Definition: Other Service Providers (OSPs) are entities that offer communication services such as call centers, business process outsourcing (BPO), telemedicine, tele-education, e-commerce support services, and other IT-enabled services. These services use telecom infrastructure but do not fall under traditional telecom service providers like mobile operators or internet service providers.
Licensing Requirement: OSPs in India are mandated to obtain a license from the Department of Telecommunications (DOT) to operate legally. This license ensures compliance with regulatory norms, facilitates monitoring, and promotes fair practices in the telecom sector.
Categories of OSP Licenses: OSP licenses are categorized based on the scope and nature of services provided:
Domestic OSP: Entities offering services within India.
International OSP: Entities providing services to clients outside India.
Voice-based OSP: Entities primarily engaged in voice-based services.
Non-Voice OSP: Entities offering non-voice services such as data processing, back-office operations, etc.
Application Process: To obtain a DOT OSP license, entities need to submit an application to the DOT along with requisite documents, including business details, infrastructure information, compliance declarations, and security undertakings. The application is reviewed by the DOT, and upon fulfillment of requirements, a license is granted.
Regulatory Compliance: OSP license holders must comply with various regulatory requirements, including:
Maintenance of call detail records (CDRs).
Providing lawful interception capabilities to law enforcement agencies.
Ensuring data privacy and security measures.
Adherence to specified terms and conditions of the OSP license.
License Details: Information about the Dot OSP license itself, including the license number, issuance date, and expiry date, as well as any conditions or restrictions associated with the license.
Operational Scope: A detailed description of the scope of operations covered by the license, including the types of domain services provided (e.g., domain registration, DNS management, etc.), and the specific TLDs or domains involved.
Compliance with Regulations: Documentation proving compliance with relevant regulations and standards, such as those set by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) or other regulatory bodies governing domain registration and DNS operations.
Technical Infrastructure: Details about the technical infrastructure used to provide DNS services, including server configurations, security measures, redundancy, and backup procedures to ensure reliability and security.
Data Management: Information on how domain registration data is managed, including data protection policies, data storage practices, and procedures for handling personal information of domain registrants in compliance with privacy laws.
Business Continuity Plans: Descriptions of business continuity and disaster recovery plans, ensuring that services can be maintained or quickly restored in case of unforeseen events or technical failures.
Service Agreements: Copies or summaries of service level agreements (SLAs) and terms of service offered to clients, detailing the quality of service, support structures, and any guarantees or commitments.
Financial Information: Financial disclosures relevant to the operation of Dot OSP services, including revenue sources, financial stability, and any financial guarantees or insurance related to the services provided.
Documenting the process of obtaining DOT OSP (Department of Telecommunications - Other Service Providers) licenses involves gathering and submitting various paperwork to the relevant authorities in India. Here's a comprehensive guide on the documentation required for DOT OSP licenses:
Application Form: A duly filled application form for the specific category of OSP license (Domestic OSP, International OSP, Voice-based OSP, Non-Voice OSP, etc.) provided by the Department of Telecommunications (DOT).
Company Registration Documents:
Business Details:
Infrastructure Details:
Compliance Declarations:
What is a DOT OSP license?
A DOT OSP license is a regulatory permission issued by the Department of Telecommunications (DOT) in India that allows entities to provide certain communication services, such as call centers, BPOs, telemedicine, e-commerce support services, and other IT-enabled services using telecom resources.
Who needs a DOT OSP license?
Entities providing communication services in India, including domestic or international OSPs, voice-based or non-voice OSPs, and those engaged in activities like call centers, BPOs, telemedicine, or e-commerce support services, are required to obtain a DOT OSP license.
What are the different categories of DOT OSP licenses?
DOT OSP licenses are categorized based on the nature and scope of services provided, including Domestic OSP, International OSP, Voice-based OSP, Non-Voice OSP, and other specialized categories as per the guidelines of the DOT.
How do I apply for a DOT OSP license?
To apply for a DOT OSP license, entities need to submit a duly filled application form along with required documents, such as company registration documents, business details, infrastructure details, compliance declarations, financial documents, and payment of the prescribed application fee to the DOT.
What are the compliance requirements for DOT OSP license holders?
DOT OSP license holders are required to comply with various regulatory requirements, including maintaining call detail records (CDRs), providing lawful interception capabilities to law enforcement agencies, ensuring data privacy and security measures, and adhering to the terms and conditions of the OSP license.
