (d) "authorisation fee" means a fee payable by an authorised entity at rates and intervals for the duration of the authorisation as specified in these rules; (e) "authorised agency" means: (i) for interception of messages, the authorised agency as defined under Telecommunications (Procedures and Safeguards for Lawful Interception of Messages) Rules, 2024; and (ii) for any other purpose, the agency designated by the Central Government; (f) "base station” means a fixed radio transmitter and receiver station, which provides a link between the user terminal and core telecommunication network; (g) "broadcasting services" means the dissemination of any programme(s) through terrestrial or satellite communication medium or a combination of both, intended to be received by the users either directly or indirectly and all its grammatical variations and cognate expressions shall be construed accordingly; (h) "call" means a connection established by means of telecommunication that enables voice communication; (i) "captive telecommunication services" means captive telecommunication services as identified and authorised under the Telecommunications (Authorisation For Provision of Captive Telecommunication Services) Rules, 2025; (j) "Chief Telecommunication Security Officer" means the Chief Telecommunication Security Officer appointed under rule 6 of the Telecommunications (Telecom Cyber Security) Rules, 2024; (k) "cloud-hosted telecommunication network (CTN) provider” shall have the same meaning as provided in the Telecommunications (Authorisation for Telecommunication Network) Rules, 2025. (1) "Companies Act" means the Companies Act, 1956 or the Companies Act, 2013, as the case may be; (m) “core telecommunication network” means a system or series of systems of telecommunication equipment that is responsible for routing and controlling flow of telecommunication traffic among different parts of the telecommunication network and handles a range of essential functions including connectivity, routing, mobility management, authentication, authorisation, user management, policy management, management of exposure of the telecommunication network and servicing of Application Program Interfaces (APIs); (n) "effective date" means the date as specified in the authorisation as being the effective date of the authorisation; (o) "entry fee" means non-refundable amount of fee to be paid for grant of authorisation to provide telecommunication services in a service area of authorisation; (p) "force majeure event" means any cause or event, other than the unavailability of funds, which causes non- performance or delay in performance by the authorised entity claiming to be affected by such event, which are: (i) beyond the reasonable control of, and could not have been anticipated or foreseeable by such entity, and not brought about at the instance of such entity; or (ii) which, if anticipated or foreseeable, could not have been avoided by such entity. Illustrative list of "force majeure events" natural phenomena or calamities or any act of God, earthquakes, typhoons, floods, fires, explosions, wars declared or undeclared, hostilities, invasions, blockades, acts of public enemy, sabotage, riots, strikes, insurrection, civil disturbances, Act of State or direction from Statutory Authority, quarantine restriction, strikes and lockouts (as are not limited to the establishments and facilities of the authorised entity). (q) "foreign direct investment” or “FDI” means foreign direct investment as defined under paragraph (r) of rule 2 of the Foreign Exchange Management (Non-debt Instrument) Rules, 2019; (r) "form" means a form specified by the Central Government from time to time; (s) "global mobile personal communications by satellite (GMPCS) system" means any satellite system which is fixed or mobile, broad-band or narrow-band, global or regional, geo-stationary or non-geo-stationery, existing or planned, providing telecommunication services directly to end users from a single or constellation of satellites, and the phrase 'GMPCS network' and 'GMPCS service' shall be construed accordingly; (t) "home network" means the telecommunication network established by an authorised entity in its service area of authorisation; (u) "internet" is a global system that: (a) is logically linked together by a globally unique address, based on Internet Protocol (IP) or its subsequent enhancements or upgradations; and (b) is able to support communications using the Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) suite or its subsequent enhancements/upgradations, and all other IP compatible protocols; (v) "Internet of Things” or “IoT" means M2M communications over the internet; (w) "internet service" is a type of telecommunication service accessing the internet; (x) "letter of intent” or “LOI” means the letter issued under sub-rule (2) of rule 9 of these rules; (y) "license" means a license, registration, or permission, by whatever name called, granted under the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885 for provision of telecommunication services or telecommunication network and the word "licensee” shall be construed accordingly; (z) "Low Power Wide Area Network” or “LPWAN” is a type of wide area network which provide wireless connectivity to low-power devices over large distances that is suited for M2M communication; (aa) "Machine to Machine (M2M) communication" is a type of telecommunication between two or more devices that do not necessarily need any direct human intervention; (bb) "Machine to Machine (M2M) service" means a type of telecommunication service using Machine to Machine (M2M) communication; (cc) "main telecommunication services rules" means the Telecommunication (Authorisation for Provision of Main Telecommunication Services) Rules, 2025; (dd) “merger rules" means the Telecommunications (Regulation of Restructuring or Acquisition of Authorised Entities) Rules, 2025; (ee) "migration rules” means the Telecommunications (Migration from License to Authorisation) Rules, 2025; (ff) "miscellaneous telecommunication services" means the telecommunication services listed in sub-rule (2) of rule 4 of these rules; (gg) "portal" means the portal notified by the Central Government under sub-rule (3) of rule 2 of these rules; (hh) "prohibited investor” means a person who falls within any of the following categories: (i) person debarred from accessing the capital market by SEBI; (ii) a person as may be determined by the Central Government when it considers it necessary or expedient so to do in the interest of national security; (iii) a person whose authorisation or license, as the case may be, was cancelled on account of default in compliance of the terms and conditions of its authorisation or license; (iv) a person who was in control of the person specified under clause (iii) at the time of default or of the cancellation; and (v) a person or class of persons as may be identified by the Central Government, from time to time that are prohibited from holding any equity shares in, or controlling, directly or indirectly, an authorised entity or licensee, as the case may be; (ii) "public land mobile network” or “PLMN” means a land based public mobile network; (jj) "public switched telephone network” or “PSTN” means a fixed public telephone network providing a two-way switched telecommunication service; (kk) "roaming" means a telecommunication service that allows mobile terminal users to continue to use the telecommunication services subscribed in its home network, while travelling outside the geographical coverage area of the home network, by means of using a visited network; (ll) "satellite system" or "satellite network" means a telecommunication network comprising satellites, system control centers, gateways, together with associated telecommunication networks and terminals that enable direct communication channels between satellites and terminals, as well as connections to land networks through feeder links; (mm) "service area" means the geographical area for which the authorisation for provision of telecommunication service is granted, which can be of two types: (i) National Service Area which refers to the territory of India, territorial waters of India, and the Continental Shelf and Exclusive Economic Zone of India, in accordance with Section 55 of the Act; and (ii) Telecom circle or metro service area which refers to service areas listed in Schedule B to these rules; (nn) "SIM" means Subscriber Identity Module (SIM), by whatever name called and it includes embedded SIM (e-SIM), Integrated SIM (iSIM), soft SIM, or any other equivalent SIM, available in any form factor, used for securely storing a unique telecommunication identifier and its related authentication keys to identify and authenticate user on the telecommunication network of the authorised entity; (oo) "Subscriber Data Record” or “SDR” means a comprehensive repository of user information maintained by each authorised entity, in the format as may be specified by the Central Government; (pp) "tariff" shall have the same meaning as provided in the Telecommunication Tariff Orders issued under the TRAI Act; (qq) "TRAI" means Telecom Regulatory Authority of India constituted under the TRAI Act; (rr) “TRAI Act" means Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Act, 1997 (24 of 1997); and (ss) "user terminal (UT)" or "user equipment (UE)" means a type of telecommunication equipment used by a user to avail telecommunication service provided by an authorised entity. (2) Words and expressions used in these rules and not defined herein but defined in the Act, or in the main telecommunication services rules, shall have the meanings respectively assigned to them in the Act or in such rules. (3) The Central Government may establish and notify one or more portals for the purpose of implementation of rules under the Act. 3. Applicability These rules shall apply to any person, intending to provide or providing the telecommunication services specified in sub-rule (2) of rule 4, within the service area of authorisation. CHAPTER 2: AUTHORISATION FOR MISCELLANEOUS TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES 4. Categories of authorisations (1) Telecommunication service authorisations are classified into the following four broad categories: (a) main telecommunication services, (b) miscellaneous telecommunication services, (c) captive telecommunication service, and (d) broadcasting services. (2) Miscellaneous telecommunication services authorisation shall comprise of the following sub-categories: (a) public mobile radio trunking service (PMRTS) authorisation, which shall comprise the telecommunication services as detailed in Part A (PMRTS authorisation) of Chapter 6 of these rules; (b) enterprise communication service authorisation, which shall comprise the telecommunication services as detailed in Part B (enterprise communication service authorisation) of Chapter 6 of these rules; (c) Machine to Machine (M2M) service authorisation, which shall comprise the telecommunication services as detailed in Part C (Machine to Machine (M2M) Service Authorisation) of Chapter 6 of these rules; (d) PM-WANI service authorisation, which shall comprise the telecommunication services as detailed in Part D (PM-WANI Service Authorisation) of Chapter 6 of these rules; (e) In-Flight and Maritime Connectivity (IFMC) service authorisation, which shall comprise the telecommunication services as detailed in Part E (In-Flight and Maritime Connectivity Service Authorisation) of Chapter 6 of these rules; (f) Aeronautical data communication service authorisation, which shall comprise the telecommunication services as detailed in Part F (Aeronautical data communication service authorisation) of Chapter 6 of these rules; and (g) International SIM service authorisation, which shall comprise the telecommunication services as detailed in Part G (International SIM service authorisation) of Chapter 6 of these rules. (3) The scope of these rules relates to miscellaneous telecommunication services and reference to telecommunication services in the provisions set forth below shall mean miscellaneous telecommunication services. 5. Service area of authorisation The service area of authorisation for each category of miscellaneous telecommunication service, shall be as follows: (a) The service area of authorisation for public mobile radio trunking service (PMRTS) shall be the telecom circle or metro service area; (b) The service area of authorisation for enterprise communication service shall be the national service area; (c) The service area of authorisation for machine to machine (M2M) service shall be the national service area; (d) The service area of authorisation for PM-WANI service shall be the national service area; (e) The service area of authorisation for In-Flight and Maritime Connectivity (IFMC) service shall be the national service area; (f) The service area of authorisation for aeronautical data communication service shall be the national service area; and (g) The service area of authorisation for International SIM service shall be the national service area. 6. Duration of Authorisation (1) The initial validity period of an authorisation for provision of telecommunication services shall be twenty years from the effective date unless curtailed or revoked earlier for reasons specified in these rules. (2) The duration of an authorisation may be renewed as provided under rule 16. 7. Eligibility criteria for grant of an authorisation (1) An applicant seeking authorisation under these rules shall be a company incorporated under the Companies Act: Provided that for M2M Service Authorisation, the applicant may be any business entity, including a company incorporated under the Companies Act, partnership firms, LLPs, institutions, undertakings, proprietorship firms, societies or trusts, or a Ministry or Department of the Central or State Government, the Parliament of India, Legislative Assembly of a State of India, any Court of law, or any agency or autonomous organisation of the Central or State Government; (2) The foreign direct investment in any applicant shall be in compliance with the laws and policies of India as applicable at the time of making of the application for authorisation under rule 8: Provided that the direct or indirect investors in the applicant shall also be in compliance with the laws and policies of India as applicable. (3) The applicant shall not have any direct or indirect investment from a prohibited investor or control of a prohibited investor. (4) In the event the applicant is an entity that had held a license under the Indian Telegraph Act 1885, and which license had been terminated or surrendered or expired, then such applicant shall have to make payment of all amounts, as may be determined by the Central Government, as being payable under the earlier terminated or surrendered or expired license, including applicable interest calculated based on the rate stipulated for delayed payment, under the relevant license that had been held by such applicant. (5) In the event the applicant is an entity that had been granted any authorisation under the Act and the following circumstances apply: (a) it had surrendered such authorisation but has pending dues payable in respect thereof under rule 22; or (b) it had been subject to revocation under rule 19 and is submitting an application for authorisation under these rules after adjudication thereof, but during such period when it could have submitted an application for authorisation, but has pending dues payable thereof; (c) its authorisation had expired due to efflux of time, and it has pending dues payable; then such applicant shall make payment of all amounts, as may be determined by the Central Government, to be considered as eligible to apply for an authorisation under these rules. 8. Application for obtaining an authorisation (1) Any person intending to provide telecommunication services shall submit an application on the portal, in the form and manner, and accompanied by such documents as specified on the portal for this purpose. (2) If the applicant for authorisation under these rules is an existing licensee, it shall, along with its application for authorisation: (a) apply for migration of all its existing licenses for all categories of telecommunication services to the corresponding authorisation for telecommunication service, in accordance with the migration rules, and submit proof of such application; or (b) submit proof of its application for migration if such application has already been made: Provided that this sub-rule shall not apply in respect of situations specified under sub-rule (5). (3) Every application under sub-rule (1) shall be accompanied with a non-refundable processing fee as stipulated in Schedule A to these rules. (4) An applicant under these rules may simultaneously apply for one or more authorisations in different service areas. (5) An authorised entity shall not be permitted to hold more than one authorisation for a specific telecommunication service in the same service area: Provided that in the event an authorised entity or a licensee holding an authorisation or license in a service area, as the case may be, makes an application for obtaining an authorisation for a telecommunication service or obtains an authorisation for a telecommunication service in accordance with the merger rules, the scope and service area of which includes in its entirety, the scope and service area for which it already holds an authorisation or license, then such existing authorisation or license shall be deemed to be subsumed into the new authorisation upon its grant or acquisition or restructuring as per the merger rules, and the authorisation or license so subsumed shall be deemed to be cancelled. Provided further that, the subsumption and cancellation of the prior authorisation or license shall not extinguish or waive any dues, penalties, liabilities or obligations incurred under such earlier authorisation or license, as the case may be, and such dues, penalties, liabilities, or obligations shall remain enforceable and shall be recoverable by the Central Government, and shall stand transferred to and be deemed to be carried forward under the new authorisation. 9. Grant of Authorisation (1) Upon examination of the application submitted under sub-rule (1) of rule 8, the Central Government may seek clarifications or further documents, as may be required. (2) In the event an applicant is found to be eligible for grant of an authorisation, a letter of intent shall be issued to the applicant through the portal: Provided that authorisations for: (a) machine to machine (M2M) service, (b) PM-WANI service, (c) In- Flight and Maritime Connectivity (IFMC) service, and (d) International SIM service authorisations, shall be granted to the eligible applicants without any prior issuance of a letter of intent, in accordance with sub-rule (5). (3) An applicant who has been issued a letter of intent pursuant to sub-rule (2), shall comply with the terms and conditions as specified in the letter of intent within the time period specified therein, including, payment of the entry fee, as specified for such authorisation in Schedule A and shall guarantee, by submitting, in the form and manner as specified on the portal, an initial guarantee of the amount as specified for such authorisation in Schedule A, of any of the following: (a) a bank guarantee from any scheduled bank or public financial institution, (b) an insurance surety bond, issued by an insurance company, in accordance with the applicable rules and guidelines issued by the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India, with a minimum validity period of one year, or (c) non-interest-bearing security deposit with the Central Government, and submit evidence of the same on the portal. (4) If the requirements stipulated in the letter of intent are not fulfilled within the time period stipulated in the letter of intent, such letter shall be deemed to have lapsed, and the application for authorisation shall stand rejected. Provided that the Central Government may, based on consideration of a request for extension of time made by an applicant prior to the expiry of the time specified in the letter of intent, in the form and manner as may be specified on the portal, grant a one-time extension not exceeding thirty days from the date specified in the letter of intent. (5) Upon compliance with the terms and conditions of the letter of intent by an applicant, or in respect of an authorisation as specified in the proviso to sub-rule (2), a unique authorisation number shall be generated on the portal and an authorisation shall be granted to the applicant in the format specified in Schedule C to these rules. (6) Each application for authorisation shall be processed on the basis of the statements, averments, representations and submissions made by the applicant and on the basis of the supporting documents so provided and if at any time, such information is found to be incorrect, the provisions of rules 19 shall apply. (7) The Central Government shall endeavour, to the extent reasonably practicable, to decide on an application received under rule 8 within a period of sixty days of the applicant providing clarifications or additional documents as may be required under sub-rule (1): Provided that any decision rejecting the application, other than as a consequence of sub-rule (4), shall be accompanied by reasons to be specified in writing. (8) Any applicant who has been issued a letter of intent for grant of a license under the Indian Telegraph Act 1885, prior to notification of these rules, shall be considered for grant of corresponding authorisation under the Act, subject to acceptance by the applicant, and in such cases, the processing fee and entry fee, if already paid, shall be adjusted towards the processing fee and entry fee, as specified, for grant of such authorisation: Provided that the applicant shall also be required to pay the difference of entry fee, if required, in respect of grant of authorisation under the Act. 10. Non-Exclusive authorisation Each authorisation granted pursuant to these rules shall be on a non-exclusive basis and additional authorisations with same or different terms and conditions for the same or different telecommunication services may be granted by the Central Government within the same or other service areas without any restriction on the number of authorised entities: Provided that the Central Government may, on its own or through any public entity, provide telecommunication services anywhere in India. CHAPTER 3: GENERAL CONDITIONS 11. Compliance with the Act (1) An authorised entity shall comply with the provisions of the Act and the rules thereunder, including all notifications, orders, directions, or guidelines, issued by the Central Government under the provisions of the Act or rules, which shall be deemed to be incorporated into each authorisation issued under the Act. (2) An authorised entity shall also comply with notifications, orders, directions, or guidelines not inconsistent with these rules, issued by the Central Government for the purpose of giving effect to these rules. 12. Compliance with the TRAI Act An authorised entity shall be bound by the provisions of the TRAI Act, and any non-compliance thereof shall be addressed under the TRAI Act. 13. Continuing Compliance with Eligibility Conditions (1) An authorised entity as well as its investors shall continue to comply with all applicable laws and policies of India, including laws relating to foreign investment, at all times during the duration of authorisation. (2) An authorised entity shall ensure that no prohibited investor has any direct or indirect investment, or control in such entity, at all times during the duration of authorisation. 14. Reporting and Disclosure Obligations (1) An authorised entity shall: (a) report any change in its shareholding, in the form and manner as may be specified on the portal, within fifteen days from the date of such change in shareholding and shall also ensure compliance with all statutory requirements, including obtaining relevant permissions, under applicable laws; (b) report any change in the name under which it has been incorporated under the Companies Act, in the form and manner as may be specified on the portal, along with the certified copy of the certificate issued by the Registrar of Companies for the same, within thirty days from the date of issue of such certificate; (c) submit to the Central Government any change in details, relating to ownership, control, address and contact details, or any other such material details, in the form and manner as may be specified on the portal, within fifteen days of such change; (d) furnish to the Central Government, on demand, such documents, accounts, estimates, returns, reports or other information as directed within specified timelines, in the form and manner, as may be specified on the portal. (2) An authorised entity shall nominate and communicate to the Central Government and the relevant authorised agency, in the form and manner specified for this purpose, the details of a nodal person, who shall be responsible for providing any report or information or extending the necessary support, as may be required under these rules. 15. Restrictions on transfer of authorisation (1) An authorised entity shall not: (a) assign or transfer its authorisation, whether directly or indirectly, or in any manner whatsoever, without the prior written approval of the Central Government; (b) enter into any partnership or agreement for sub-leasing or sub-authorisation; or (c) create any interest in favour of a third party in such authorisation. (2) An authorisation may be assigned or transferred only pursuant to any restructuring or acquisition of an authorised entity in accordance with the merger rules. 16. Renewal of Authorisation (1) An authorised entity may submit an application for renewal of authorisation, in the form and manner as specified on the portal for this purpose, at least twelve months prior to the expiry of the authorisation, along with processing fee for such renewal, as specified in Schedule A of these rules: Provided that an application for renewal may be submitted up to four months prior to the expiry of the authorisation, subject to payment of late fees as may be specified by the Central Government for this purpose. (2) The Central Government shall, on receipt of an application under sub-rule (1), consider renewal of duration of authorisation by a term of twenty years, subject to such terms and conditions as may be specified by the Central Government, as well as compliance with law and policy applicable at the time of such renewal: Provided that any decision rejecting the application shall be accompanied by reasons to be specified in writing. (3) Where an application has been rejected in terms of sub-rule (2), or no application for renewal of authorisation is received within the timelines specified under sub-rule (1), then such authorisation shall expire at the end of the validity period of an existing authorisation, and the authorised entity shall notify all its users, clearly stating the options available to such users by issuing a notice of at least thirty days, as regards the effective date of expiry of its authorisation by efflux of time and ensure quality of telecommunication network and telecommunication service, till the effective date of expiry. 17. Assignment and Use of Spectrum (1) The grant of an authorisation under the Act does not confer any right to assignment and use of spectrum. (2) An authorised entity may apply for assignment of the spectrum under the rules prescribed under sub-section (3) of section 4 of the Act. (3) Where an authorised entity holds spectrum, or applies for assignment of spectrum under the relevant rules, the terms and conditions of such assignment, shall be deemed to be incorporated into the terms and conditions of the authorisation, and an authorised entity shall use the spectrum for provision of telecommunication services in conformity with the terms and conditions of assignment, as well as the terms and conditions of authorisation. 18. Force Majeure event (1) If the performance of any obligation under an authorisation by an authorised entity is prevented or delayed, in whole or in part, by reason of a force majeure event, and such entity has complied with its notification obligations under sub-rule (2), the Central Government shall, neither revoke the authorisation, nor claim any damages against such authorised entity, in respect of such non-performance or delay in performance for the duration of such event. (2) An authorised entity shall notify to the Central Government, in the form and manner as may be specified for this purpose, the occurrence of a force majeure event within twenty-one days from the date of occurrence of such event. (3) An authorised entity shall not be entitled for extension of the duration of the authorisation, or to claim any compensation for the force majeure event, or any damages against the Central Government for non- performance or delay in performance of the Central Government's obligations by reason of the force majeure event. 19. Default by an authorised entity (1) The adjudication and appeal of any contravention or breach of the terms and conditions of authorisation shall be governed by the Telecommunications (Adjudication and Appeal) Rules, 2025. (2) Any order of suspension, revocation or curtailment of an authorisation shall be published by the Central Government on the portal and be effective from the sixty-first day from the date of such order. (3) Pursuant to the order under sub-rule (2) published on the portal, an authorised entity shall also give notice of at least thirty days to all its users within thirty days from the date of such order, clearly stating the options available to such users. (4) An authorised entity whose authorisation is revoked as well as its promoters shall not be eligible to apply for authorisation for any of the telecommunication services under the Act for a period, as may be determined by the Central Government, which shall not exceed three years. 20. Set Off (1) Any sum of money or claim payable by an authorised entity to the Central Government, under the terms of authorisation or assignment, may be deducted or adjusted by the Central Government against any amount or sum of money then due, or which may become due to an authorised entity under the authorisation or assignment at any time thereafter, including any guarantee, which can be converted into money. (2) The Central Government shall, subsequent to any action taken under sub-rule (1), inform an authorised entity of such set-off. 21. Recovery of dues Without prejudice to other modes of recovery, any amount due to the Central Government by an authorised entity under these rules, if not paid, shall be recovered as an arrear of land revenue. 22. Surrender of authorisation (1) An authorised entity seeking to surrender an authorisation granted under these rules, shall submit an application, in the form and manner as specified on the portal, at least sixty days prior to the proposed date of surrender, along with an undertaking, and other information as specified by the Central Government on the portal. (2) The Central Government shall either accept or reject an application under sub-rule (1), within thirty days of receipt of such application, and if accepted, the effective date of surrender shall be the sixty-first day from the date of receipt of such application by the Central Government. Provided that, any decision rejecting the application, shall be accompanied by reasons to be specified in writing. (3) If an application under sub-rule (1) is neither accepted nor rejected within thirty days of receipt of the application by the Central Government, such application shall be deemed to be accepted. (4) The details relating to surrender of an authorisation by an authorised entity shall be made available on the portal by the Central Government. (5) Pursuant to the acceptance under sub-rule (2) or deemed acceptance under sub-rule (3), an authorised entity shall notify all its users, clearly stating the options available to such users, by issuing a notice of at least thirty days, as regards the effective date of surrender of its authorisation. 23. Suspension or Revocation on grounds of National Security or Public interest (1) Notwithstanding any other provision of these rules, the Central Government may suspend or revoke the operation of the authorisation, without any notice period, in whole or in part, at any time, if, in the opinion of the Central Government, it is necessary or expedient to do so in public interest, or in the interest of national security, or for the proper conduct of the telecommunication, or in the event of national emergency, or in the event of war or low intensity conflict or other similar situations: Provided that the Central Government shall not be responsible for any damage or loss caused or arising out of such actions. (2) An authorised entity shall comply with any measures as specified by the Central Government under such directions for suspension or revocation. 24. Actions pursuant to revocation, surrender or expiry of authorisation (1) On revocation, surrender, or expiry of the authorisation held by an authorised entity, the spectrum assigned, if any, to such entity shall stand withdrawn from the effective date of such revocation, surrender or expiry. (2) On revocation, surrender, or expiry of the authorisation or license, the relevant authorised entity shall manage its radio equipment in the manner as prescribed under the Telecommunications (Radio Equipment Possession Authorisation) Rules, 2025. CHAPTER 4: TECHNICAL AND OPERATING CONDITIONS 25. Telecommunication Network (1) An authorised entity having an authorisation to provide miscellaneous telecommunication service may establish, operate, maintain or expand telecommunication network and may also possess radio equipment, conforming to the scope of the authorisation, without requiring any separate authorisation under clause (b) of sub-section (1) of section 3 or under clause (c) of sub-section (1) of section 3 of the Act respectively: Provided that in respect of right to assignment and use of spectrum, rule 17 of these rules shall apply. (2) An authorised entity shall design, engineer, establish, operate, maintain or expand the telecommunication network for provision of miscellaneous telecommunication services pursuant to its authorisation in accordance with the Act, and rules thereunder, and shall ensure that such telecommunication equipment, telecommunication network and telecommunication services are in conformity with applicable standards and conformity assessment measures, including those notified under section 19 of the Act and TRAI regulations relating to standards of Quality of Service (QoS). (3) An authorised entity shall furnish all technical details of telecommunication services and the associated telecommunication network including the details of technology, to the Central Government or the relevant authorised agency, in such manner and at such times as may be required pursuant to any direction issued by the Central Government in this regard. (4) An authorised entity shall make its own arrangements, including in respect of Right of Way (RoW), for establishing telecommunication network and shall be solely responsible for the establishment, maintenance, operation, expansion and commissioning of necessary infrastructure, telecommunication equipment and systems, and all aspects of its telecommunication network: Provided that, an authorised entity may take telecommunication network, telecommunication infrastructure, or telecommunication resources, as the case may be, on mutually agreed terms from other authorised entities, holding the relevant authorisations under sub-section (1) of section 3 of the Act: Provided further that, an authorised entity may share the telecommunication infrastructure and telecommunication network, as permitted under these rules. Provided also that, non-availability of RoW or delays in obtaining RoW permission by an authorised entity, shall not be a cause or ground for non-fulfilment of the roll-out obligations, or non-compliance with any other obligations under these rules. (5) An authorised entity shall adhere to the applicable notifications, orders, directions, or guidelines issued by the Central Government in respect of the following: (a) adoption of Renewable Energy Technologies (RETs) for powering the telecommunication network; (b) deployment of energy efficient telecommunication equipment; (c) preferential market access (PMA) for procurement of indigenously manufactured telecommunication equipment; and (d) IPv6 implementation. 26. Location of Telecommunication Network Elements (1) Any installation of telecommunication equipment or establishment of telecommunication network, in security sensitive areas as may be specified by the Central Government, shall be undertaken only with the prior written approval of the Central Government, obtained by the authorised entity pursuant to an application made in the form and manner as may be specified on the portal. (2) An authorised entity shall ensure that: (a) all systems of its telecommunication network, (i) either owned, or taken as a service from an entity authorised under clause (b) of sub-section (1) of section 3 of the Act, or (ii) on lease or hire or sharing basis from an entity authorised under clause (a) of sub-section (1) of section 3 of the Act, are located within its service areas of authorisation for the purpose of provisioning of telecommunication service permitted under the scope of the authorisation: Provided that in cases where telecommunication network is taken as a service from a cloud-hosted telecommunication network (CTN) provider authorised under clause (b) of sub-section (1) section 3 of the Act, the systems of such telecommunication network may be located anywhere in India; and (b) all data and information associated with its telecommunication network specified in clause (a), shall be stored within India. 27. Sharing of telecommunication network and infrastructure An authorised entity having different authorisations under section 3 of the Act may share its telecommunication infrastructure, telecommunication equipment, or any other system of its telecommunication network for providing telecommunication services under such authorisations subject to the prior approval requirement, as applicable, under these rules. 28. Commercial launch of telecommunication services (1) An authorised entity shall charge the tariff for the telecommunication service in accordance with the tariff orders, directions, guidelines or decisions issued by TRAI for this purpose and shall fulfil requirements including publication of tariff, notification of tariff to TRAI and provision of information to users, as directed by TRAI. (2) An authorised entity shall intimate to the Central Government and TRAI the date of commencement of provision of telecommunication service within fifteen days of such commencement. 29. Provisioning of Telecommunication Service (1) An authorised entity shall: (a) not discriminate between users registered for its telecommunication services with regard to commercial principles for provision of telecommunication services; and (b) issue or cause to be issued, in its own name, bills to its users for use of the telecommunication service with adequate details to ensure satisfaction of the users about the genuineness of the bill, collection of revenue, ensure timely treatment of user complaints, and attending to claims. (2) The Central Government may specify restrictions on the use of miscellaneous telecommunication services in areas falling near the international borders of the territory of India, the Line of Control, the Line of Actual Control of India, or any other areas as may be specified by the Central Government: Provided that in such restricted areas, the Central Government may allow the use of miscellaneous telecommunication services to specified users and the authorised entity shall facilitate the same based on directions from the Central Government. (3) An authorised entity shall ensure continuity of the telecommunication services that it is offering to its users unless the authorisation is expired, revoked, suspended or curtailed, to the extent of such curtailment, by the Central Government. (4) Any dispute with regard to the provision of telecommunication service shall be a matter only between the user and an authorised entity and an authorised entity shall duly notify this to the user before providing the telecommunication service, and the Central Government shall not bear any liability or responsibility in the matter. (5) An authorised entity shall indemnify the Central Government against all claims, costs, charges or damages arising from any claims from users for any reason whatsoever. (6) An authorised entity shall, while obtaining any telecommunication resource from another authorised entity, satisfy itself that such authorised entity is eligible to provide such telecommunication resource. 30. Relaxations and exemptions (1) Where an authorised entity provides some, but not all, telecommunication services within the scope of its authorisation, it may apply to the Central Government, with justification, for appropriate exemptions or relaxations from the applicability of specified rules. (2) The Central Government may, after consideration of the application received under sub-rule (1), communicate to the authorised entity such exemptions or relaxations from such rules as it may determine are not applicable to the relevant telecommunication services specified in such application. 31. Right to inspect and undertake assessments (1) The Central Government may, for the purposes of monitoring compliance with these rules, after issuing a reasonable notice to an authorised entity in this regard: (a) access and inspect the sites where telecommunication equipment and telecommunication network are established for provision of telecommunication service, including within a user's premises; (b) audit processes or systems established by the authorised entity for compliance of these rules: Provided that, no notice shall be required to be provided to an authorised entity if the Central Government considers that immediate action is necessary or expedient in public interest. Provided further that the Central Government, may appoint an external agency to audit processes or systems established by the authorised entity for compliance of these rules. (2) An authorised entity shall provide the necessary facilities and support to facilitate the audit and inspection as required under sub-rule (1). 32. Confidentiality of information (1) An authorised entity shall, prior to commencement of telecommunication service, confirm in writing to the Central Government that the authorised entity has taken all necessary steps to ensure compliance with all applicable laws and policy to protect data privacy and confidentiality of user information, including by its employees and consultants. (2) An authorised entity shall not share any information relating to its telecommunication network with any other person except with the prior written approval of the Central Government: Provided that no such approval shall be required for providing such details of the telecommunication network, as may be required by its telecommunication equipment suppliers. CHAPTER 5: SECURITY CONDITIONS 33. Management of an authorised entity (1) An authorised entity shall ensure the following: (a) Majority of directors on the board of such authorised entity shall be Indian citizens; (b) The chief officer in charge of telecommunication network and system administrators shall be resident Indian citizens. (c) The Chief Telecommunication Security Officer shall, consistent with the Telecommunications (Telecom Cyber Security) Rules, 2024, be a resident Indian citizen. (2) An authorised entity shall ensure security vetting by the Ministry of Home Affairs prior to the appointment of any foreign nationals to the positions of the Chairman, Managing Director, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) or Chief Financial Officer (CFO), and such security vetting shall be continued on an annual basis for the duration of such appointment. (3) An authorised entity shall ensure security vetting by the Ministry of Home Affairs of the foreign nationals prior to the deployment of such persons for the establishment operation, maintenance or expansion of its telecommunication network. (4) An authorised entity shall apply in the form and manner as specified on the portal, for the security vetting provided in sub-rule (2) and sub-rule (3), and the decision of the Ministry of Home Affairs shall be binding on such authorised entity. 34. Enrolment of users and activation of telecommunication services (1) An authorised entity shall verify the identity of users before enrolling such users for provisioning of telecommunication services in compliance with notifications, orders, directions, or guidelines as may be specified by the Central Government for user identity verification. (2) An authorised entity shall, at the time of enrolment of a user, collect and maintain the details of information of the user in the form and manner as may be specified by the Central Government for each type of telecommunication service. (3) An authorised entity shall maintain an updated database of its users in the form and manner as may be specified for this purpose, and provide access to such database to the Central Government or the relevant authorised agency. (4) An authorised entity shall provide, the traceable identity of each user pursuant to directions in this regard, to the Central Government or the relevant authorised agency. 35. Data to be located in India An authorised entity shall not transfer the user information to any person or place outside India: Provided that this shall not restrict any financial disclosure relating to accounting information of a user, as may be required under these rules or under applicable law. 36. Maintenance of records An authorised entity shall maintain and provide all commercial records, Subscriber Data Record (SDR), Call Data Record (CDR) by any name referred, including Call Detail Record, Exchange Detail Record (EDR), IP Detail Record or IP Data Record (IPDR) and any other similar records for all types of telecommunication services, in the manner as may be specified by the Central Government. 37. Securing information transacted through telecommunication network (1) An authorised entity shall take adequate and timely measures to ensure that the information communicated through the telecommunication network by the users is secure and protected. (2) An authorised entity shall ensure privacy of messages communicated through its telecommunication network and that unauthorised interception of messages does not take place: Provided that, when an authorised entity provides records of messages and other data from its telecommunication network to the Central Government or authorised agencies, upon receipt of a direction in exercise of powers under the applicable law, then such records shall be provided in an intelligible format and not in an encrypted manner. 38. Prevention of use of telecommunication network for unauthorised or unlawful activities An authorised entity shall ensure that the telecommunication network be used for providing authorised telecommunication services to bona fide users only and is not used for undertaking any activities, or commissioning any action, that is an offence under the Act, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 or any other law for the time being in force, including laws prohibiting crimes against the State. 39. Trusted Sources and Trusted Products (1) For the purpose of this rule, the designated authority shall be the National Cyber Security Coordinator of the Central Government, who shall determine the categories of telecommunication equipment for which the security requirements related to trusted sources are applicable, and specify the same on its website for this purpose. (2) The designated authority shall specify the trusted sources along with the associated trusted products for the categories of telecommunication equipment as specified under sub-rule (1). (3) The designated authority may specify the procedure for inclusion of telecommunication equipment in the list of trusted sources and trusted products. (4) The designated authority may also specify a list of persons from whom no procurement of telecommunication equipment or associated products can be undertaken. (5) An authorised entity shall procure trusted products from trusted sources, as determined by the designated authority under sub-rule (2), and use or connect only such products, in its telecommunication network. (6) An authorised entity shall, prior to rolling out its telecommunication network, register itself on the website specified by the designated authority for this purpose, and provide relevant details relating to the telecommunication network or telecommunication equipment, as may be required by such authority. (7) An authorised entity shall, prior to deployment in the telecommunication network, comply with the conditions for procurement of telecommunication equipment and related products, or categories thereof, as specified by the designated authority. (8) An authorised entity shall, prior to the procurement of telecommunication equipment and related products, or categories thereof, for its telecommunication network or any upgradation or expansion thereof, adhere to the following process: (a) If the designated authority has already determined telecommunication equipment and related products as trusted products and their corresponding trusted sources under sub-rule (2), the authorised entity shall ensure compliance with the same and submit to the designated authority and the Central Government, in the form and manner as specified for this purpose: (i) the list of telecommunication equipment and the sources from which it is planning to procure; and (ii) periodic reports of procurement of telecommunication equipment, related products and sources thereof, and the locations of deployment of the same; (b) In the event clause (a) is not applicable, the authorised entity shall submit to the designated authority, the details of the telecommunication equipment and related products and their sources from which it is intending to procure the same, as per the procedure specified by the designated authority for this purpose under sub-rule (3); (c) In the event the designated authority approves the telecommunication equipment and related products and their sources as submitted under clause (b) above, the authorised entity shall proceed to procure and establish the same; and (d) An authorised entity shall comply with any notifications, orders, directions, or guidelines, including the guidance for enhanced supervision and effective control of telecommunication networks, as may be issued by the designated authority or the Central Government. (9) An authorised entity shall provide any information relating to the telecommunication equipment deployed or being deployed in its telecommunication network, as and when sought by the Central Government or the designated authority. (10) An authorised entity shall submit to the Central Government or the relevant authorised agency a compliance reports relating to compliance with this rule on a half-yearly basis, as on 1st January and 1st July of each year, through the portal, in the form and manner as may be specified for this purpose. (11) These rules shall be without prejudice to any other measure taken by the Central Government, that it may consider necessary or expedient for the purpose of national security under section 21 of the Act, which shall be binding on authorised entities. (12) In respect of a licensee, this rule is without prejudice to and does not override nor negate the obligation under its license relating to procurement of trusted products from trusted sources, which shall continue to apply till such time as the license migrates to an authorisation under the rules under sub-section (6) of section 3 of the Act. Provided that, such migration to being an authorised entity shall not affect ongoing Annual Maintenance Contracts (AMC) or their updates to telecommunication equipment as may have already been inducted into its telecommunication network prior to 15th June 2021. Provided further that, the licensee shall, on migration of its license to being an authorised entity, seek permission from the designated authority for upgradation or expansion of telecommunication network deployed prior to 15th June 2021, utilising the telecommunication equipment not specified as a trusted product. 40. Prohibition of certain activities (1) A telecommunication network of an authorised entity under these rules shall not be used for transmission of: (a) objectionable or obscene or unauthorised message as per applicable law; and (b) any other content or communication or message infringing copyright and intellectual property right in any form. (2) An authorised entity shall take necessary measures to prevent transmission of content or communication or message in violation of sub-rule (1), in its telecommunication network immediately upon receipt of any report, order, or direction from the Central Government, or a court order. (3) An authorised entity shall ensure that its telecommunication network or installation thereof, shall not become a safety or health hazard and is not in contravention of any law or policy. 41. General Security Conditions (1) An authorised entity shall be responsible for security of its telecommunications network and comply with any notifications, orders, directions or guidelines as may be issued by the Central Government in this regard. (2) An authorised entity shall provide necessary facilities as may be required by the Central Government to respond to any situations of espionage, subversive acts, sabotage or any other unlawful activity, and shall comply with notifications, orders, directions, or guidelines as may be issued by the Central Government in this regard. (3) An authorised entity shall ensure capability to suspend provision of telecommunication services in areas specified by the Central Government, subject to an accuracy as may be specified by the Central Government in respect of the boundary of the area so specified. (4) The precise delineation of geographical borders taken by an authorised entity for the purpose of defining service area of authorisation along international borders, if any, shall comply with the borders in maps provided by the Survey of India, and any modification thereof shall be subject to specific prior written approval of the Central Government in this regard. CHAPTER 6: SPECIFIC CONDITIONS FOR TYPES OF TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES 42. Applicability of Chapter 6 (1) In addition to the rules mentioned in Chapter 1 to Chapter 5, the rules mentioned in different Parts of this Chapter shall also apply to an authorised entity providing specific telecommunication services specified in the scope of the relevant Part of this Chapter. (2) In the event of any conflict between the provisions of Chapter 1 to Chapter 5 and Chapter 6, the provisions of Chapter 6 shall prevail. Part A: Public Mobile Radio Trunking Service (PMRTS) Authorisation 43. Scope of Public Mobile Radio Trunking Service (PMRTS) Authorisation (1) The provisions of this Part A shall apply for authorised entities holding public mobile radio trunking service authorisations. (2) For the purpose of Part A of Chapter 6: "Public Mobile Radio Trunking Service" or "PMRTS” means a type of telecommunication service that enables two-way land mobile communication amongst users, using a pair of radio frequencies, allocated temporarily for the duration of the call, from a designated spectrum band assigned to the PMRTS system, through a base station. (3) The scope of public mobile radio trunking service authorisation comprises of Public Mobile Radio Trunking Service (PMRTS). (4) An authorised entity holding a PMRTS authorisation may provide the telecommunication service specified under sub-rule (3) through wireless terrestrial networks. (5) An authorised entity holding a PMRTS authorisation, shall only provide telecommunication services under the scope of its authorisation, and not any other telecommunication service(s) which require a separate authorisation from the Central Government. 44. Fee and charges: (1) In this part, the terms Gross Revenue, Applicable Gross Revenue (ApGR), and Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR) shall have the respective meanings specified below: (a) "Gross Revenue” of an authorised entity shall include revenues accrued to an authorised entity by way of all operations and activities and all income from any source including on account of interest, dividend, rent, profit on sale of fixed assets and miscellaneous income, without any set-off for related items of expenses. (b) "Applicable Gross Revenue" or "ApGR" for the purposes of calculating Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR), shall be equal to Gross Revenue of an authorised entity as reduced by the items listed below: (i) revenue from operations other than telecom activities or operations; (ii) revenue from activities under an authorisation, permission or registration issued by Ministry of Information and Broadcasting; (iii) receipts from the Digital Bharat Nidhi; and (iv) revenue falling under the following items: (a) income from dividend; (b) income from interest; (c) capital gains on account of profit on sale of fixed assets and securities; (d) gains from foreign exchange rates fluctuations; (e) income from property rent; (f) insurance claims; (g) bad debts recovered; and (h) excess provisions written back. Provided that the Central Government shall from time to time specify the description and conditions applicable to these revenue sources and the manner of their computation. (c) "Adjusted Gross Revenue” or “AGR” shall be equivalent to ApGr. (2) An authorised entity shall pay eight per cent of the AGR as an annual authorisation fee from the effective date of the authorisation: Provided that from the second year of the effective date of the authorisation, and for each subsequent year, the authorisation fee shall be the higher of: (a) the amount specified under sub-rule (2), or (b) thirty percent of the applicable entry fee as specified in Schedule A. Provided further that in case of renewal of an authorisation, the authorisation fee shall be subject to a minimum of thirty percent of the entry fee of the respective authorisation from the effective date of renewal. Provided also that in case of migration of an existing license to PMRTS authorisation, the authorisation fee shall be subject to a minimum of thirty percent of the entry fee of the PMRTS authorisation from the effective date of migration. (3) The authorisation fee under sub-rule (2) shall be inclusive of the amount attributable to the Digital Bharat Nidhi calculated at the rate of five per cent of the AGR. (4) The quantum of authorisation fee or amount attributable to Digital Bharat Nidhi as specified may be varied through amendment of these rules at any time within the duration of the authorisation. 45. Schedule of Payment (1) The authorisation fee determined under these rules shall be payable in four quarterly instalments during each financial year commencing first of April, and fee for any duration of authorisation that is less than a quarter shall be calculated on a pro-rata basis based on actual number of days in the relevant quarter. (2) An authorised entity shall make payment of the quarterly instalments of the authorisation fee in the following manner: (a) the quarterly instalment in respect of each of the first three quarters of a financial year shall be paid within fifteen days of completion of the relevant quarter; and (b) the quarterly instalment for the last quarter shall be paid in advance by the twenty-fifth of March, calculated on the basis of expected revenue for that quarter, subject to a minimum amount equal to the authorisation fee paid for the previous quarter: Provided that an authorised entity shall adjust and pay the difference between the advance payment made for the last quarter and the actual amount duly payable for such quarter by the fifteenth of April of the next financial year. (3) Payments pursuant to sub-rule (2) shall be calculated on the basis of revenue on accrual basis for the relevant quarter, and shall be accompanied, in the form and manner as may be specified on the portal, by: (a) a self-certificate, signed and electronically verified by a representative of the authorised entity, who is authorised by a board resolution and general power of attorney, and (b) a statement of revenue for each authorisation signed and electronically verified by a representative of an authorised entity. (4) An authorised entity shall, on or before the thirtieth of June of each year: (a) submit statement of revenue for all quarters of previous financial year, duly audited and signed by its statutory auditor appointed in accordance with Companies Act, 2013, in such form and manner as may be specified on the portal for this purpose; and (b) make the final adjustment of the authorisation fee, including applicable interest as per sub-rule (5), for the previous financial year, based on sub-rule (2). (5) In the event of any delay in payment of authorisation fee or any other dues payable by an authorised entity beyond the period specified for such payment, the authorised entity shall also be liable to pay interest calculated at the rate of one-year marginal cost of funds based lending rate (MCLR) of State Bank of India as existing at the beginning of the relevant financial year, namely first of April, plus two per cent compounded annually: Provided that any part of a month shall be construed as a full month for the purpose of calculation of interest. (6) An authorised entity shall submit a reconciliation statement between the figures appearing in the submitted quarterly statements under sub-rule (3) with those appearing in annual accounts, duly audited and signed by its statutory auditor appointed in accordance with Companies Act, 2013, along with a copy of the published annual accounts and audit report within seven days of the date of signing of the audit report or within the timeline provided under Companies Act, 2013 for filing of annual financial statements, whichever is earlier: Provided that the annual financial statements, the statement of revenue, and the reconciliation statement as mentioned above shall be prepared following the norms as specified for this purpose by the Central Government. (7) All sums of money becoming due and payable under these rules shall be paid by an authorised entity, in the manner as may be specified, on the portal. 46. Guarantee requirements for authorisation (1) An authorised entity shall, for the purpose specified in sub-rule (2), submit a guarantee, in the form and manner, as may be specified on the portal, of any of the following types: (a) a bank guarantee from any scheduled bank or public financial institution; (b) an insurance surety bond, issued by an insurance company, in accordance with the applicable rules and guidelines issued by the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India; or (c) non-interest-bearing security deposit with the Central Government. (2) The purpose of the guarantee as specified in sub-rule (1) is to provide security for due compliance of all the terms and conditions of the authorisation including but not limited to payment of authorisation fee, penalty imposed for contravention or breach of any of the terms and conditions of the authorisation or non- compliance of notifications, orders, directions, or guidelines issued by the Central Government from time to time, and any other dues payable under the authorisation. (3) The guarantee submitted under sub-rule (1) shall be subject to periodic annual review by the Central Government and an authorised entity shall maintain a valid guarantee for the duration of authorisation, or until all dues under the authorisation are cleared, whichever is later: Provided that the initial guarantee submitted pursuant to the letter of intent shall be for the amount as specified in respect of such authorisation in Schedule A, and for the subsequent years of authorisation, for an amount determined by the Central Government, based on the higher of: (a) the amount of initial guarantee, and (b) twenty per cent of combined estimated sum, calculated in accordance with the procedure specified for this purpose on the portal, of the following: (i) authorisation fee for two quarters; and (ii) any other dues that are not otherwise secured. (4) An authorised entity shall extend the validity period of such guarantee at least one month prior to the date of its expiry, without any demand or notice from the Central Government. (5) Any failure to maintain a valid guarantee at any time during the duration of the authorisation, or until all dues under the authorisation are cleared, whichever is later, shall entitle the Central Government to encash the bank guarantee, claim the insurance surety bond, or appropriate the security deposit, as the case may be, without any notice to the authorised entity: Provided that no interest or compensation shall be payable by the Central Government on encashment, claim or appropriation of such guarantee. (6) When the guarantee has been encashed, claimed or appropriated, fully or partially, an authorised entity on such occasions shall restore such encashed, claimed or appropriated guarantee, as the case may be, to the full amount within fifteen days of such encashment, claim or appropriation: Provided that the Central Government may, upon receipt of a written request from the authorised entity before the expiry of the period specified in sub-rule (6), allow a one-time extension not exceeding ten days, for such restoration, subject to reasons being recorded in writing. (7) Without prejudice to its rights or any other remedy, including those under the Telecommunications (Adjudication and Appeal) Rules, 2025, the Central Government may encash, claim or appopriate the guarantee in the following cases: (a) non-payment of authorisation fee, or any other dues payable under the authorisation or assignment; (b) non-payment of dues arising out of penalties imposed by the Central Government; or (c) breach of any other term or condition of authorisation or assignment. (8) On revocation, surrender, or expiry of the authorisation, the relevant guarantee shall be released to an authorised entity only after ensuring clearance of all dues, which an authorised entity is liable to pay to the Central Government: Provided that in case of failure to pay the amounts due to the Central Government, the outstanding amounts shall be realized through encashment, claim or appropriation of the guarantee without prejudice to any other actions for recovery of the amounts due to the Central Government, without any further communication to such authorised entity. 47. Assessment of authorisation fee (1) The Central Government may carry out the assessment of authorisation fees, and any other charges due to the Central Government under these rules, in accordance with the procedure specified for this purpose. Explanation: For the purposes of this rule, the term "assessment" shall include reassessment and recomputation. (2) Where an authorised entity holds an authorisation for any other telecommunication service or telecommunication network, or for the same telecommunication service in a different service area, it shall maintain and furnish separate statement of computation of authorisation fee for each authorisation and comply with notifications, orders, directions, or guidelines issued by the Central Government, as well as orders, directions, guidelines, or regulations as may be issued by the TRAI, for this purpose. (3) An authorised entity shall also prepare and furnish the annual accounts in accordance with the accounting norms and principles notified, and directions as may be specified by the Central Government or TRAI for this purpose. (4) An authorised entity, in respect of each authorisation, shall: (a) compile and maintain accounting records, that are sufficient to show and explain its transactions in respect of each completed quarter during the duration of the authorisation or of such lesser periods as the Central Government may specify, fairly presenting the costs, including capital costs, revenue, and financial position of an authorised entity's business under the authorisation including a reasonable evaluation of the assets employed in and the liabilities attributable to an authorised entity's business for the quantification of revenue or any other purpose; (b) pay the actual PSTN, PLMN or GMPCS related call charges to other authorised entities or licensees; (c) separately pay charges for telecommunication network obtained by an authorised entity from other authorised entities, which shall be governed by mutual agreements with such entities and regulations of TRAI, where applicable; (d) ensure that bilateral settlement of accounts with other authorised entities shall be conducted through normal banking channels in a transparent manner; and (e) furnish to the Central Government details of the mechanism for the settlement of accounts with other authorised entities, and charges for usage of network and facilities, as well as details of the actual settlements. (6) An authorised entity shall maintain and preserve billing and other accounting records of a financial year, in electronic as well as hard copy, for a period of at least six years from the date of publishing of duly audited and approved accounts of an authorised entity. Provided that, if the authorisation fee, or any other charges for any period are under dispute, the said records shall be retained until the dispute is resolved, even if the period extends beyond the six-year period specified above. (7) The Central Government or the TRAI may, at any time, direct an authorised entity to supply information or provide access to the books of annual accounts that such authorised entity maintains in respect of the provision of telecommunication services under the terms of its authorisation, and such authorised entity shall forthwith comply with such direction. (8) The records of an authorised entity shall be subject to such scrutiny as may be determined by the Central Government, with a view to facilitating independent verification of the amounts due to the Central Government, including authorisation fees, and any other charges. (9) The Central Government may, on forming an opinion that the statements of revenue or annual accounts submitted by an authorised entity are inaccurate or misleading, order audit of the accounts of an authorised entity by appointing one or more auditors, who shall have the same powers which the statutory auditors of the company have under section 143 of the Companies Act, 2013, and the remuneration of such auditors, as determined by the Central Government, shall be payable by an authorised entity. (10) Without prejudice to sub-rule (9), the Central Government may, at any time, appoint an auditor having the same powers which the statutory auditors of the company have under section 143 of the Companies Act, 2013, to undertake special audit of an authorised entity's accounts and records, and the remuneration of such auditors, as determined by the Central Government, shall be payable by such authorised entity. (11) If an authorised entity fails to submit the annual accounts, audit report and other required documents under sub-rule (4) and (6) of rule 45 within nine months from the end of relevant financial year, the Central Government, after reviewing all available documents and information and relevant materials, may carry out the assessment of authorisation fee, on best judgement basis. Provided that, before proceeding with such an assessment, the Central Government shall issue a notice to an authorised entity providing it an opportunity of being heard. (12) No assessment under this rule shall be carried out for a relevant financial year after a period of four years from the end of such financial year except as provided under sub-rule (13). (13) The Central Government may carry out an assessment after the lapse of four years from the end of the relevant financial year, and up to six years from the end of such financial year, if it is of the opinion that the amount that has escaped assessment is likely to be equivalent to an amount of fifty lakh rupees or more for such financial year. (14) For the purposes of computing the period of limitation as specified under sub-rule (12) and sub-rule (13), any stay on such assessment pursuant to an order or injunction of any court, shall be excluded. (15) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-rule (12) and sub-rule (13), assessment of authorisation fee may be carried out at any time pursuant to any finding or direction contained in an order passed by a court of competent jurisdiction. (16) The Central Government may, in order to ensure proper and accurate assessment, verification and settlement of authorisation fee and any other charges paid, issue appropriate directions to authorised entities, in respect of all or any telecommunication services, in relation to accounts and audit of authorised entities, and an authorised entity shall comply with such directions. 56. Technical and operating conditions (1) The authorised entity providing cloud-based EPABX service shall ensure that there is logical partitioning between the components of the platform handling telecommunication resources of different users. (2) An authorised entity providing cloud-based EPABX service shall ensure that connectivity between the user and the cloud-based EPABX is established through the authorised internet connectivity. (3) An authorised entity may enter into mutual agreements for obtaining any telecommunication resources from any other authorised entity, which is eligible to provide such telecommunication resource. (4) An authorised entity providing audio conferencing service, shall ensure that the audio conferencing system is connected to the telecommunication network of the authorised entities providing access services like PSTN, ISDN, PLMN, GMPCS or internet telephony network by using a combination of appropriate interface as per the relevant standards, including those notified under section 19 of the Act. (5) An authorised entity shall not allow any illegal bypass of telecommunication traffic including national or international long distance traffic. Illustration: In case of audio-conferencing service, dial out facility using telecommunication resources of more than one authorised entity providing access service may be used with the condition that STD or ISD traffic is not bypassed. (6) An authorised entity shall ensure that calls originating from PSTN, PLMN, GMPCS, or internet telephony networks are not interconnected with those from private networks by audio conferencing system of such authorised entity. (7) An authorised entity shall: (a) enable a user to retrieve the information at any time by interacting with the audiotex service system through its phone; and (b) ensure that the information stored in audiotex equipment can be disseminated to the user on his user terminal. (8) An authorised entity providing audiotex service shall ensure that dial-out is only permitted when a caller has made incoming calls to audiotex service system. (9) An authorised entity shall ensure that a voice mail service user may leave his voice message in voice mailbox by dialling voice mail box number or retrieve a voice message from his voice mailbox through an authorised telecommunication network using a combination of store and retrieve techniques. (10) An authorised entity providing audio conferencing service shall not provide point-to-point conferencing services: Provided that point-to-point conferencing services may be provided to enterprises registered in India subject to the following conditions: (a) calls shall originate and terminate within India; (b) complete routing and switching of audio-conferencing calls shall remain within India; and (c) telephone number resources used shall come from authorised entities providing telecommunication services in India. 57. Security conditions (1) An authorised entity providing cloud-based EPABX service shall maintain a complete log and record of the logical partitioning, for a minimum period of two years, and provide such records to the Central Government or authorised agencies, upon a direction being issued by the Central Government, in this regard. (2) An authorised entity shall ensure that: (a) transport of voice mail messages to other locations and subsequent retrieval by the user is on a non-real time basis; and (b) there is no dialling out for delivery of the message to the recipient. (3) An authorised entity shall keep a record of the information including the name, address, and telecommunication identifier of the users of each enterprise communication service, for a minimum period of one year. (4) An authorised entity providing audio conferencing service shall provide detailed information about the conference calls including the parties in conference, date, time, duration of the conference, to the Central Government or authorised agencies, upon a direction being issued by the Central Government, in this regard. Part C: Machine to Machine (M2M) Service Authorisation 58. Scope of Machine to Machine (M2M) Service Authorisation (1) The provisions of this Part C shall apply to authorised entities holding Machine to Machine (M2M) service authorisation. (2) The scope of Machine to Machine (M2M) service authorisation comprises of the following: (a) Machine to Machine (M2M) service; (b) Establish, operate, maintain or expand Wireless Personal Area Network (WPAN) or Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) using spectrum exempted from the requirement of assignment under sub- section (6) or sub-section (7) of section 4 of the Act; and (c) Own and manage a platform for subscription profile management of M2M e-SIM. (3) An authorised entity holding a M2M service authorisation, shall only provide telecommunication services authorised under the scope of its authorisation, and not any other telecommunication service(s) which may require a separate authorisation from the Central Government. 59. Fee and charges There shall be no authorisation fee to be paid by the authorised entity. 60. Technical and operating conditions (1) An authorised entity, that is a company incorporated under the Companies Act, and intending to own and manage a platform for subscription profile management of M2M e-SIM, shall apply to the Central Government for prior approval, in the form and manner, and subject to payment of such fees, as specified on the portal. (2) The Central Government shall endeavour, to the extent reasonably practicable, to decide on an application received under sub-rule (1) within a period of sixty days of receipt of such application. Provided that any decision rejecting the application shall be accompanied by reasons to be specified in writing. (3) An authorised entity may provide Machine to Machine (M2M) service using telecommunication resources obtained from any other authorised entities. (4) An authorised entity shall, while providing M2M service using Wireless Personal Area Network (WPAN) or Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), connect such network with the telecommunication network of an authorised entity for backhaul connectivity. (5) An authorised entity shall comply with the notifications, orders, directions or guidelines as may be issued for provisioning of M2M services, including on roaming of foreign M2M SIM in India, by the Central Government. (6) An authorised entity shall adhere to the notifications, orders, directions or guidelines regarding usage and management of M2M e-SIM, including those related to SM-DP, SM-SR roles, as may be issued by the Central Government from time to time. (7) An authorised entity shall, for subscription profile management of M2M e-SIM, comply with the standards and conformity assessment measures, including the standards for security of SM-DP and SM-SR, as may be notified by the Central Government under section 19 of the Act. (8) An authorised entity shall ensure that devices having M2M SIM inside, the packaging, instructions, and supporting leaflet include the instruction that “This device is having M2M subscription inside". 61. Security conditions (1) An authorised entity shall ensure that the data logs, event logs, and system logs are not tampered with and preserved for a minimum period of one year, and the same shall be provided for inspection as may be required by the Central Government or the relevant authorised agency. (2) An authorised entity shall ensure that M2M devices use only genuine telecommunication identifiers for identification of such devices, and it shall comply to the rules as may be notified under sub-section (8) and sub-section (9) of section 3 of the Act and instructions of the central government as may be specified on the portal. (3) An authorised entity shall ensure that M2M devices are identifiable and traceable, based on different types of telecommunication identifiers, as may be specified by the Central Government in the authorised entity's telecommunication network. (4) An authorised entity shall adhere to the notifications, orders, directions or guidelines regarding the implementation of restrictive features on M2M SIM as may be specified by the Central Government. (5) An authorised entity shall comply to the notifications, orders, directions or guidelines on securing M2M enabled devices as may be specified by the Central Government. Part D: PM-WANI service authorisation 62. Scope of PM-WANI service authorisation (1) For the purpose of Part D of Chapter 6: (a) "app provider" means a person that develop an application to register user(s) and discover PM-WANI complaint Wi-Fi hotspots in the nearby area and display the same within the application for accessing the internet service; (b) "central registry" means the registry maintained by the Central Government, or a person approved by the Central Government, containing information about the PDOs, PDOAs, and App Providers, in accordance with standards and specifications as specified by the Central Government; (c) “public data office" or "PDO” means a person that establish, maintain, and operate PM-WANI complaint Wi-Fi access points and deliver internet services to user(s); and (d) "public data office aggregator” or “PDOA” means a person that acts as an aggregator of PDOs and perform the functions relating to authorisation and accounting. (2) The provisions of this Part D shall apply to authorised entities holding PM-WANI service authorisation. (3) The scope of PM-WANI service authorisation comprises the following: (a) as Public Data Office Aggregator (PDOA): (i) aggregate multiple Wi-Fi Access Network Interface (WANI) enabled Wi-Fi access points operated by individual PDOs registered with the central registry, with which it has entered into specific agreements for aggregation, accounting and related functions; and (ii) authorise users, authenticated by the App Providers, to access the internet service through individual PDOS. (b) as App provider, develop an App to: (i) register and authenticate users; and (ii) discover WANI compliant Wi-Fi hotspots in the nearby area and display the same within the App for accessing the internet service. (4) An authorised entity providing the PM-WANI service may perform the functions of a PDOA or an App provider, or both. (5) An authorised entity shall only provide telecommunication services authorised under the scope of its authorisation, and not any other telecommunication service(s) which may require a separate authorisation from the Central Government. 63. Fee and charges There shall be no authorisation fee to be paid by the authorised entity. 64. Technical and Operating Conditions (1) An authorised entity shall ensure that Wi-Fi Access Network Interface (WANI) allows the interworking among systems and software applications used by the Public Data Office Aggregator (PDOA), Public Data Office (PDO), App provider, and central registry. (2) An authorised entity performing the functions of a Public Data Office Aggregator (PDOA) shall: (a) aggregate multiple WANI enabled Wi-Fi access points being operated by PDOs and authorise users, authenticated by the App provider, to access internet services; (b) ensure that the PDO with which it enters into agreement for aggregation, accounting, and other related functions, complies with the following: (i) establish, maintain and operate only WANI compliant Wi-Fi access points; (ii) has internet connectivity from an authorised entity or licensee authorised to provide internet service, and may network up to one hundred access points to create a single Wi-Fi hotspot; and (iii) notifications, orders, directions, or guidelines as may be issued by the Central Government from time to time; (c) ensure that the PDO with which it enters into agreement for aggregation, accounting, and other related functions make efforts to deploy the Wi-Fi Hotspot Access Point equipment made in India, through which internet services shall be provided; (d) register with the central registry using its public certificate for signature validation, and also register the Wi-Fi Access Points along with SSIDs and locations of its associated PDOs; (e) integrate its captive portal with different types of digital payment service providers including UPI, e- wallets, credit and debit cards, online banking, to enable payment transactions by users; (f) declare the tariff for users and keep account of usage of each user; (g) maintain the details of usage of individual user at a given point of time and the internet traffic shall route directly from Wi-Fi Access Point of PDO to the network of interconnecting authorised entity; (h) make efforts to deploy the technology designed and developed in India and Wi-Fi access point equipment made in India, through which internet services shall be provided; (i) address the complaints of users in accordance with notifications, orders, directions, or guidelines as may be issued by the Central Government from time to time; and (j) ensure that its captive portal complies with notifications, orders, directions, or guidelines as may be issued by the Central Government from time to time. (3) An authorised entity performing the functions of a PDOA may: (a) enter into mutual agreement for roaming facilities with another authorised entity performing the functions of a PDOA, permitting their users to access internet service from the Wi-Fi access points associated with either of them, either directly or through centralised platform established by PDOA(s); and (b) push advertisements to the users of PM-WANI service, either directly or through centralized platforms owned by them, subject to the consent of such users. (4) An authorised entity performing the functions of an App provider shall: (a) develop and maintain a software application and backend authentication infrastructure for users to signup, discover WANI compliant Wi-Fi hotspots, and do single-click connect from within the App; (b) register with central registry using its public certificate for signature validation; (c) ensure that App allows users to create a profile and do their mobile verification using OTP; (d) develop an algorithm and reauthenticate each user periodically based on the predefined algorithm; (e) enable any user authenticated by an App provider to use any WANI compliant Wi-Fi Access Point operated by any PDO for accessing the internet service; and (f) submit an application to the central registry provider for certification of the systems and software applications of App provider, in the form and manner as may be specified by the Central Government: Provided that, the authorised entity shall address clarifications or provide further documents, if any, sought by the central registry provider, prior to certifying any systems and software applications of App provider, within twenty days of such clarification or further documents sought, and resubmit the application to the central registry provider for certification. 65. Security Conditions (1) An authorised entity shall maintain user information for two years and take necessary steps to ensure compliance with all applicable laws and policies to protect data privacy and confidentiality of user information. (2) An authorised entity shall, subject to terms and conditions of the authorisation, take all necessary steps to safeguard the privacy and confidentiality of any information of a user and its business to whom it provides the telecommunication service. Part E: In-Flight and Maritime Connectivity (IFMC) service authorisation 66. Scope of IFMC Service authorisation (1) The provisions of this Part E shall apply to authorised entities holding IFMC service authorisation. (2) IFMC service may be provided on ships or aircrafts using wireless media, and its scope shall comprise of the following: (a) transmission, emission or reception of voice or non-voice messages, including video messages; or (b) internet service. (3) In order to provide IFMC services, an entity holding IFMC service authorisation shall also be required: (a) in respect of services specified under clause (a) of sub-rule (2), to hold an access service authorisation and long distance service authorisation, or enter into a mutual agreement with another authorised entity providing access service and long distance service; (b) in respect of services specified under clause (b) of sub-rule (2), to hold an access service authorisation or an internet service authorisation, and long distance service authorisation, or enter into a mutual agreement with another authorised entity providing access service or internet service, and long distance service. (4) An authorised entity may establish base station or Wi-Fi enabled local area network inside a ship or an aircraft, as the case may be, and connect such base station or Wi-Fi enabled local area network with the telecommunication network of such other authorised entity with whom an agreement has been entered into under sub-rule (3) to provide IFMC service. (5) An authorised entity holding an IFMC service authorisation, shall only provide telecommunication services under the scope of its authorisation, and not any other telecommunication service which may require a separate authorisation from the Central Government. 67. Fee and charges (1) An authorised entity shall pay an annual authorisation fee of one rupee, payable to the Central Government from the effective date of authorisation: Provided that the authorised entity shall pay the authorisation fee for the entire duration of the authorisation, in advance, at the time of grant of authorisation. (2) The revenue earned by the other authorised entity with whom an agreement has been entered into under sub- rule (3) of rule 66, from the entity authorised to provide IFMC service, shall be included in the AGR of such other authorised entity. 68. Technical and operating conditions (1) An authorised entity holding IFMC service authorisation shall comply with the technical and operating conditions set forth under this rule. (2) An authorised entity may connect its base station or Wi-Fi enabled local area network established inside a ship or an aircraft, as the case may be, with the telecommunication network of another authorised entity with whom an agreement has been entered into under sub-rule (3) rule 66, using satellite network or Direct-Air-to-Ground Communication (DA2GC) systems, and for operating such base station, the access spectrum of such other authorised entity shall be used; (3) An authorised entity shall ensure that messages are passed through a satellite gateway earth station located in India, when using a satellite network for providing IFMC services under sub-rule (2). (4) An authorised entity shall ensure that the requisite satellite-based connectivity is obtained from the entities authorised to provide satellite-based connectivity and having satellite earth station gateway in India. (5) An authorised entity shall ensure that the requisite Direct-Air-to-Ground Communication (DA2GC) system is obtained from the entities authorised to provide such systems. (6) An authorised entity providing voice or non-voice message telecommunication service in an aircraft, shall do so at minimum height of three thousand meters within the service area, to avoid interference with terrestrial wireless telecommunication networks. (7) Notwithstanding the minimum height requirement in sub-rule (6), an authorised entity may make available internet services, through Wi-Fi enabled local area network, in an aircraft when user terminals are permitted to be used in such aircraft: Provided that the authorised entity shall provide such internet services in an aircraft only when the user terminals are used in airplane mode. (8) An authorised entity shall ensure that any modification of an aircraft registered in India, to provide IFMC services shall be done with the prior approval of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation and as per provisions of Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam, 2024. (9) An authorised entity shall, to avoid interference, ensure separate telecommunication network for IFMC service and navigation system in aircrafts or ships. (10) The provision of IFMC service in an aircraft or a ship shall be in the exclusive control of the pilot or the captain of such aircraft or ship, as the case may be, to enable him to disconnect provision of the IFMC service during any difficulty. 69. Security conditions (1) The Central Government or the relevant authorised agency may monitor or intercept the IFMC services, as may be deemed necessary. (2) An authorised entity, through another authorised entity with whom an agreement has been entered into under sub-rule (3) of rule 66, shall ensure that the required lawful interception systems and lawful interception and monitoring facilities are integrated with the Centralised Monitoring System (CMS) or Internet Monitoring System (IMS), as applicable, prior to the commercial launch of IFMC services. (3) An authorised entity shall comply with the Telecommunications (Procedures and Safeguards for Lawful Interception of Messages) Rules, 2024, and notifications, orders, directions or guidelines issued by the Central Government under such rules. Part F: Aeronautical Data Communication Service Authorisation 70. Scope of Aeronautical Data Communication Service authorisation (1) The provisions of this Part F shall apply to authorised entities holding Aeronautical Data Communication service authorisation. (2) For the purpose of Part F of Chapter 6: (a) "aeronautical data communication service” means the exchange of data between aircraft and ground station for the purpose of airline operational communication (AOC) or air traffic management (ATM) using the spectrum allocated for aeronautical mobile (Route) service in the NFAP; and (b) "aeronautical mobile (route) service" means an aeronautical mobile service reserved for communications relating to safety and regularity of flight, primarily along national or international civil air routes. (3) The scope of aeronautical data communication service authorisation shall comprise of the data communication service between aircraft and ground stations. (4) An authorised entity may establish one or more ground stations in its service area to provide aeronautical data communication service, under sub-rule (2), to airline operators or air navigation service providers. (5) An authorised entity shall only provide telecommunication services authorised under the scope of its authorisation, and not any other telecommunication service which may require a separate authorisation from the Central Government. 71. Fee and Charges An authorised entity shall pay an annual authorisation fee of one rupee, payable to the Central Government from the effective date of authorisation: Provided that the authorised entity shall pay the authorisation fee for the entire duration of the authorisation, in advance, at the time of grant of authorisation. 72. Technical and operating conditions (1) An authorised entity holding Aeronautical Data Communication service authorisation shall comply with the technical and operating conditions set forth under this rule. (2) An authorised entity shall ensure that its telecommunication network, is not interconnected with telecommunications networks pertaining to public telecommunication services such as PSTN, PLMN, internet, or GMPCS network. (3) An authorised entity shall rollout the telecommunication network using assigned spectrum, within twelve months from the date of assignment of such spectrum for any ground station, as required for providing aeronautical data communication services to users. (4) The roll out of the telecommunication network at any ground station, for which spectrum has been assigned by the Central Government, shall mean installation and commissioning of the ground station. (5) An authorised entity shall register with the Central Government, in the form and manner as may be specified, for verification of the compliance of rollout obligations, as per the test schedule and test procedure (TSTP) specified by the Central Government. (6) On successful verification under sub-rule (5), the date of registration with the Central Government shall be treated as the date of compliance of the rollout obligations. (7) In case of failure upon verification under sub-rule (5), an authorised entity shall re-register, after necessary corrections, and in such cases, the date of re-registration with the Central Government, on successful verification, shall be treated as the date of compliance of the rollout obligation. (8) Any failure to comply with the rollout obligations shall be treated as breach of terms and conditions of the authorisation and shall be dealt as per the Telecommunications (Adjudication and Appeal) Rules, 2025. Provided that if the rollout obligations are complied with within thirty days of the expiry of the due date for complying with such obligations, the Central Government shall consider the same as fulfilment of rollout obligation, without treating it as breach of terms and conditions of the authorisation. (9) In case of failure to comply with the rollout obligations, in addition to imposition of civil penalty as per the Telecommunications (Adjudication and Appeal) Rules, 2025, the spectrum assignment for ground station, may be withdrawn in accordance with sub-section (2) of section 7 of the Act. 73. Security conditions An authorised entity shall ensure security of its telecommunication network and comply with notifications, orders, directions, or guidelines as may be issued by the Central Government in this regard. Part G: International SIM service authorisation 74. Scope of International SIM service authorisation (1) The provisions of this Part G shall apply to authorised entities holding International SIM service authorisation. (2) The International SIM service authorisation shall be in respect of international SIM service to an Indian user intending to visit abroad for a specified duration, the scope of which shall comprise of the following: (a) selling or renting of SIM of foreign telecommunication service providers; or (b) selling of global calling cards. (3) An authorised entity shall only provide telecommunication services authorised under the scope of its authorisation, and not any other telecommunication service which may require a separate authorisation from the Central Government. 75. Fee and Charges There shall be no authorisation fee to be paid by the authorised entity. 76. Technical and operating conditions (1) An authorised entity holding International SIM service authorisation shall comply with the technical and operating conditions set forth under this rule. (2) An authorised entity shall ensure that the sale or rental of SIM of foreign telecommunication service providers or global calling card, is solely for the purpose of use by its users outside India: Provided that calls within forty-eight hours prior to departure of the user or twenty-four hours after the arrival of the user may be permitted; Provided further that such calls made from India through such SIM of foreign telecommunication service providers or global calling card, shall be accounted for as international roaming calls. (3) An authorised entity shall, prior to sale or rental of global calling cards or SIM of foreign telecommunication service providers to its users, authenticate the identity of such users in the manner specified below: (a) obtain a copy of the valid passport of such user; (b) additional proof of identity and proof of address as may be specified by the Central Government; (c) a copy of a valid visa; and (d) for the countries where visa is not required for Indian nationals, or where visa is issued on arrival to the Indian nationals, obtain a copy of valid travel ticket along with an undertaking from the user specifying the name of country or places where such user intends to visit. (4) An authorised entity shall, on a monthly basis, submit the following to the relevant authorised agency specified for this purpose: (a) full particulars, including address of the user to whom global calling cards or SIM of foreign telecommunication service providers has been provided on sale or rent and period of allotment, in the form and manner as may be specified by the Central Government; or (b) a 'Nil' report in case of no sale or rent of global calling cards or SIM of foreign telecommunication service providers during the relevant month. (5) The authorised entity shall, before enrolling a user, provide details of types of telecommunication services offered, telecommunication network coverage, corresponding tariff plans, itemised bill in electronic form, complaint redressal system, contact details of its customer care and also of telecommunication service provider outside India, and any other information, in the manner, as may be specified by the Central Government, to such user. SCHEDULE A: PROCESSING FEE, ENTRY FEE AND INITIAL GUARANTEE FOR AUTHORISATIONS FOR TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES | Sl.No. | Service Authorisation | Processing Fee (in Rs.) | Entry Fee (in Rs.) | Initial Guarantee (in Rs.) | | :----- | :--------------------------------------------- | :---------------------- | :----------------- | :------------------------- | | 1. | PMRTS Authorisation | 10,000 | 20,000 | 20,000 | | 2. | Enterprise Communication Service Authorisation | 10,000 | Nil | 2 lakh | | 3. | M2M Service Authorisation | 10,000 | Nil | Nil | | 4. | PM WANI Service Authorisation | Nil | Nil | Nil | | 5. | IFMC Service Authorisation | 10,000 | Nil | Nil | | 6. | Aeronautical Data Communication Service Authorisation | 10,000 | 1 lakh | Nil | | 7. | International SIM Service Authorisation | 10,000 | Nil | Nil | SCHEDULE B: SERVICE AREAS | Sl.No. | Service Area | Area Covered | | :----- | :------------------------------------------- | :---------------------- | :----------------- | :------------------------- | | 1. | West Bengal Service Area | | | Entire area falling within the Union Territory of Andaman & Nicobar Islands and area falling within the State of West Bengal and the State of Sikkim excluding the areas covered by Kolkata Service Area | | 2. | Andhra Pradesh Service Area | | | Entire area falling within the State of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana state | | 3. | Assam Service Area | | | Entire area falling within the State of Assam. | | 4. | Bihar Service Area | | | Entire area falling within the re-organised State of Bihar and newly created State of Jharkhand pursuant to the Bihar | Reorganisation Act, 2000 (No.30 of 2000) dated 25th August, 2000 | 5. | Gujarat Service Area | Entire area falling within the State of Gujarat and Union Territory of Daman and Diu, Silvassa (Dadra & Nagar Haveli) | 6. | Haryana Service Area | Entire area falling within the State of Haryana except Panchkula town and the local areas served by Faridabad and Gurgaon Telephone Exchanges | 7. | Himachal Pradesh Service Area | Entire area falling within the State of Himachal Pradesh | 8. | Jammu & Kashmir Service Area | Entire area falling within the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir and Union Territory of Ladakh. | 9. | Karnataka Service Area | Entire area falling within the State of Karnataka | 10. | Kerala Service Area | Entire area falling within the State of Kerala and Union Territory of Lakshadweep and Minicoy. | 11. | Madhya Pradesh Service Area | Entire area falling within the re-organised State of Madhya Pradesh as well as the newly created State of Chattisgarh pursuant to the Madhya Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2000 (No:28 of 2000) dated 25th August, 2000. | 12. | Maharashtra Service Area | Entire area falling within the States of Maharashtra and Goa, excluding areas covered by Mumbai Service Area. | 13. | North East Service Area | Entire area falling within the States of Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Manipur and Tripura. | 14. | Odisha Service Area | Entire area falling within the State of Odisha. | 15. | Punjab Service Area | Entire area falling within the State of Punjab and Union territory of Chandigarh and Panchkula town of Haryana. | 16. | Rajasthan Service Area | Entire area falling within the State of Rajasthan. | 17. | Tamilnadu Service Area (including Chennai Service Area) | Entire area falling within the State of Tamilnadu and Union Territory of Puducherry. | 18. | Uttar Pradesh (West) Service Area | Entire area covered by Western Uttar Pradesh with the following as its boundary districts towards Eastern Uttar Pradesh :Pilibhit, Bareilly, Badaun, Kasganj (Kanshiram Nagar), Etah, Mainpuri, Etawah and Auraiya. It will exclude the local telephone area of Ghaziabad and Noida. However, it will also include the newly created State of Uttaranchal pursuant to the Uttar Pradesh Re-organisation Act, 2000 (No.29 of 2000) dated 25th August, 2000. | 19. | Uttar Pradesh (East) Service Area | Entire area covered by Eastern Uttar Pradesh with the following as its boundary districts towards Western Uttar Pradesh: Shahjahanpur, Kannauj, Farrukhabad, Lakhimpur, Kanpur Rural and Jalaun (Orai). | 20. | Delhi Service Area | Local Areas served by Delhi, Ghaziabad, Faridabad, Noida, and Gurgaon Telephone Exchanges | 21. | Kolkata Service Area | Local Areas served by Calcutta Telephones. | 22. | Mumbai Service Area | Local Areas served by Mumbai, New Mumbai and Kalyan Telephone Exchanges SCHEDULE C: FORMAT OF AUTHORISATION FOR TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES Department of Telecommunications Section 3 (1) (a) of the Telecommunications Act 2023 1. In exercise of the powers conferred by Section 3(1)(a) of the Telecommunications Act, 2023, I, (name and Designation), Department of Telecommunications, (address) acting on behalf of the President of India, on considering the Application No Dated grant a(n) (name of the Authorisation) to (name of applicant), (address) (hereinafter in this document referred to as the 'authorised entity'). 2. This service authorisation shall be governed by the provisions of the Telecommunications Act, 2023 and the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Act, 1997, as modified or replaced from time to time, or any other relevant Act; and the rules made thereunder. 3. The salient terms of this authorisation are given below: (a) Effective Date of the authorisation: (to be specified) (b) Period of Validity of the authorisation: years from the effective date unless revoked earlier for reasons specified as per the applicable Rules made under the Telecommunication Act 2023. (c) Scope of the authorisation: as specified in Part " " of Chapter 6 of the Telecommunications (Authorisation for Provision of Miscellaneous Telecommunication Services) Rules, 2025. (d) Service Area of the authorisation: (to be specified) (e) Authorised entity shall pay to the Central Government authorisation fee, spectrum charges linked to AGR, and other charges in accordance with the provisions of the applicable rules made under the Telecommunication Act 2023. (f) This authorisation is being granted on non-exclusive basis. Additional authorisations may be issued, for same or other types of telecommunication services, in the same Service Area from time to time in future without any restriction on number of authorised entities with same or different entry conditions. (g) This authorisation does not confer any right to assignment of spectrum. For use of spectrum to provision authorised telecommunication services, a separate specific frequency assignment shall be required from the Central Government as per the Rules notified under Section 4 of the Telecommunications Act, 2023. (h) Any misstatement or misrepresentation by an authorised entity found at any stage during the period of validity of the authorisation may lead to cancellation of the authorisation or imposition of any other penalty as found appropriate by the Central Government. Date: Name & signature of the representative of the Central Government (On behalf of the President of India) To, (Name and Address of the entity) ***** [F. No. 24-06/2025-UBB] DEVENDRA KUMAR RAI, Jt. Secy. Uploaded by Dte. of Printing at Government of India Press, Ring Road, Mayapuri, New Delhi-110064 and Published by the Controller of Publications, Delhi-110054. GORAKHA NATH Digitally signed by GORAKHA NATH YADAVA Date: 2025.09.10 16:49:13 +05'30'