The Department of Telecommunications (DoT), India, regulates telecom services through the Unified License (UL) framework — introduced in 2013 and progressively amended, with significant OSP reforms in 2020 and 2023. The UL consolidates multiple service-specific licenses (ISP, ILD, NLD, UAS, UASL) into a single licensing regime with separate authorisations per service category. Other Service Provider (OSP) registration covers call centres, BPOs, and communication platform providers using Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) or telecom infrastructure for data/voice services.
Key 2023 reforms eliminated the requirement for OSPs to submit physical bank guarantees for domestic work, simplified registration for work-from-home agents, and expanded the scope of permissible activities. However, compliance obligations remain extensive — particularly for organisations using Internet Leased Lines (ILL), international gateways, VoIP, and EPABX systems. Non-compliance risks license suspension, penalty proceedings under the Indian Telegraph Act, and cessation of connectivity by licensed ISPs/TSPs.