Here is a comprehensive list of Legal and Statutory Compliances applicable to the Telecom Sector in India, as per current frameworks under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), TRAI, and other relevant authorities:
📜 1. Licensing and Regulatory Approvals
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Compliance
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Authority
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Details
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Unified License (UL)
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Department of Telecommunications (DoT)
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Required for operating telecom services (ISP, Access, NLD, ILD, etc.)
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Internet Service Provider (ISP) License
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DoT
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For providing internet services—under Unified License
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Infrastructure Provider (IP-I) Registration
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DoT
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For passive infrastructure services (e.g., towers, ducts)
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Access Services Authorization
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DoT
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Required for mobile/telephony services under Unified License
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National Long Distance (NLD) / International Long Distance (ILD) License
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DoT
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For long-distance telecom operations
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Other Service Provider (OSP) Registration (for BPOs, call centers)
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DoT
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Applicable to telecom-enabled service providers
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WPC (Wireless Planning & Coordination) Licensing
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DoT - WPC Wing
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Spectrum licenses for wireless equipment use
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Standing Advisory Committee on Frequency Allocation (SACFA) Clearance
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DoT
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Mandatory for setting up wireless networks and towers
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⚖️ 2. TRAI Regulations
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Compliance
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Authority
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Details
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|
Telecom Tariff Filing
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TRAI
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All tariffs must be filed with TRAI for transparency
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|
Quality of Service (QoS) Compliance
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TRAI
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Adherence to QoS norms for voice, data, and customer service
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Telecom Commercial Communications Customer Preference Regulations (TCCCPR)
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TRAI
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Regulations to control spam and unsolicited communications
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Mobile Number Portability (MNP)
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TRAI
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Compliance with porting requests and timelines
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Interconnection Regulations
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TRAI
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Compliance on charges, arrangements with other TSPs
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Billing and Metering Audit
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TRAI
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Periodic audit of billing systems and accuracy
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Consumer Complaint Redressal Mechanism
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TRAI
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Must set up systems in accordance with TRAI norms
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📊 3. Security and Data Compliance
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Compliance
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Authority
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Details
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|
License Conditions on Lawful Interception
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DoT / MHA
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Telecom operators must provide real-time access to law enforcement
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Data Retention Requirements
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DoT
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Maintain call data and internet logs for minimum periods (e.g., 2 years)
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KYC / Subscriber Verification
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DoT
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Aadhaar-based or prescribed verification methods must be followed
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CERT-In Compliance
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MeitY / CERT-In
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Report cybersecurity incidents, comply with cybersecurity guidelines
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Data Localization Requirements
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Implied (sectoral policy)
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Certain data may be required to be stored in India (e.g., subscriber data)
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🧾 4. Financial & Taxation Compliance
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Compliance
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Authority
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Details
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AGR (Adjusted Gross Revenue) Reporting & Payments
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DoT
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Operators must pay license fee and SUC based on AGR
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Goods and Services Tax (GST)
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Ministry of Finance
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Comply with GST filings and tax deductions for telecom services
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Customs and Import Duty
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CBIC
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Applicable for import of telecom equipment
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Transfer Pricing and FEMA Compliance
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RBI / CBDT
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If foreign investment or related-party transactions exist
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🧰 5. Environmental and Infrastructure Compliance
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Compliance
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Authority
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Details
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Electromagnetic Field (EMF) Radiation Norms
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DoT / TERM Cells
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Compliance with radiation levels at mobile towers
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Tower Installation Clearances (local bodies)
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Municipal Corporations / State Govts
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Building permits, environmental clearances, structural safety, etc.
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E-Waste Management
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CPCB / MoEFCC
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Disposal of telecom and network hardware under e-waste rules
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🌐 6. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Compliance
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Compliance
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Authority
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Details
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FDI Policy for Telecom Sector
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DPIIT / RBI
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Up to 100% FDI allowed; beyond 49% under automatic route requires Govt. approval
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Reporting under FEMA
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RBI
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FDI inflows and equity allotments must be reported within timelines
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🧑💼 7. Labour & Employment Laws (If applicable)
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Compliance
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Authority
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Details
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Shops & Establishment Act
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State Governments
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Applies to offices and telecom retail outlets
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PF, ESI, Gratuity, Bonus, etc.
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EPFO, ESIC
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Compliance with employee welfare schemes
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POSH (Prevention of Sexual Harassment at Workplace)
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Internal Committee
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Mandatory for telecom workplaces with 10+ employees
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✅ 8. Miscellaneous
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Compliance
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Authority
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Details
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Disaster Management Preparedness
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DoT / NDMA
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Business continuity, alerts, and support in emergencies
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Public Grievance Redressal
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CPGRAMS / DoT
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Mechanism to address consumer complaints and government escalations
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IPR / Copyright
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IP Office
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Compliance with software licensing, trademarks, and patents in telecom tech
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📌 Final Notes:
- Telecom operators and service providers must periodically file compliance reports with TRAI, DoT, TERM Cells, and other bodies.
- Non-compliance can lead to hefty penalties, license suspension, or cancellation.
- Regulatory landscape is evolving rapidly, especially with 5G, AI in telecom, and cybersecurity concerns.
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