International Long Distance Service (ILD)

The ILD VNO authorization allows a Virtual Network Operator (VNO) to provide international long-distance voice service, primarily through calling cards. The VNO does not directly own the underlying network infrastructure; instead, it relies on a Network Service Operator (NSO) for network access and interconnection. The VNO's role is to acquire customers and manage the service delivery, billing, and customer relationships. Specific financial and security conditions apply, as detailed in the license agreement.

Details of Service

The Unified License for Virtual Network Operators (UL VNO) in India allows companies to provide various telecom services, including International Long Distance (ILD) services, without owning the underlying network infrastructure. VNOs lease network capacity from existing Network Service Operators (NSOs) or Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) to offer their services.

Below are some detailed overview of the LICENSE AGREEMENT FOR UNIFIED LICENSE FOR VNO for ILD services in India-

Key Aspects of the UL VNO License for ILD Services:

Authorization: A company holding a UL VNO license can apply for authorization to provide ILD services. This authorization allows the VNO to facilitate international communication by providing connectivity between India and foreign countries.
Non-Exclusivity: The UL VNO licenses, including ILD authorization, are granted on a non-exclusive basis. This means there is no restriction on the number of VNO licensees for providing ILD services in a service area.
Scope of Services: An ILD VNO licensee can provide bearer services, enabling end-to-end tele-services such as voice, data, internet, fax, video, and multimedia to be offered by Access Providers to customers. They can also offer international bandwidth on lease to other eligible licensees.
Infrastructure: VNOs, including those with ILD authorization, are treated as an extension of NSOs/TSPs and are not allowed to install their own core infrastructure equipment like Gateway Mobile Switching Centre (GMSC), Soft Switches, and Trunk Automatic Exchange (TAX) or equivalent. They utilize the infrastructure of the NSOs they have agreements with. However, an ILD VNO licensee must establish its own International Long Distance (ILD) Gateway station, along with necessary security monitoring equipment, after obtaining permission from the Licensor (Department of Telecommunications - DoT).
Service Area: UL VNO licenses can be granted for pan-India, service area-wise, Secondary Switching Area (SSA)-wise, or district-wise operations. An ILD VNO licensee will be able to service an area within the Licensed Service Area (LSA) of the NSO they have an agreement with.
Amendments: The terms and conditions of the license can be modified by the Licensor (DoT) from time to time.

In summary, the Unified License for VNO with ILD authorization enables companies to offer international long-distance calling services by utilizing the network infrastructure of existing telecom operators while establishing their own ILD gateway. The license is granted based on eligibility criteria, including financial soundness, and is subject to various terms and conditions outlined in the license agreement and relevant regulations.