The ISP Category C authorisation (under the Unified Licence and the 2026 authorisation regime) is DoT's lowest-cost internet-service categorisation in India. It authorises you to provide internet and broadband services within a single service area (SSA) — the leanest entry point for local, community and last-mile ISPs.
Category C ISP cost in India
Processing fee: ₹10,000
Entry fee: ₹20,000
PBG (Performance Bank Guarantee): ₹10,000
FBG (Financial Bank Guarantee): ₹2,000
Non-refundable government cost: ₹30,000 (processing + entry)
One-time funds to arrange: ₹32,000 (entry + PBG + FBG; equity/net-worth not counted)
Who a Category C ISP suits
Community and rural internet providers
Small-town and single-city broadband operators
Startups and individuals launching a local ISP brand
Enterprises offering captive internet within a defined locality
Category C scope
A Category C ISP is authorised to offer internet services within a single service area, including broadband, leased lines and Wi-Fi, subject to DoT conditions. Compared to Category B (one or more service areas) and Category A (all-India), Category C has the smallest footprint and the lowest financial barrier to entry.
How to apply
Register your company under the Companies Act, 2013
Meet the net-worth and paid-up-capital eligibility for the category
File on the DoT e-services / Telecom eServices Portal with the processing fee
Respond to DoT queries and follow up to grant
⚠️ Accuracy & no-responsibility note: This page is provided for general information only. Telecom licensing rules, fees, bank guarantees (PBG/FBG), eligibility and timelines change frequently and can vary by category, service area and applicant. Information here may be incomplete, out of date, or inaccurate, and should not be relied upon for any decision. Always cross-check with the official Department of Telecommunications (DoT) / TRAI portal and independent legal or licensed advice before acting. This page is not legal, financial or professional advice and creates no obligation. The site owner & PodNet accept no responsibility or liability for any loss, penalty or damage arising from reliance on this content. For updates on rates, rules and the current status, please contact us on WhatsApp only — +91 95916 79292.
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