Telecom Authorisation Rules, 2026

Why in News?

• New Rules - The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) under the Ministry of Communications has officially notified 3 rulebooks under the parent Telecommunications Act, 2023.
  • The Telecommunications (Authorisation for Provision of Principal Telecommunication Services) Rules, 2026
  • The Telecommunications (Authorisation for Captive Telecommunication Services) Rules, 2026
  • The Telecommunications (Authorisation for Provision of Miscellaneous Telecommunication Services) Rules, 2026
• This notification marks the formal dismantling of the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885 and the Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1933.

Key Highlights of the New Rules

• Shift from "Licensing" to "Authorisation" - The multi-layered, paperwork-heavy telecom licensing regime has been completely replaced by a simplified Authorisation framework.
• Telecom operators and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) have been given the option to either
  • Voluntarily migrate to this new streamlined regime immediately or
  • Continue operating under their existing licenses until they naturally expire.
• Dedicated Frame for Private & Captive Networks - The rules formalize four clear categories of internal corporate networks under the Captive Services vertical
  • Captive Mobile Radio Trunking Services (CMRTS)
  • Captive Non-Public Networks (CNPNs) targeting smart factories, ports, and industrial campuses.
  • Captive Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) Services
  • Captive General Services (primarily reserved for governmental and public enterprises).
• Isolation Clause - Captive networks must run completely isolated from the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) and public internet to prevent regulatory arbitrage.
• Strict Data Localisation- All captive network data logs, architecture, and routing information must be stored locally in India.
• Removal of Satellite (GMPCS) References - The final notified rules removed all explicit references to Global Mobile Personal Communications by Satellite (GMPCS).
• This exclusion indicates a cautious approach by the government over strategic national security controls.
• It particularly concerning foreign satellite internet operators (such as Starlink), given the challenges in regulating or shutting them down during geopolitical standoffs.

Reference

The Hindu | The Telecommunications Act, 2023