1. 📘 Introduction
India’s rapidly growing digital infrastructure has made telecom compliance and licensing more important than ever. Whether you’re a telecom operator, importer of wireless devices, or a startup developing IoT gadgets, understanding the different types of approvals is key to market entry.
This article covers all you need to know about:
- Network Licenses
- Non-Network Licenses
- Equipment Type Approvals (ETA/TEC)
All are governed by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Wireless Planning & Coordination (WPC) Wing, and the Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC).
2. 📂 Types of Licenses Offered
🔹 Network Licenses (via DoT )
Issued for:
- Internet Service Provider (ISP)
- Virtual Network Operators (VNO)
- Access Service (Voice/Data)
- NLD/ILD/UL licenses
🔹 Non-Network Licenses
Issued for:
- Call centers (OSP license)
- Messaging services
- Application services not directly linked to telecom infra
🔹 Equipment Type Approvals (ETA/TEC)
Issued by:
- WPC: For wireless devices (e.g., routers, IoT, drones)
- TEC: For telecom hardware (switches, modems, gateways, etc.)
🆕 2025 Update: The Indian government has announced a push for “One Nation, One Compliance” model, aiming to merge and streamline the WPC and TEC approval systems under Digital India.
3. 👥 Who Needs These Services?
You need one or more of these registrations if you:
- Import wireless devices (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, LoRa, etc.)
- Operate a telecom network or data service
- Launch a tech product with wireless communication (routers, smart home devices)
- Run a call center or telemarketing setup
- Plan to enter telecom infrastructure or service reselling
4. 🤝 Why Choose a License Registration Service Provider?
Navigating different government portals (WPC, TEC, DoT) is complex and time-consuming. Errors in document formatting, device specifications, or test reports can lead to delays or rejection.
✅ Benefits of hiring a professional:
- End-to-end handling of licensing
- Device testing and lab coordination
- Error-free document preparation
- Direct representation with officials if clarifications are needed
- Quicker turnaround with compliance experts
5. 📝 Registration Process
For Network Licenses (via Saral Sanchar DoT):
- Register your company
- Fill Unified License application
- Upload docs & pay Entry Fee
- Respond to queries from DoT
- Get final license digitally signed
For Non-Network Licenses:
- OSP Registration via DOT portal
- Submit declarations & service categories
- Await verification and license issue
For Equipment Type Approvals:
🟢 WPC ETA Process:
- Create login
- Submit RF test report from NABL lab
- Upload technical documents
- Pay application fee
- Receive ETA digitally (within 15–25 working days)
🔵 TEC Process (Mandatory Testing & Certification of Telecom Equipment – MTCTE):
- Register
- Submit sample for testing at designated labs
- Upload Certificate of Conformity (CoC)
- Pay fees
- Receive TEC certificate online
6. 📑 Required Documents
Network/Non-Network:
- Company registration certificate
- PAN, GST, MoA, AoA
- Board Resolution
- Technical capability & service scope
- Bank details & net worth statement
Equipment Type Approval:
- RF Test Reports (WPC)
- Technical datasheet/spec sheet
- Frequency details
- Importer’s license (if applicable)
- Lab CoC (TEC)
7. 💰 Cost Involved
Service Type | Government Fee (Approx.) | Professional Fee (Varies) |
ISP/VNO/UL License | ₹2 Lakh – ₹15 Crore | ₹50,000 – ₹3 Lakh |
OSP/Non-network License | ₹0 (Self-declaration based) | ₹15,000 – ₹40,000 |
WPC ETA | ₹10,000 – ₹30,000 | ₹10,000 – ₹25,000 |
TEC MTCTE Certificate | ₹20,000 – ₹1.5 Lakh/device | ₹30,000 – ₹80,000 |
💡 Prices vary based on license type, product category, and service provider.
8. ⏱️ Time Taken
- Network License: 2–3 months
- Non-Network/OSP: 15–25 working days
- WPC ETA: 15–30 days
- TEC Certificate: 30–60 days
🔄 Delays can occur due to incorrect documents, lab capacity, or system maintenance.
9. ❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting non-NABL lab reports
- Entering wrong frequency bands for devices
- Applying under incorrect license type
- Missing Declaration of Conformity
- Forgetting post-registration renewal or AGR filings
✅ Always verify frequency and product category with WPC & TEC before importing or launching.
10. 📞 Call-to-Action (CTA)
Want hassle-free registration for Network/Non-Network/ETA approvals?
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Let Opriya Trending Pvt. Ltd. help you with end-to-end compliance and licensing across India!
11. ❓ FAQs
Q1. Is WPC ETA required for Wi-Fi-enabled devices?
Yes, any wireless device using RF needs WPC clearance.
Q2. Is TEC mandatory for all telecom devices?
Yes, under MTCTE, certain equipment must comply with TEC standards.
Q3. Can I apply for WPC ETA without a company in India?
No, you must have an Indian entity or authorized representative.
Q4. What’s the difference between WPC and TEC?
WPC manages spectrum & wireless licensing; TEC governs telecom equipment standards.
Q5. Can one device need both WPC and TEC?
Yes. For example, a wireless router often needs both.