New GoI / DoT / TRAI orders — tracked and explained
🆕 Last updated: 03 Nov 2026
Notified on 21 August 2026 (Gazette ID CG-DL-E-21082026-275657) along with the enforcement of Section 3(7) of the Telecommunications Act, 2023, these rules mandate verifiable biometric-based identification of users for notified telecommunication services. All authorised service providers — including ISPs and VNOs — must implement the prescribed KYC processes via the DoT Telecom eServices Portal for the digital implementation of these requirements.
TRAI has begun phase-wise implementation of the dedicated 1601-series numbering for service and transactional calls made by utilities, courier and logistics sector entities. Affected businesses must shift their service/transactional dialling to the 1601-series in the notified phases, aligning with the strengthened UCC (Unified Communication Charges) framework. Where you use such lines for subscriber/service communications, this affects call-series planning.
TRAI released a consultation paper (Press Release No. 112, Aug 2026) on draft amendments to the Standards of Quality of Service of Access (Wireline & Wireless) and Broadband (Wireline & Wireless) Service Regulations, 2024. The consultation proposes revised QoS parameters (network availability, call/BB performance benchmarks) that authorised ISPs and VNOs would need to comply with once finalised. Submissions are invited before the close of the consultation.
Notified on 20 July 2026 (Gazette ID CG-DL-E-22072026-274689) under Section 56 of the Telecommunications Act, 2023, these rules create six categories of network authorisation for telecom infrastructure providers — distinct from the 'Principal Telecommunication Services' authorisation that covers ISPs and VNOs. Operators who rely on these infrastructure providers (for peering, tower access, etc.) should be aware of the new framework.
Notified on 23 June 2026 and in force immediately, these rules operationalise the Telecommunications Act, 2023 and complete India's shift from a licence-based to an authorisation-based telecom regime — replacing the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, which had governed telecom for 141 years. This is the single most consequential change to ISP and VNO regulation in a generation.
New applicants now apply for an authorisation rather than a licence, through the new DoT portal. Categories and eligibility continue to shape your application, but the paperwork, portal and timeline are the new framework. We handle the end-to-end application on the new regime so you get this right the first time.
DoT issued a clarification circular (File No. 20-200/2026-LS) on 24 September 2026 confirming that existing Unified Licence holders with ISP authorisation must file their migration application on the Telecom eServices Portal by 31 March 2027 to retain continuity. The circular specifies that licences with definite validity periods continue unchanged until expiry, while those without a fixed period have a five-year window from the 2026 authorisation rules' notification date (23 June 2026) to migrate — i.e., by 23 June 2031. Non-compliance may result in authorisation lapse.
PodNet's team and automated monitors review DoT gazette notifications, TRAI orders and GoI press releases on a daily basis and append verified, dated updates here. If a new order affects your application or compliance, we flag it to you directly.
Prices, entry fees, bank guarantees (PBG/FBG) and eligibility are set by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and vary by category, authorisation and service area. Figures above are indicative; we confirm the exact current requirements for your case before you apply. This page is informational and not legal advice.